L. McGrath
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional shade hillside landscaping in Boston for summer.

This is an example of a traditional shade backyard landscaping in Manchester.

Inspiration for a large southwestern full sun front yard brick driveway in Phoenix.

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

This was a very small yard sandwiched between the house and a cross tie retaining wall. We designed and installed a pool, hot tub, waterfall on one end, and a fireplace, pergola and outdoor kitchen on the other. The client wanted a tropical looking landscape, so we installed Japanese Maples and Windmill Palms. We hid the cross tie wall using a mix of vertical plantings like Emerald Green Arborvitae and vines like Creeping Fig and Boston Ivy. Mark Schisler, Legacy Landscapes, Inc.

James Woetzel
Pool - traditional pool idea in New York

Landscape berm in the early summer. Landforms Inc.
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Detroit.

Backyard privacy berm incorporating river boulders.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Kansas City.

Photo of a large transitional full sun backyard brick landscaping in Denver.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Chicago.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional shade front yard brick landscaping in Chicago for spring.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Chicago.

Location: Hingham, MA, USA This newly constructed home in Hingham, MA was designed to openly embrace the seashore landscape surrounding it. The front entrance has a relaxed elegance with a classic plant theme of boxwood, hydrangea and grasses. The back opens to beautiful views of the harbor, with a terraced patio running the length of the house. The infinity pool blends seamlessly with the water landscape and splashes over the wall into the weir below. Planting beds break up the expanse of paving and soften the outdoor living spaces. The sculpture, made by a personal friend of the family, creates a stunning focal point with the open sky and sea behind. One side of the property was densely planted with large Spruce, Juniper and Birch on top of a 7' berm to provide instant privacy. Hokonechloa grass weaves its way around Annabelle Hydrangeas and Flower Carpet Roses. The other side had an existing stone stairway which was enhanced with a grove of Birch, hydrangea and Hakone grass. The Limelight Tree Hydrangeas and Boxwood offer a fresh welcome, while the Miscanthus grasses add a casual touch. The Stone wall and patio create a resting spot between rounds of tennis. The granite steps in the lawn allow for a comfortable transition up a steeper slope.

A rhododendron berm, seating area surrounded by chartreuse hostas and a Skylands oriental spruce, a fern garden and a perennial border are highlights of this back garden adjoining a lake.

Spring L. McGrath
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary shade backyard landscaping in Boston for spring.

Hillside garden featuring nepeta, geranium 'Rozanne', sedum 'Angelina', blue billow hydrangeas, azaleas and witch hazel
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard stone garden path in Boston for spring.

Landscape berm in the Spring. Landforms Inc.
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Detroit.

Good things come in small packages, as Tricklebrook proves. This compact yet charming design packs a lot of personality into an efficient plan that is perfect for a tight city or waterfront lot. Inspired by the Craftsman aesthetic and classic All-American bungalow design, the exterior features interesting roof lines with overhangs, stone and shingle accents and abundant windows designed both to let in maximum natural sunlight as well as take full advantage of the lakefront views. The covered front porch leads into a welcoming foyer and the first level’s 1,150-square foot floor plan, which is divided into both family and private areas for maximum convenience. Private spaces include a flexible first-floor bedroom or office on the left; family spaces include a living room with fireplace, an open plan kitchen with an unusual oval island and dining area on the right as well as a nearby handy mud room. At night, relax on the 150-square-foot screened porch or patio. Head upstairs and you’ll find an additional 1,025 square feet of living space, with two bedrooms, both with unusual sloped ceilings, walk-in closets and private baths. The second floor also includes a convenient laundry room and an office/reading area. Photographer: Dave Leale

Inspiration for a traditional partial sun side yard stone garden path in Portland for spring.