This large newly remodeled home had an elegant contemporary edge when we arrived. The owners wanted structure, color and interesting design where different locations on the large property each had a different feel and purpose. We created a clean semi-Mediterranean contemporary vibe with plantings in the front edged in light colored pebbles. We used Lavender, Nepeta for color and Boxwood Cones for formality and structure. “New Dawn” Climbing roses started framing the mostly horizontal façade of the house with light blush pink blooms and shiny healthy foliage. There was a woodland area in semi-shade where we used evergreen “Plum Yew” and purple leaved “Forest Pansy” Redbuds, Dogwoods and shade tolerant perennials were added including “Autumn” Fern and Astilbes. We even planted up a newly created long stone retaining wall with different trailing Sedums and Hen & Chicks as they would do in England.

September, Date and Time TBD | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photo by Lauren Devon

This large newly remodeled home had an elegant contemporary edge when we arrived. The owners wanted structure, color and interesting design where different locations on the large property each had a different feel and purpose. We created a clean semi-Mediterranean contemporary vibe with plantings in the front edged in light colored pebbles. We used Lavender, Nepeta for color and Boxwood Cones for formality and structure. “New Dawn” Climbing roses started framing the mostly horizontal façade of the house with light blush pink blooms and shiny healthy foliage. There was a woodland area in semi-shade where we used evergreen “Plum Yew” and purple leaved “Forest Pansy” Redbuds, Dogwoods and shade tolerant perennials were added including “Autumn” Fern and Astilbes. We even planted up a newly created long stone retaining wall with different trailing Sedums and Hen & Chicks as they would do in England.

This large newly remodeled home had an elegant contemporary edge when we arrived. The owners wanted structure, color and interesting design where different locations on the large property each had a different feel and purpose. We created a clean semi-Mediterranean contemporary vibe with plantings in the front edged in light colored pebbles. We used Lavender, Nepeta for color and Boxwood Cones for formality and structure. “New Dawn” Climbing roses started framing the mostly horizontal façade of the house with light blush pink blooms and shiny healthy foliage. There was a woodland area in semi-shade where we used evergreen “Plum Yew” and purple leaved “Forest Pansy” Redbuds, Dogwoods and shade tolerant perennials were added including “Autumn” Fern and Astilbes. We even planted up a newly created long stone retaining wall with different trailing Sedums and Hen & Chicks as they would do in England.

This large newly remodeled home had an elegant contemporary edge when we arrived. The owners wanted structure, color and interesting design where different locations on the large property each had a different feel and purpose. We created a clean semi-Mediterranean contemporary vibe with plantings in the front edged in light colored pebbles. We used Lavender, Nepeta for color and Boxwood Cones for formality and structure. “New Dawn” Climbing roses started framing the mostly horizontal façade of the house with light blush pink blooms and shiny healthy foliage. There was a woodland area in semi-shade where we used evergreen “Plum Yew” and purple leaved “Forest Pansy” Redbuds, Dogwoods and shade tolerant perennials were added including “Autumn” Fern and Astilbes. We even planted up a newly created long stone retaining wall with different trailing Sedums and Hen & Chicks as they would do in England.

This large newly remodeled home had an elegant contemporary edge when we arrived. The owners wanted structure, color and interesting design where different locations on the large property each had a different feel and purpose. We created a clean semi-Mediterranean contemporary vibe with plantings in the front edged in light colored pebbles. We used Lavender, Nepeta for color and Boxwood Cones for formality and structure. “New Dawn” Climbing roses started framing the mostly horizontal façade of the house with light blush pink blooms and shiny healthy foliage. There was a woodland area in semi-shade where we used evergreen “Plum Yew” and purple leaved “Forest Pansy” Redbuds, Dogwoods and shade tolerant perennials were added including “Autumn” Fern and Astilbes. We even planted up a newly created long stone retaining wall with different trailing Sedums and Hen & Chicks as they would do in England.

This large newly remodeled home had an elegant contemporary edge when we arrived. The owners wanted structure, color and interesting design where different locations on the large property each had a different feel and purpose. We created a clean semi-Mediterranean contemporary vibe with plantings in the front edged in light colored pebbles. We used Lavender, Nepeta for color and Boxwood Cones for formality and structure. “New Dawn” Climbing roses started framing the mostly horizontal façade of the house with light blush pink blooms and shiny healthy foliage. There was a woodland area in semi-shade where we used evergreen “Plum Yew” and purple leaved “Forest Pansy” Redbuds, Dogwoods and shade tolerant perennials were added including “Autumn” Fern and Astilbes. We even planted up a newly created long stone retaining wall with different trailing Sedums and Hen & Chicks as they would do in England.

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

James T. Menge
Inspiration for a tropical landscaping in Jacksonville.

During excavation for this new modern home, large granite boulders rose to the surface from the primordial hillside. Instead of displacing these monoliths from the site from which they were created, they were arranged to define space. A circle of boulders stand guard around a custom built fire pit, providing protection from the wind while offering a place to climb or sit. The extended landscape view from the lawn is kept intact by the introduction of a ha-ha, a traditional landscape feature, that hides the productive garden and keeps it from breaking the view. Native and drought tolerant plantings hug the outer edges of the property for minimal use of irrigation and to visually blend into the surrounding hillside. This project also features a custom ipe bench with integrated lighting, waterjet address numbers with night lighting, and hardscape that complements the form and materiality of the architecture to create a harmonious transition into the horizontal plane. Photography: Louie Jeon Photography

During excavation for this new modern home, large granite boulders rose to the surface from the primordial hillside. Instead of displacing these monoliths from the site from which they were created, they were arranged to define space. A circle of boulders stand guard around a custom built fire pit, providing protection from the wind while offering a place to climb or sit. The extended landscape view from the lawn is kept intact by the introduction of a ha-ha, a traditional landscape feature, that hides the productive garden and keeps it from breaking the view. Native and drought tolerant plantings hug the outer edges of the property for minimal use of irrigation and to visually blend into the surrounding hillside. This project also features a custom ipe bench with integrated lighting, waterjet address numbers with night lighting, and hardscape that complements the form and materiality of the architecture to create a harmonious transition into the horizontal plane. Photography: Louie Jeon Photography

Scroll down to see the before photos to appreciate the transformation from an unremarkable grass lawn to this charming entrance.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard brick and wood fence formal garden in Los Angeles for spring.

A serene garden pathway, artfully designed to lead visitors through a living tapestry of vibrant roses, lush greenery, and graceful architectural elements. The winding gravel path serves as the garden’s gentle spine, curving naturally to draw the eye through the scene while softening the formality of the structured plantings. To the left, an array of heirloom roses bloom in delicate shades of ivory, blush pink, and rich crimson, their blossoms elegantly framed by subtle wire fencing for protection without obstruction. Each bush was intentionally placed to create a symphony of color, texture, and scent — a timeless nod to the romance of classic European gardens. On the right, well-manicured boxwood hedges anchor the space, offering structure and continuity. The vibrant purple blooms of salvia provide contrast, infusing movement and a touch of the wild into the refined landscape. At the far end, a solitary deciduous tree rises gracefully against a lush green backdrop of climbing vines, serving as a natural focal point that punctuates the garden’s rhythm. The design concept was to marry formality with natural beauty — an intimate garden space that invites exploration while maintaining a sense of peaceful order. The interplay between the structured hardscape, the abundant plantings, and the sweeping coastal views creates a garden that feels timeless, inviting visitors to pause, breathe, and be present in its quiet elegance.

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

#newyorkplantings builders of custom cedar fencing have added this lattice top privacy screen for this manhattan rooftop gardener. Custom planters will sit behind the lattice and ivy, grapes and climbing roses will meander throughout the new lattice installed by NY Plantings garden designers and landscape contracting. Yes, there will be drip irrigation too. Newyorkplantings was able to add this lattice privacy screen or a lattice top to an existing cedar fence note how we covered the gap between the custom made panels and a dog ear fence with our own custom molding and then we're and trim pieces down the front to look like fence posts.The setup is very strong and we'll have planter boxes behind the lattice so that it can grow . We will have a drip irrigation system to support the plants.. New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape contracting 432 E 14st New York, NY 10009 Call: 347-558-7051 site url: http://www.newyorkplantings.com/Home.php info@newyorkplantings.com

Rich Pomerantz
Design ideas for a large traditional landscaping in New York.

During excavation for this new modern home, large granite boulders rose to the surface from the primordial hillside. Instead of displacing these monoliths from the site from which they were created, they were arranged to define space. A circle of boulders stand guard around a custom built fire pit, providing protection from the wind while offering a place to climb or sit. The extended landscape view from the lawn is kept intact by the introduction of a ha-ha, a traditional landscape feature, that hides the productive garden and keeps it from breaking the view. Native and drought tolerant plantings hug the outer edges of the property for minimal use of irrigation and to visually blend into the surrounding hillside. This project also features a custom ipe bench with integrated lighting, waterjet address numbers with night lighting, and hardscape that complements the form and materiality of the architecture to create a harmonious transition into the horizontal plane. Photography: Louie Jeon Photography

A tiny outdoor space was made to feel larger by replacing the lawn with paved paths and a courtyard. New steps replaced a sloping path to the front door. This home now has great street appeal and the courtyard provides a pretty flower filled living space throughout the year. There is even a small vegetable box squeezed in.

Elevated curb appeal with family-friendly function. Varying elevations and an unexpected structural challenge required a strategic plan for this charming Bethesda home. The clients wanted an outdoor space for family and friends that had room for play, lounging, and grilling—all while keeping a high curb appeal. Once all structural needs were addressed, our team installed an exposed aggregate driveway with a brick border and banding. The stunning outdoor kitchen was custom-built for the grill and smoker station, topped with a granite counter. A custom lattice planted with climbing hydrangea serves as a beautiful privacy screen for the kitchen windows. A lush, serene feel was created using low-maintenance plantings like crepe myrtle trees, creeping Jenny, heavenly bamboo, roses, and ferns. Stepping stones dotted with mazus plants meander through, and the entire effect is one of a woodland paradise that’s always been there. It’s the perfect place to relax with friends and family, and the home has been made even lovelier with these additions.