Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun side yard concrete paver garden path in Phoenix for fall.

Photo of a large mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in Los Angeles for spring.

Design ideas for a southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard retaining wall landscape in San Diego.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

The new waterfall is now a place that the birds REALLY enjoy!
Design ideas for a small mediterranean full sun backyard pond in Phoenix.

Photography by Raul Garcia Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This urban infill project juxtaposes a tall, slender curved circulation space against a rectangular living space. The tall curved metal wall was a result of bulk plane restrictions and the need to provide privacy from the public decks of the adjacent three story triplex. This element becomes the focus of the residence both visually and experientially. It acts as sun catcher that brings light down through the house from morning until early afternoon. At night it becomes a glowing, welcoming sail for visitors.

Transforming ordinary into extraordinary! Our recent project in Anaheim, showcases the magic of xeriscaping. We worked wonders in the front yard by saying goodbye to old grass and welcoming a sustainable, water-wise oasis. Job Details: - Removed old grass & installed weed barrier - Laid down a beautiful layer of 3/4"" gray rock - Enhanced the landscape with decomposed granite - Added a touch of natural beauty with mulch - Implemented a new drip system for efficient watering - Defined the landscape with sleek bender board - Completed the look with charming riverbed stones The result? A low-maintenance, water-efficient masterpiece that's as stunning as it is eco-friendly!

Transforming ordinary into extraordinary! Our recent project in Anaheim, showcases the magic of xeriscaping. We worked wonders in the front yard by saying goodbye to old grass and welcoming a sustainable, water-wise oasis. Job Details: - Removed old grass & installed weed barrier - Laid down a beautiful layer of 3/4"" gray rock - Enhanced the landscape with decomposed granite - Added a touch of natural beauty with mulch - Implemented a new drip system for efficient watering - Defined the landscape with sleek bender board - Completed the look with charming riverbed stones The result? A low-maintenance, water-efficient masterpiece that's as stunning as it is eco-friendly!

Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in Phoenix.

Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel garden path in San Luis Obispo for spring.

Carol Vander Meulen Dry Creek bed
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

Hunter Ten Broeck
Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Albuquerque.

Richard P. Rauso, ASLA
Design ideas for a small contemporary full sun front yard water fountain landscape.

PHOTO TAKEN SOON AFTER INSTALLATION. SEE BEFORE PHOTOS AND AFTER 2 YEARS. This San Rafael front landscape has been dramatically updated with a welcoming concrete pathway entrance, and complimented by a variety of architectural plants, hardy succulents, textural grasses and a majestic, fruitless olive tree. The dramatic transformation is enhanced by a raised corten steel planter at the pathway entrance with gravel , Mexican pebbles, concrete pavers, and succulents. Two horizontal ipe wood structures provide contemporary accents. New raised concrete planters alongside the new concrete driveway define the property and showcase more colorful succulents. A beautiful gray house paint color and ipe accents complete the remodel. Plants include Lomandra 'Breeze', Bulbine frutescens 'Hallmark', Thamnochortus insignis, Phormium 'Black Adder' along with others. Drawings, Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Andrew Cutright
This is an example of a traditional full sun backyard concrete paver water fountain landscape in DC Metro.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

Native Edge Landscape, LLC
Inspiration for a small contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun courtyard gravel landscaping in Austin.

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel garden path in San Luis Obispo for spring.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum