Dwarf Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis) is a "top performer for erosion," and among those recommended for fire wise gardens. Even without these skills, its consistent bright green would make it a lovely addition to any LA garden.

Photo of a traditional landscaping in DC Metro.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

Phil and Rocio, little did you know how perfect your timing was when you came to us and asked for a “small but perfect home”. Fertile ground indeed as we thought about working on something like a precious gem, or what we’re calling a NEW Jewel. So many of our clients now are building smaller homes because they simply don’t need a bigger one. Seems smart for many reasons: less vacuuming, less heating and cooling, less taxes. And for many, less strain on the finances as we get to the point where retirement shines bright and hopeful. For the jewel of a home we wanted to start with 1,000 square feet. Enough room for a pleasant common area, a couple of away rooms for bed and work, a couple of bathrooms and yes to a mudroom and pantry. (For Phil and Rocio’s, we ended up with 1,140 square feet.) The Jewel would not compromise on design intent, envelope or craft intensity. This is the big benefit of the smaller footprint, of course. By using a pure and simple form for the house volume, a true jewel would have enough money in the budget for the highest quality materials, net-zero levels of insulation, triple pane windows, and a high-efficiency heat pump. Additionally, the doors would be handcrafted, the cabinets solid wood, the finishes exquisite, and craftsmanship shudderingly excellent. Our many thanks to Phil and Rocio for including us in their dream home project. It is truly a Jewel! From the homeowners (read their full note here): “It is quite difficult to express the deep sense of gratitude we feel towards everyone that contributed to the Jewel…many of which I don’t have the ability to send this to, or even be able to name. The artistic, creative flair combined with real-life practicality is a major component of our place we will love for many years to come. Please pass on our thanks to everyone that was involved. We look forward to visits from any and all as time goes by." –Phil and Rocio Read more about the first steps for this Jewel on our blog. Reclaimed Wood, Kitchen Cabinetry, Bedroom Door: Pioneer Millworks Entry door: NEWwoodworks Professional Photos: Loren Nelson Photography

No time for mowing yet still want a lawn? Some homeowners and designers incorporate artificial turf into their gardens. There are varieties now that more closely resemble real grass, and there are many styles available. Like landscape, artificial turf is a big investment upfront, but it will save you time mowing, and you’ll save on the cost of fertilizers, weed killers and irrigation. More Top Joy information in: http://t.im/u87o

Citrus tree blossoms
Inspiration for a landscaping in Phoenix.

This small back yard in Placerville, CA was covered with bark for years. The soil was hard and compacted, so we amended it with lots of organic compost and organic starter fertilizer. The old drainage was filled with mud and ineffective, so we created a dry creek bed which took advantage of the existing outlet to the street. California Native Plants were planted to create a drought tolerant, low maintenance garden which delighted the client.

Notice th color in the shrubs, the screening for the japanese garden/master bedroom deck area, and the clover used in place of lawn. The clover negates mowing and fertilization. The horizontal fence pattern matches lines in the roof and the home. Upright evergreens behind the fence will fill in and screen the street.

Jorge Cortez
Minimalist home design photo in Santa Barbara

Design ideas for a modern landscaping in Manchester.

Initial consult: Dormant New Sod that was installed by the builder in 2016/Dead and damaged. Extremely overloaded with late cool season weeds and transitional warm season weed growth. Extracted soil for soil testing to determine what we'd be working with structure wise and best management practices going forward for the client.

Get a beautiful green lawn, even if you have pets! Call AlternaScapes today for more information 1-800-445-2944 or visit our website at www.JustLikeGrass.com.

Moss Garden: A Living Carpet of Tranquility A moss garden is a serene, low-maintenance landscape feature that evokes a profound sense of calm and natural beauty. Composed of vibrant, velvety mosses that thrive in shaded, humid environments, these gardens offer a soft, carpet-like groundcover that replaces traditional lawns or gravel with rich, green texture. At Westland Design, our moss gardens are thoughtfully integrated into the overall landscape to enhance a feeling of timelessness and stillness. Whether nestled beneath the canopy of trees, edging a stone pathway, or surrounding a tranquil water feature, moss brings subtle movement and color to quiet corners of the garden. Key qualities of a moss garden include: Evergreen softness: Moss provides lush, year-round greenery that requires no mowing or fertilizing. Quiet beauty: It absorbs sound, contributing to a peaceful, contemplative environment. Natural elegance: Ideal for Japanese-style gardens or woodland settings, moss complements stone, water, and wood elements with organic harmony. A moss garden is more than a design choice—it’s an invitation to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate nature’s quiet elegance.

Golden, fragrant blooms abound in this late-February blooming campernelle. Sometimes confused with the sweet smelling jonquils, it has earned the nickname the “giant jonquil.” FEATURES Bloom/Feature Small golden trumpet blooms of 2-3 per stalk. Sweet, strong fragrance. Plant Type Fall Bulbs Evergreen or Deciduous Deciduous USDA Zones 6,7,8 Zone Detail Hardy to -10°F Key Features Heat tolerance, drought tolerance, water-wise, reblooming Use Border, container, accent Exposure Full sun Bloom Season Winter Dimension 12-24" H x clumping Growth Rate Moderate to fast growth CARE Water Natural Southern rainfall Soil Type Any Fertilizer Mix in low amount of an even N-P-K before planting Pruning None PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS plant in full winter sun soil should be 2-3” over the bulb only needs natural rainfall, but irrigation is okay

Paver Patio, Wood-burning Fire Pit, Walkway, and Landscaping
Patio - modern backyard concrete paver patio idea in Kansas City with a fire pit and no cover

Design ideas for a landscaping in Other.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

Garage photo in Other