A trellised terrace opens up to a quieter view of a magnificent existing redwood grove and bioswale filled with clusters of ornamental grasses and perennials. Photography by Marion Brenner

This is an example of a mid-sized farmhouse shade backyard landscaping in Nashville.

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

The soft seed heads of Hameln fountain grass, paired with pink knockout roses and bright yellow Goldstrum black-eyed susans provide interesting color and texture contrasts. Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

One of over fourteen miles of hiking trails at the Shaw Nature Reserve, a footpath through the open woodlands invites visitors to explore. Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

Zagreb tickseed Le jardinet
Design ideas for a rustic landscaping in Seattle.

Having such a large chunk of land to garden allows for prolific massings of perennials and the space to compliment them with pairings of contrasting plants. Here, Black-Eyed Susan, Crimson Pygmy Dwarf Barberry and Magic Carpet Spirea hold hands while Blue Star Creeper hugs (almost hidden) flagstone steppers. Photography by: Joe Hollowell

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands

This is an example of a small farmhouse full sun courtyard brick vegetable garden landscape in Boston for summer.

Large suburban front yard with a low berm, heavily planted to provide privacy and noise buffer from busy street. A colorful mix of conifer and deciduous, with perennials/grasses mixed in.

Privacy screening for a property atop a hill on a small plot of land.
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard landscaping in New York.

This is an example of a traditional backyard landscaping in New York for summer.

Photographer: Roger Foley
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in DC Metro.

Chrysanthemum 'Sheffield' ablaze beside the entry gate in late October.
Inspiration for a farmhouse landscaping in Boston.

Photo of a coastal landscaping in Portland Maine.

Inspiration for a mid-sized asian backyard driveway in Minneapolis.