A pond and stream are hidden along these steps. Backyard steps utilize large flagstone pieces. Irish moss, blue star creeper, scotch moss, and mini mondo grass are a few of the plants growing between the stones. This yard has over 60 Japanese Maples and lots of ferns, ligularias, hydrangeas, and other shade plants Erik Jones

Design ideas for a large traditional full sun front yard stone driveway in Chicago.

Many of the plantings have a very lush and somewhat relaxed character. This characteristic is used to contrast and soften the strong bones connecting the garden spaces, the walkways.

An artistic dry creek bed was installed to address runoff issues. Photo by Jay Sifford
Inspiration for an asian landscaping in Charlotte.

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

Jeffrey Bale
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Portland.

This garden path is an entry to the shade garden. The stepping stone walkway is planted with moss. The garden path meanders through the canopy of the shade garden. The garden and landscape design is in Connecticut backyard by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc. designed and installed the secret garden and the stepping stone walkways.

Asian influences blended with native plantings helped create this garden, which we call Prairie-fusion. Water is the main focus of the garden, which falls and flows creating both visual and audial impact. Colorful koi dot the dark waters which reflect light and landscape. Choices in construction material were made to enhance a rustic look while touches of Japanese-inspired influences were appropriately placed to introduce an exotic feel. In keeping with the traditional Japanese gardens, raked rocks and boulders simulate islands in water. While inspired by the East, the garden is rooted firmly in the Midwestern landscape, surrounded and softened by plants native to woodlands and wetlands, including ferns, sedges, wild columbine, blue flag iris, horsetail rush, water lilies and native maples. A ramp leading up to the decking combined both reclaimed railroad ties and gravel, tying in the two solid ground influences in the garden. Live moss was used heavily on boulders and wood creating the illusion of a garden which has been tucked away, living and growing for a long time. Photo by Larry Carnes

Part of the garden complex is a traditional Japanese bridge made of Port Orford cedar.
Inspiration for a zen home design remodel in San Francisco

Boulder steppers and dry laid irregular bluestone pavers form a walkway that leads you to the rear yard with an inviting gate and arbor with an Asian flare.

Stone stepper path with newly-planted Astilbes
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional partial sun front yard stone garden path in Portland Maine for summer.

Soft textures of ornamental grasses and perennials line the front walk. Erickson Digital Studio
Photo of a mid-sized modern full sun front yard garden path in Milwaukee for fall.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard mulch driveway in Atlanta.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard mulch garden path in Louisville.

Luxury Vinyl Planks are a great option for water areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. The technology is advancing so that the product looks and feels like natural products like wood and stone.

The light from South Arch side window is focused upon the North wall where there is a large granite fossil. A smaller version of these swimming creatures appears above. Next to these is a cave-like opening where a thyme plant meanders down the rock wall. Other interesting artifacts are included in the design. Photo credits: Dan Drobnick

Pool and backyard landscaping are the only previous features that remained from the original home, minus a few walls on the interior and newly installed waterless grass for the ground cover. Exterior patio with Porcelain Wood Grain tiles. Designed with a standing seam metal roof, with internal drainage system for hidden gutters design. Rain chain and rain barrels for rain harvesting. Retrofitted with Hardy Frames prefabricated shear walls for up to date earthquake safety. Opening both walls to the backyard, there are now two 14' folding doors allowing the inside and outside to merge. http://www.hardyframe.com/HF/index.html Amy J Smith Photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional landscaping in Seattle.