OES | Texas basalt, and native plants. Photo: Twist Tours
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant backyard gravel landscaping in Austin.

The Mercer Island Garden transforms a client’s underutilized lawn space into an urban farm and a native habitat garden per their goals of creating both a productive and ecological space. To unite these two distinct schemes, consistent materials and edible perennials plantings are used throughout the garden. The southern edible garden is defined by a basalt retaining wall which creates a large, level production space divided by pathways into four beds. Edible and beneficial perennials are placed at the outer edges of the raised garden, allowing regular crop rotation of edible annuals within the 4’ x 12’ beds. Functionally, this design enables peak productivity for the edible garden by maximizing the square footage of garden beds within the area of prime sun exposure. Aesthetically, the layout uses large gestures to create a consistent flow through the garden, linking it to the Northwest native plantings above. The northern perennial garden showcases native plants with a variety of fruits, flowers, textures, and colors to create a dynamic environment year round. The outer loop of the garden incorporates beneficial flowers near fruiting shrubs, and small pockets provide this homeowner with the opportunity for a floral cutting garden. Hilary Dahl

The Mercer Island Garden transforms a client’s underutilized lawn space into an urban farm and a native habitat garden per their goals of creating both a productive and ecological space. To unite these two distinct schemes, consistent materials and edible perennials plantings are used throughout the garden. The southern edible garden is defined by a basalt retaining wall which creates a large, level production space divided by pathways into four beds. Edible and beneficial perennials are placed at the outer edges of the raised garden, allowing regular crop rotation of edible annuals within the 4’ x 12’ beds. Functionally, this design enables peak productivity for the edible garden by maximizing the square footage of garden beds within the area of prime sun exposure. Aesthetically, the layout uses large gestures to create a consistent flow through the garden, linking it to the Northwest native plantings above. The northern perennial garden showcases native plants with a variety of fruits, flowers, textures, and colors to create a dynamic environment year round. The outer loop of the garden incorporates beneficial flowers near fruiting shrubs, and small pockets provide this homeowner with the opportunity for a floral cutting garden. Hilary Dahl

Dolan Geiman original collage, American Heritage Collection: Chief, hanging in Texas home. Vintage paper collage on wood panel with hand-built reclaimed wood frame. 72" x 58.5" (framed)

The house fits within the hillside. The roof slopes follow the slope of the hill. The exterior colors were matched to natural colors found on the site. We left the landscape wild, and added only native grasses and plants that were drought resistant and didn't need much watering. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara

Pool courtyard featuring cantilevered sky frames to extend the living spaces.
Pool - modern backyard decomposed granite and rectangular pool idea in Austin

Entry way with perennial foundation plantings in summer.
Inspiration for a large farmhouse landscaping in Philadelphia.

Rock outcroppings make a striking background for new lounge areas in this compact Los Angeles hillside garden. Working with the attributes of the site, we added native plants to drape over the stone, and converted hollowed stone planters into a firepit and water feature. New built-in seating and a cozy hammock complete the relaxing space, and dramatic lighting makes it come alive at night. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

A modern steel water feature anchors this xeriscape courtyard, offering movement and sound against a rich backdrop of native grasses, agaves, and textured stone. Designed and installed by Exterior Worlds in 2023, this space balances minimalism with natural beauty, enhancing the home's architecture with a tranquil, sculptural touch.

This lush garden bed, designed by Exterior Worlds in 2023, features a striking combination of native ornamental grasses, blooming Vitex, and sculptural agave—offering year-round interest and textural variety. The layered composition softens the architecture while enhancing the estate’s natural elegance and curb appeal.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

Natives of South Africa are popular cut flowers and commonly mistaken for LA natives.
Inspiration for an eclectic partial sun landscaping in Los Angeles for spring.

Modern landscaping infused with Texas natives plants!
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard concrete paver landscaping in Houston.

Native shrubs replace waterlogged lawn in this naturalistic landscape for a transitional home. Photo Calafia Design
This is an example of a large transitional full sun front yard gravel landscaping in Chicago.

Example of a transitional powder room design in Dallas

View from garden, facing the front of the house. What a vibrant and diverse landscape alternative to a front lawn monoculture! Ornamental grasses provide feathery textures and movement; lavender and Russian sage emit beautiful fragrance; native cone flowers, milkweed and black eyed Susans attract incredible bio-diversity, including the prized Monarch butterfly! See for yourself in our YouTube tour of the garden! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi2hbqw0fqk&index=6&list=PLmatUkAp_Vvbh_OgrLY_6B28qrnFtMZLP

Photo of a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.