This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary concrete paver landscaping in Seattle.

Steve Lambert
This is an example of a modern shade backyard retaining wall landscape in San Francisco for fall.

Robert Smiddy
Design ideas for a large traditional full sun hillside stone water fountain landscape.

Photo of a large traditional full sun backyard mulch pond in Seattle.

Tile design and Installation: www.alpentile.com www.michaelwoodall.com
Trendy home design photo in Phoenix

This is an example of a large rustic shade backyard gravel formal garden for spring.

Kohei Owatari
Home design - home design idea in San Diego

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

This was a backyard renovation. There was an existing plastic tub pond with many perennials around it. We took out everything, saved as many perennials as we could and installed a new rubber lined, natural ecosystem pond, stream and waterfall. We redesigned the area and created a couple different seating areas along with a pathway over the stream. Transplanted the perennials and added a few new plants to add interest all year long. This is the feature a couple years after installation. The plants have established and are filling in the spaces. This is the image of the the river with the plants growing in.

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard pond in Salt Lake City.

Carlsbad new construction; spanish courtyard and edible garden.
Photo of a mediterranean landscaping in San Diego.

John
Home design - modern home design idea in Miami

Example of an urban home design design in Philadelphia with granite countertops

A two-bed, two-bath condo located in the Historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC was reimagined with the clean lined sensibilities and celebration of beautiful materials found in Mid-Century Modern designs. A soothing gray-green color palette sets the backdrop for cherry cabinetry and white oak floors. Specialty lighting, handmade tile, and a slate clad corner fireplace further elevate the space. A new Trex deck with cable railing system connects the home to the outdoors.

Garden ponds should hold the viewer with three qualities; they need to be soothing, striking and seemingly ever-present in the way they fit into the beholder's imagination, meaning they need to fit seamlessly, not thrust into a foreign setting. Our philosophy is if it does not fit into a travel brochure or a scenic calendar, it does not fit in your landscape. The vast majority of water features are either a pile of rock and mulch, or they are grass to the edge of the water. Neither of those treatments lend to a natural soothing look. Our waters are deep in sense of place. That place is often from a favorite memory. This particular garden pond is from an image of a mountain meadow, complete with native wildflowers enhanced by our designs which allow us to bring mountain wildflowers down to more populated elevations. AquaHabitat.com

This modern, contemporary, glossy, underwater resin on wood panel is layered with aqua, aquamarine, Aruba blue pigments, white epoxy paste, and hints of sparkle. A cool toned color palette was used to create this multi-layered dimensional seascape.

Crema marfil and dark emperador mosaic tile is a great choice for a kitchen tile or a bathroom feature.
Inspiration for a timeless marble floor kitchen remodel

Large trendy backyard tile and rectangular lap hot tub photo in Los Angeles