Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture. Myrtle and Rosemary hedging with Roses and Loreopetalum framing a Pepper Tree at the entrance to the property
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun courtyard brick formal garden in San Francisco.

Since the completion of the home our company has maintained this property. Originally built by a local builder as a speculation home, it was purchased by two busy professionals. Why is this important? Let's just say the clients are particular and like it when things aren't just so. Both have high level careers, travel often and expect their landscape to be pristine. Year after year our company rises to this challenge. When originally installed, the builder wanted larger plant material to provide a full and mature look. The continued growth provides a pruning challenge, especially when the client prefers a clean, neat and "compact" landscape. We continually monitor growth and hand prune accordingly, including yearly winter pruning. The backyard is particularly difficult due to the shade, moisture run-off from neighboring properties. The turf requires constant monitoring and adjustment to the irrigation system. The trees create a mess requiring clean up along with yearly power washing of the stone. While the challenges are many, the fine maintenance has led to happy clients and numerous referrals.

Edible landscaping encompasses much more then adding some veggie beds to one’s property. Creative layouts and material usage can incorporate year-round vegetable harvests in an aesthetically pleasing way. Perennial fruit trees, along with bushes and herbs, create a lush space full of beautiful, colors, textures, smells and tastes. Searching out and experimenting with different and rare varieties of edible plants keeps home gardens interesting. Edible landscaping gives access to food at its freshest, when it is most nutritious, and offers many more options than supermarket produce sections—also cutting down on transportation and packaging impacts. From edible estates to food forests, or simple integration of garden-based food production, Sweet Smiling Landscapes has the knowledge and experience to help home owners harvest their own bounty.

Morgenroth Development is a fully licensed general contractor in Pleasanton, California offering a full-range of professional design and construction services. This garden shed could be used for a pool house, children's playhouse, tool shed or any other storage needs you may have.

Ivory’s creamy white, fully double peony-like flower with ruffled petals will become your new favorite white-bloom camellia. Expect profuse blooms on a more manageable, vigorous, upright habit. FEATURES Bloom/Feature The clear choice for an upright, white-flowered Camellia sasanqua Plant Type Shrubs Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 7,8,9 Zone Detail Hardy to 0°F Key Features White carnation-like blooms September to October Use Small spaces, large containers, specimen Exposure Full sun to part shade Bloom Season September to October Dimension 6-8' H x 5-7' W Growth Rate Moderate CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Rich, acidic, moist, well-drained Fertilizer Late spring Pruning Shape in early spring PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in full sun to part shade dig hole 3X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants

The Vision Our clients wanted a beautiful backyard to look out upon from their upper screen room, and to have a water feature to listen to. A functional space to have their grandchildren be able to enjoy and also the installation of lighting for safety and enjoyment in the evenings were high on the priority list. Their final wish list was an extended driveway and several trees nearby for privacy and future shade. The Challenge The site itself is in a low area and the lot was heavy clay that was often full of standing water. This was the biggest challenge with choosing plant material that would withstand some poor drainage in most areas. Project Features Paver border on driveway Water feature Bluestone and paver patio and walkways Outdoor Lighting Plantings Design + Plan Creating this landscape to be successful started with proper grading of the site to help reduce the amount of standing water. Drainage was installed as well as grading to allow water to be directed to a storm drain at the rear of the property. Plantings that will tolerate standing water, such as Red maple and Dawn Redwood were used in areas that may have flooding. A paver border was installed along the driveway to give them more space and add a finished look to the home. Natural stone steps and a bluestone patio were added with paver accents through the patio to highlight a path to the backyard from the deck. Boulders are placed throughout for the kids to climb on and to bring in more stones to play off of the water feature. Plantings include grasses, flowering shrubs, and perennials creating a casual atmosphere in the back landscape. The front entrance has shrub roses, coral bells, and grasses as well in high contrast colors for visual interest. The lighting throughout the landscape features path lighting for safety as well as uplights on many of the trees and downlighting onto the water feature in the backyard. Final Result New Build with the Future in Mind Many newly built homes in subdivisions leave a lot to be desired in the landscape, and this homeowner had the foresight to know that doing it right the first time is important. By investing in good materials and planning, and planting trees for the future early on, this landscape will last a long time and provide an amazing space for decades. A beautiful timeless combination of plantings and hardscape materials at this property along with the relaxing sound of the water feature make for a lovely retreat in this neighborhood.

The landscape architecture for this Chatham, MA property features a custom wood pergola crafted with New Dawn Roses. Clipped Privet Hedges outline the pergola and bluestone terrace. It is the perfect spot for relaxing in the hammock.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Boston.

A complete and eclectic rear garden renovation with a creative blend of formal and natural elements. Formal lawn panel and rose garden, craftsman style wood deck and trellis, homages to Goldsworthy and Stonehenge with large boulders and a large stone cairn, several water features, a Japanese Torii gate, rock walls and steps, vegetables and herbs in containers and a new parking area paved with permeable pavers that feed an underground storage area that in turns irrigates the garden. All this blends into a diverse but cohesive garden. Designed by Charles W Bowers, Built by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc. © Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc./Charles W. Bowers

This is an example of a coastal landscaping in New York.

Beautiful peonies- a perennial garden favorite.
This is an example of a small coastal full sun backyard landscaping in Boston for summer.

Add a bit of green to your outdoor space with GreenSmart Decor. With artificial leaf panels, we've eliminated the maintenance and water consumption upkeep for real foliage. Our high-quality, weather resistant panels are the perfect solution to a bare, exterior wall. Redefine your patio, balcony or deck with modern elements from GreenSmart Decor.

David Morello
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Houston.

Our house was built 70 years ago by a camellia enthusiast, Dr. J.M. Habel. For whatever reason, nature rewarding us after a hard year of the pandemic, or the 6" of rain we got in February, but the hundreds of camellias he planted, bred, and nurtured, exploded in flowers this year and put on a dazzling show. If you are interested in camellias, Bob Black with Bennett's Creek Nursery in Smithfield, Virginia is an expert.

Design ideas for a small contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in San Francisco.

David Morello
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Houston.

A photo of 'Sweet Summer Love' clematis grown on a trellis. This clematis is fragrant and has gorgeous cranberry-violet blooms that start over a month earlier than others.