In the backyard, a 28-foot swimming pool, surrounded by flagstone deck, is enclosed by a Williamsburg-inspired picket fence. Post lanterns light the four brick patios, walk and covered dining area. An outdoor fireplace anchors the central shaded patio. In front, landscaping details include espaliered apple trees, blue and white plumbago, purple sage, native grasses and roses. Photo courtesy of © TK Images

Stone rumford fireplace, with Tumbled Bluestoneand Bitter root stone Unique Lighting Sconce
Inspiration for a large traditional drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone pond in San Francisco for summer.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard brick patio container garden remodel in San Diego with no cover

Tom Arena
Inspiration for a small timeless courtyard brick patio fountain remodel in Providence with no cover

We encountered two design challenges in this original 1916 Oakland bungalow. Existing concrete walls and all the topsoil had been removed, creating a very steep slope. Our job was to bring the space back to the architectural jewel it could be. We added terraced moss rock walls that enabled us to rebuild soil and create more visual depth in this small space. Paint color from the Sherwin-Williams historical pallet complements plant choices, including yellow climbing Roses, warm rusty red Smoke Bush, and trailing Manzanita. (Installed by Andrew Packer, Acorn Landscaping acorn-landscaping.com)

Sometimes 'restraint' is the most important design element used in pulling a property together. There is a fine (admittedly subjective) line between running out of nerve... falling short... and goin over the top, produsing an almost comical theme park result. These clients had ambitious plans for building their new Edwardian home. Realizing their property had the lines of a once great garden, they cleverly slipped the new home onto th site without betraying the existing setting. Our team's objective was to enliven the tired grounds, adding features and linking areas in a logical, tasteful manner. The front entrance walkway and driveway pad are adorned with stone inlays. The former garage (now a garden shed) and adjoining brick wing all are alive with climbing trees. What was once a sunken vegetable patch is now a Celtic cross parterre. Rubble pathways weave through boxwood, lavender and rose standards. A sad, sagging dry stone wall is completely rebuilt (once again dry). It now enjoys the addition of a small recessed water feature. A wonderful and spacious lower garden is fully revitalized and connected to the upper area with a grand staircase. Sitting areas share a view of an exquisite cascading water feature. The bronze ladies stand in a raised pool, set into a larger perennial border.

This is a modern take on a classic garden. The paving was designed with precision and then softened with lush planting. Two distinct spaces, a dining area and lounging spot, are delineated with herringbone pavers and linked by a flagstone walk. The walk takes the edge of the design’s geometry and avoids a sense of monotony that might result from repetition of the larger spaces’ paving pattern. Star jasmine and climbing roses soften the walls bordering the space, and citrus trees and herbs fill and spill over the planting beds. Photo by Martin Cox

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard brick patio container garden remodel in San Diego with no cover

We encountered two design challenges in this original 1916 Oakland bungalow. Existing concrete walls and all the topsoil had been removed, creating a very steep slope. Our job was to bring the space back to the architectural jewel it could be. We added terraced moss rock walls that enabled us to rebuild soil and create more visual depth in this small space. Paint color from the Sherwin-Williams historical pallet complements plant choices, including yellow climbing Roses, warm rusty red Smoke Bush, and trailing Manzanita. (Installed by Andrew Packer, Acorn Landscaping acorn-landscaping.com)

Mid-sized elegant backyard brick patio container garden photo in San Diego with no cover

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard brick patio container garden design in San Diego with no cover

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard brick patio container garden remodel in San Diego with no cover

Chimney is adorned with climbing Boston Ivy. Eagleston Hollies, affectionately pruned to jewel-shapes, add visual interest to the view from the grand terraced lawn.

We encountered two design challenges in this original 1916 Oakland bungalow. Existing concrete walls and all the topsoil had been removed, creating a very steep slope. Our job was to bring the space back to the architectural jewel it could be. We added terraced moss rock walls that enabled us to rebuild soil and create more visual depth in this small space. Paint color from the Sherwin-Williams historical pallet complements plant choices, including yellow climbing Roses, warm rusty red Smoke Bush, and trailing Manzanita. (Installed by Andrew Packer, Acorn Landscaping acorn-landscaping.com)

Garden 38 in Pasadena
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Los Angeles.

Sometimes 'restraint' is the most important design element used in pulling a property together. There is a fine (admittedly subjective) line between running out of nerve... falling short... and goin over the top, produsing an almost comical theme park result. These clients had ambitious plans for building their new Edwardian home. Realizing their property had the lines of a once great garden, they cleverly slipped the new home onto th site without betraying the existing setting. Our team's objective was to enliven the tired grounds, adding features and linking areas in a logical, tasteful manner. The front entrance walkway and driveway pad are adorned with stone inlays. The former garage (now a garden shed) and adjoining brick wing all are alive with climbing trees. What was once a sunken vegetable patch is now a Celtic cross parterre. Rubble pathways weave through boxwood, lavender and rose standards. A sad, sagging dry stone wall is completely rebuilt (once again dry). It now enjoys the addition of a small recessed water feature. A wonderful and spacious lower garden is fully revitalized and connected to the upper area with a grand staircase. Sitting areas share a view of an exquisite cascading water feature. The bronze ladies stand in a raised pool, set into a larger perennial border.

Patio container garden - mid-sized traditional backyard brick patio container garden idea in San Diego with no cover

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard brick landscaping in San Diego with no cover.

As part of a multi phase project, we designed the front foundation of this cape house in Osterville. We transplanted shrubs to other locations, installed a sea shell drip edge along the foundation and then planted native plants like winterberry, bearberry, and blueberry to play off the massive maintained woodland plantings throughout the property. We also added perennials and roses to add color throughout the season.