Bainbridge Island Garden | Lore Patterson
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Architect: Grouparchitect. Contractor: Barlow Construction. Photography: Chad Savaikie.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary rooftop balcony deck remodel in Seattle with no cover

This is an example of a farmhouse landscaping in Denver.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

A combination of practicality and beauty. Two serpentine retaining walls culminate into a grand staircase that connects living space and yard.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional shade backyard retaining wall landscape in St Louis.

Looking down from the top of the stone steps, layers of garden form a dialogue with the mountain ridges in the background.
Inspiration for an eclectic landscaping in Charlotte.

Donna Christensen
Design ideas for a traditional full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in Bridgeport for summer.

Rachel Weill

Pindo palms in the background, Date palms in the foreground and all kinds of other beautiful plants
Inspiration for a tropical landscaping in San Francisco.

A week later, the second bed is filled, and organic soil amendments are layered over the surface. Photo by Steve Masley
Elegant deck photo in San Francisco

Pennsylvania Blue Flagstone patio; part of a larger installation (a lawn conversion) which also included drip irrigation, outdoor LED lighting, soil amendments and new plants.

Sensitive Ferns in New York field. Photo by Jay Sifford.

Daniel Bosler Photography
Design ideas for an eclectic drought-tolerant front yard landscaping in Los Angeles.

Photo by Jay Sifford.

The owners of this tiny front yard craved an interesting front yard that was colorful, drought tolerant and filled with herbs. We began by tearing out the hillside of junipers and overgrown hollies against the house. We created an interesting bedline, added boulders for visual interest and lots of good garden soil. In the areas for the most drought tolerant plants such as rosemary, lavender and sedums, we further amended to soil to insure extremely well drained soil preferred by these plants. All plant choices are drought tolerant and can tolerate the full sun of this south facing slope. In this early spring photo you see blue phlox in full bloom along the walk leading to front door. In the foreground, fragrant dianthus is just beginning to bloom. Behind the dianthus, fall blooming asters are just beginning to emerge. This is a landscape of 4 season interest. Photographer: Danna Cain, Home & Garden Design, Inc.

Checkered Fritillary
Design ideas for a partial sun front yard landscaping in Minneapolis for spring.

Edible garden in rich soil amended with compost. Falon Mihalic

The uneven back yard was graded into ¬upper and lower levels with an industrial style, concrete wall. Linear pavers lead the garden stroller from place to place alongside a rain garden filled with swaying grasses that spans the side yard and culminates at a gracefully arching pomegranate tree, The transformation was completed with a bold and biodiverse selection of low water, climate appropriate plants that make the space come alive. branches laden with impossibly red blossoms and fruit. The elements of a sustainable habitat garden have been designed into the ¬lush landscape. One hundred percent of rainwater runoff is diverted into the two large rain gardens which infiltrate stormwater runoff into the soil. After building up the soil with tons of organic amendments, we added permeable hardscape elements, a water feature, native and climate appropriate plants - including an exceedingly low-water Kurapia lawn - and drip irrigation with a smart timer. With these practices we’ve created a sumptuous wildlife habitat that has become a haven for migratory birds & butterflies.

This project is entitled 'Bringing Nature Home'; Where the Coyotes Run. While initially meeting with the client on a sunny afternoon a coyote ran across the lawn. This indicated good fortune was waiting. From a Feng Shui perspective...powerful, positive energy. An excerpt from the design concept is...Flowering ornamental grasses colorful perennials with large boulders will accent your new, native plant garden.