This DIY landscape design will focus on what to do with slopes and along drives - using no curbs or retaining wall structures. This images shows the first spring after removal of a rotten wood tie retaining wall, and digging out a huge amount of invasive English Ivy and Winter Creeper.

All non-native and invasive plant species were removed. Native plants now populate the landscaping, reducing runoff, lowering maintenance and, to the ecology of the neighborhood, contributing a Doug Tallamy style homegrown national park.

Anne Lacouture Peniman

A close-up of the fruit and the dark purple veined foliage.
Design ideas for an eclectic landscaping in Chicago.

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.

This narrow side yard was once filled with invasive plants, making access to the backyard. We cleared the vegetation, regraded the slope, and built a dry-stacked stone wall to stabilize the area and add structure. Now, a clean mulch path offers smooth access to the gate, lined with native Gray Owl Junipers for low-maintenance beauty and year-round interest. A once cluttered and hard-to-use space is now a functional, elegant entry to the backyard.

Tom Benjamin, RLA, LEED-AP BD+C
Large beach style home design photo in Providence

Tom Benjamin, RLA, LEED-AP BD+C
Example of a large beach style home design design in Providence

Tom Benjamin, RLA, LEED-AP BD+C
Inspiration for a large coastal home design remodel in Providence

We worked closely with this client to convert this half-acre slope from invasive vines, weeds and saplings to create this gorgeous, meadow-inspired, pollinator garden. Using a palate of largely native grasses and flowers is a delight to the senses through the four seasons. And, perhaps most importantly, serves as a vital pathway to our most cherished native birds and bees.

Todd Z
Mid-sized mountain style concrete screened-in side porch idea with a roof extension

This barren backyard contained invasive junk plants along the edges and patchy lawn. New stone steps now provide access to the flat lawn area and hose bib from the deck. Plantings along all property lines will create screening, privacy, shade and beauty as they grow.

This barren backyard contained invasive junk plants along the edges and patchy lawn. New stone steps now provide access to the flat lawn area and hose bib from the deck. Plantings along all property lines will create screening, privacy, shade and beauty as they grow.

Tom Benjamin, RLA, LEED-AP BD+C
Home design - large coastal home design idea in Providence

Corner lot enhanced with erosion control measures, rebuilt stonewall and native plants. Natural forest trees thinned and pruned for optimal growth. Invasive shrubs and vines removed as native woods are refined for conservation development housing. Supplemented with additional native trees and shrubs. Driveway graded to onsite stormwater infiltration and to prevent ice build up in winter.

A favorite durable perennial groundcover- the low, non-invasive groundcover Comfrey
Inspiration for a farmhouse landscaping in Seattle.

American Beauty Berry flowers in June-July, then forms small green berries in late July, which gradually turn purple in late July and August. The Berries will remain a vivid purple until the first frost. Animals and birds will eat the berries. Have not had any invasive issues, one shrub, can die back in very cold conditions, but it will return. It can be trimmed back, and still it will come back.