Inspiration for a rustic partial sun waterfall in New York.

Design ideas for a rustic landscaping in Baltimore.

Waterfall and garden ponds in this backyard features a stone bridge and large koi pond. Backyard Waterfall, water garden, garden design by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.

This propery is situated on the south side of Centre Island at the edge of an oak and ash woodlands. orignally, it was three properties having one house and various out buildings. topographically, it more or less continually sloped to the water. Our task was to creat a series of terraces that were to house various functions such as the main house and forecourt, cottage, boat house and utility barns. The immediate landscape around the main house was largely masonry terraces and flower gardens. The outer landscape was comprised of heavily planted trails and intimate open spaces for the client to preamble through. As the site was largely an oak and ash woods infested with Norway maple and japanese honey suckle we essentially started with tall trees and open ground. Our planting intent was to introduce a variety of understory tree and a heavy shrub and herbaceous layer with an emphisis on planting native material. As a result the feel of the property is one of graciousness with a challenge to explore.

This is an example of a huge farmhouse hillside water fountain landscape in Indianapolis for spring.

Inspiration for an asian landscaping in New York.

Landscape Design in a Day
Inspiration for a large craftsman shade backyard stone landscaping in Portland for summer.

This is an example of a rustic full sun formal garden in New York.

Waterfall and garden ponds in this backyard features a stone bridge and large koi pond. Backyard Waterfall, water garden, garden design by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.

Views from every angle
Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun backyard water fountain landscape in Orange County.

William Ripley
Photo of a traditional garden path in Cincinnati.

This small space was once the main parking area for this cottage lakeside home and was radically transformed into an intimate and inviting courtyard. Defined by a hand stacked fieldstone wall, granite stepping stones lead from the entrance of the garden and gradually wind their way over a stream bed and lead to the porch that borders the garden. Although set in a cold weather climate, the client requested that the garden be developed to have a lush tropical feeling yet remain consistent with the general surroundings. This was achieved by using a mixture of large leafed perennials such as Ligularia, Hosta and Petasites (Butterbur) ,along with various groundcovers and other perennials including Ferns, Iris and Japanese Forest Grass. The central feature of the garden is a naturalized meandering stream and pond filled with Koi. The use of water in the garden thematically ties the house and courtyard to the homes’ surrounding, an adjacent lake, and adds movement and tranquil sound to the space. Stepping stones appear to float across the surface of the water allowing the visitor another way to enjoy the space. Scale is essential with even the smallest detail needing to be well executed within such limited space. Photos by: George Dzahristos

Waterfall and garden ponds in this backyard features a stone bridge and large koi pond. Backyard Waterfall, water garden, garden design by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.

A pond and stream are hidden along these steps. Backyard steps utilize large flagstone pieces. Irish moss, blue star creeper, scotch moss, and mini mondo grass are a few of the plants growing between the stones. This yard has over 60 Japanese Maples and lots of ferns, ligularias, hydrangeas, and other shade plants Erik Jones

Natural Water features demand more than a typical landscape pond. Yes we have to know our science, but for streams and creeks to appear real, we have to understand more than ecology and hydrology, we need to have worn out a closet of hiking boots to gain the artistic eye to create reality. Most people can actually sense when something looks natural, yet they cannot express why it is so. Our observations over 25 years lets us consciously see each detail that results in that natural feel.

This backyard space used to effectively be half this size. In an earlier stage of the properties ownership... a large garden space was fenced in and lay fallow. Now, this large lawn is well used by a Boxer puppy and its owner. Photography by: Joe Hollowell

We needed a bridge to cross the dry creek bed, so I designed a version of a Japanese yatsuhashi, or zig zag, bridge. It is clad in concrete backer board. I wanted to simulate a granite mountain plateau with a boulder peak. The client purchased the concrete lantern which perfectly complements the entrance to this woodland garden. Photo by Jay Sifford

Wes Stearns
Photo of a traditional raised garden bed in Charlotte.