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.

More than any other tulip type, the brightly colored species tulips are the best choice for Southern gardens. ‘Lady Jane’ is a Southern classic with a pink and white combination that is both delicate and bold. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Phototropic pink/white blooms in mid-March 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 Spring Dimension 6-12" H x spreading Growth Rate Moderate to fast growth CARE Water Natural Southern rainfall/ Dry during summer Soil Type Any Fertilizer Early spring Pruning None PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS plant in full sun soil should be 2-3” over the bulb natural rainfall is best; avoid summer irrigation digging and refrigeration is NOT necessary

Inspiration for a traditional backyard landscaping in DC Metro.

This visionary homeowner found an idyllic property surrounded by gorgeous pastoral views, fertile soil perfect for a Truffle farm, and an easy distance to downtown Corvallis, Oregon. What was not ideal, however, was the existing house. Built in the 1980’s, this ranch had some undesirably unique features that were not at all the style that our client was imagining for her dream farmhouse. She came to us with the challenge of transforming this dated ranch into a classic southern style farmhouse complete with covered porches and wood burning fireplaces. She had dreams of hosting large parties as well as intimate family gatherings, requiring a modern open concept layout alongside more secluded areas, all while preserving the traditional aesthetic that she desired. Having lived in a wide variety of homes around the country, there were some features this homeowner knew she wanted to incorporate into this major rebuild. We thoughtfully considered how to include those elements in the design while addressing several structural challenges, remaining within budget, and creating a final product that would be both stunning and practical. Historic trim work, white oak flooring, and warm white walls provide the ideal backdrop for showcasing her treasured heirloom rugs and artwork. Incorporating numerous windows on every exterior wall possible, we were able to maximize natural light, and access panoramic views of the countryside, while allowing the fresh air to breeze through. Multiple sets of French doors lead onto the expansive front veranda that wraps around the main living room. This deep, full-length porch is an inviting, shady spot to enjoy the outdoors. The combination of these design features provided the framework to capture the vision she had for her home.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

Photo of a traditional backyard landscaping in DC Metro.

Photo of a landscaping in Other.

Close up photo of Teamer property reclamation. Reclamation consisted of mowing lawn, fertilization, removal of ornamental plant life that had overgrown the space, weeding, tree and shrub pruning.

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.

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.

Inspiration for a transitional landscaping in San Diego.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun side yard mulch landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

Garage photo in Other

getting roses to bloom/adding rich compost, green sand and organic fertilizer to get roses off to a good start
Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in New York

Installed Liriope around the border of the two front beds by the street. Fertilized and mulched.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant front yard mulch landscaping in Wilmington.

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

Designed by John Mariani, this formal garden uses native plants for a traditional design with an exceptional environmental twist. Taking advantage of the many benefits of native materials, like less maintenance, watering, fertilizing; a naturally acclimation to the environment; and generation of a habitat for wildlife that adds life to the space, the many plants chosen each fulfill a different need- height, color, and texture. The layout of the plants in a formal manner makes for a decorative display. Photo Credit: Ed Caplan of DOF Images

Inspiration for a landscaping in Seattle.