On the quick view, the landscape for this speculative summer home development could not be more ordinary. Its story all too common. As a product of a farm’s subdivision, it had all the trappings of American residential sprawl – large front lawn exposed to street, few mature trees, clumsy entry sequence with service and front door in direct conflict, and lack of privacy. To fulfill its function as a summer and vacation house destination, the new owner understood the landscape required a transformation. A delightful and magical surprise was the property’s mature Poplar forest, abutting the new house. By removing and transplanting the Poplars, a sculpted void and solid composition established a garden structure. Introducing scale and a landscape continuum, the relocated tall Poplars erased the house front’s youthful origins. A distinctive landscape personality grew out of the skeletal structure of the Poplar groves. A bold landscape graphic emerged with simplified underplanting strengthens the Poplar’s mono-culture presentation, calming the eye and inviting further sensory observation and reflection.

Water from the covered porch flows along the copper rain chain into the river rock stream bed that crosses under the path on its way to the rain garden beyond. Design by Amy Whitworth Installation by J. Walter Landscape & Irrigation www.jwlic.com Photo by Amy Whitworth

The prominent feature throughout this landscape is the limestone boulders that was chosen to compliment the stone used to face the home. The entire property, other than directly in front of the house, which was sodded, was seeded using a combination of drill and hydroseed. Jeff Hinman Photography

Photo directly after the garden area around a patio was converted to a native pollinator garden.
This is an example of a partial sun backyard landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

Rich evergreens encompass the pathway leading to the Saltwater Pool Courtyard from the the driveway and entryway. Globe Boxwoods stand point for the transition of the landing and the Carolina Brick Pathway. Here, a Herringbone Pattern with a Header border directs you through as the sailor course edging signifies the strong boundary of the pathway and plant bed.

On the quick view, the landscape for this speculative summer home development could not be more ordinary. Its story all too common. As a product of a farm’s subdivision, it had all the trappings of American residential sprawl – large front lawn exposed to street, few mature trees, clumsy entry sequence with service and front door in direct conflict, and lack of privacy. To fulfill its function as a summer and vacation house destination, the new owner understood the landscape required a transformation. A delightful and magical surprise was the property’s mature Poplar forest, abutting the new house. By removing and transplanting the Poplars, a sculpted void and solid composition established a garden structure. Introducing scale and a landscape continuum, the relocated tall Poplars erased the house front’s youthful origins. A distinctive landscape personality grew out of the skeletal structure of the Poplar groves. A bold landscape graphic emerged with simplified underplanting strengthens the Poplar’s mono-culture presentation, calming the eye and inviting further sensory observation and reflection.

This site underwent a dramatic transformation from a casual outdoor afterthought to a well-defined, functional, and beautiful space. The front entry was redirected and opened, and features the porch and landing. The raised garden beds line the entire space creating rooms and directional flow. Layers of white and green plant materials fill the beds while taller specimens create private spaces. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

This project was an entry to the Water Wise Landscape Recognition Program in Brantford. Features include: Spillway from downspout directed to supply water to drip-line of young Red Maple. This replaced a lawn that was in constant battle with invasive weeds and crabgrass. The grade of the yard was changed to retain as much rain water as possible to significantly reduce run-off. All plants used require little to no water need outside of what Mother Nature provides.

To anchor a modern house, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners, Campion Walker brought in a mature oak grove that at first frames the home and then invites the visitor to explore the grounds including an intimate culinary garden and stone fruit orchard. The neglected hillside on the back of the property once overgrown with ivy was transformed into a California native oak woodland, with under-planting of ceanothus and manzanitas. We used recycled water to create a dramatic water feature cut directly into the limestone entranceway framed by a cacti and succulent garden.

A lush, low-water perennial garden lines a gravel creekbed, designed to direct and slow water to avoid erosion and pooling.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Austin for spring.

This centrally located intersection to a main thoroughfare a block away was a concern because of the corner lot visibility issue for cars making a turn driving in either direction. The Quince tree bloomed annually for just a short time and was originally planted by the prior home owners decades ago. Keeping it maintained to a height of 4’ maximum, dictated for safety reasons, was still obstructing and limiting the visibility of oncoming traffic at this busy intersection. The existing roses planted in the same space as the Quince were a perfect backdrop to the new perennials and annuals planted to paint this corner with flowers. The project also included expanding the beautification to both corner areas in coordination with several other planting areas already seasonally updated on the property. With the Redwood Tree as a focal point and Roses, Daphnes, Iris, Azaleas, Fuchsias, Hydrangeas and Camilias highlighting the planting beds the addition of color, including around the driveway and side entrance, transformed the entire space. Painting With Flowers Is Adding Beauty to Benefit Homeowners & Neighbors! Kim Beber

The design intent was to unify this flat and expansive landscape. To create more flow and access, a new deck with wrap around stairs opens into the backyard. At the base of the stairs, a flagstone pathway transitions to a vegetable garden area, with picnic table and raised boxes, built out of salvaged Redwood boards. For visual interest and accessibility, moss rock retaining walls with timber ties and gravel pathway are carved into the hillside. Another seating nook made of flagstone looks directly into a rose garden. Beyond the roses, a Mediterranean planting pallet defines this landscape with seasonal blooms, defined foliage textures and edible fruit trees.

Nestled at the top of the prestigious Enclave neighborhood established in 2006, this privately gated and architecturally rich Hacienda estate lacks nothing. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly 4 acres and with approx 5,000 sqft of single story luxurious living, the estate boasts a Cabernet vineyard of 120+/- vines and manicured grounds. Stroll to the top of what feels like your own private mountain and relax on the Koi pond deck, sink golf balls on the putting green, and soak in the sweeping vistas from the pergola. Stunning views of mountains, farms, cafe lights, an orchard of 43 mature fruit trees, 4 avocado trees, a large self-sustainable vegetable/herb garden and lush lawns. This is the entertainer’s estate you have dreamed of but could never find. The newer infinity edge saltwater oversized pool/spa features PebbleTek surfaces, a custom waterfall, rock slide, dreamy deck jets, beach entry, and baja shelf –-all strategically positioned to capture the extensive views of the distant mountain ranges (at times snow-capped). A sleek cabana is flanked by Mediterranean columns, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace & hearth, plus an outdoor spa-like bathroom w/travertine floors, frameless glass walkin shower + dual sinks. Cook like a pro in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen featuring 3 granite islands consisting of a new built in gas BBQ grill, two outdoor sinks, gas cooktop, fridge, & service island w/patio bar. Inside you will enjoy your chef’s kitchen with the GE Monogram 6 burner cooktop + grill, GE Mono dual ovens, newer SubZero Built-in Refrigeration system, substantial granite island w/seating, and endless views from all windows. Enjoy the luxury of a Butler’s Pantry plus an oversized walkin pantry, ideal for staying stocked and organized w/everyday essentials + entertainer’s supplies. Inviting full size granite-clad wet bar is open to family room w/fireplace as well as the kitchen area with eat-in dining. An intentional front Parlor room is utilized as the perfect Piano Lounge, ideal for entertaining guests as they enter or as they enjoy a meal in the adjacent Dining Room. Efficiency at its finest! A mudroom hallway & workhorse laundry rm w/hookups for 2 washer/dryer sets. Dualpane windows, newer AC w/new ductwork, newer paint, plumbed for central vac, and security camera sys. With plenty of natural light & mountain views, the master bed/bath rivals the amenities of any day spa. Marble clad finishes, include walkin frameless glass shower w/multi-showerheads + bench. Two walkin closets, soaking tub, W/C, and segregated dual sinks w/custom seated vanity. Total of 3 bedrooms in west wing + 2 bedrooms in east wing. Ensuite bathrooms & walkin closets in nearly each bedroom! Floorplan suitable for multi-generational living and/or caretaker quarters. Wheelchair accessible/RV Access + hookups. Park 10+ cars on paver driveway! 4 car direct & finished garage! Ready for recreation in the comfort of your own home? Built in trampoline, sandpit + playset w/turf. Zoned for Horses w/equestrian trails, hiking in backyard, room for volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more. In addition to the putting green, property is located near Sunset Hills, WoodRanch & Moorpark Country Club Golf Courses. Near Presidential Library, Underwood Farms, beaches & easy FWY access. Ideally located near: 47mi to LAX, 6mi to Westlake Village, 5mi to T.O. Mall. Find peace and tranquility at 5018 Read Rd: Where the outdoor & indoor spaces feel more like a sanctuary and less like the outside world.

This summer house had its original layout and design when it was first brought. None of the initial elements were of value to the client, except of the exterior part of the house. When going through the redesign and execution process, the entire interior was destroyed, thus resulting in having 5 rooms (each with a bathroom), open and closed kitchen, living room, and reception area. Since it’s a summer house, there has a be a pool, so a long pool was build parallel to the house, with big open terraces that give a clear view of the Sea, which is directly in front of it. The main challenge was that due to its prime location, the material that was used had to be made up of smooth stones, to withstand the weather.

Photos by Haz Pro Photography
This is an example of a small farmhouse drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard landscaping in Dallas for fall.

The courtyard directly adjacent to the home's kitchen was entirely empty when we began work. Now, an herb garden is in establishment which is a fragrant and lush addition.

The design intent was to unify this flat and expansive landscape. To create more flow and access, a new deck with wrap around stairs opens into the backyard. At the base of the stairs, a flagstone pathway transitions to a vegetable garden area, with picnic table and raised boxes, built out of salvaged Redwood boards. For visual interest and accessibility, moss rock retaining walls with timber ties and gravel pathway are carved into the hillside. Another seating nook made of flagstone looks directly into a rose garden. Beyond the roses, a Mediterranean planting pallet defines this landscape with seasonal blooms, defined foliage textures and edible fruit trees.

Inspiration for a mid-sized southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Los Angeles.

The field stone overflow channel for the installed rain garden that will let the excess water from a deluge that fills the rain garden be directed towards the remaining lawn to be absorbed into the ground. The plants will continue to grow and mature over the seasons.