A petite decomposed granite patio offers a place to rest and enjoy expansive views of the Verdugos.
Inspiration for a large modern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard decomposed granite and metal fence retaining wall landscape in Los Angeles for spring.

The owners had recently purchased this house with the desire to totally renovate the interior and exterior. Great location and views were very attractive. Our task was to make it fully functional, beautiful and fun. Parking and impervious space were two of our biggest challenges. Driveway paving was re-designed using both permeable paving stones and ribbon layouts to allow for on-site drainage and a warm look. The main outdoor living room was off the back of the house with a Bluestone terrace using Brownstone inlay to create separate spaces. The terrace walls were finished with the same stone used on the house with a clean Stainless Steel railing system, for great visibility. A large kitchen was built for entertaining with plenty of counter space. The terrace overlooks a wonderful pond with just the right fountain. The plantings were designed to bring color, texture, fragrance and screening in just the right combinations. LED landscape lighting and magnificent Longshadow planters completed the gardens with charm and elegance.

Upper view of grill/ bar island, 'Egra stone' permeable paving below, Belgard 'Dublin Cobble' pavers above. Designed and installed by Scott Gear
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Other

A new harborfront home with a southwestern exposure, utilizing passive solar design, geothermal heating and cooling, extensive daylighting, hydronic radiant floors, permeable paving, and a palette of natural materials. The exterior is wrapped with locally-sourced blue stone, and cedar shiplap siding, capped with a metal roof. Exterior decks were design at each level, to further reinforce the home's connection with nature, while expansive glass walls capture both the harbor views and the southern exposure. Roof overhangs shield the interiors from summer sun, while allowing the low winter sunlight to enter the bright modern spaces. The interior spaces flow in an open plan, with a double-height entrance connecting the main living areas with an upper sitting room, all oriented towards the harbor and sunsets.

As a wide-ranging traveler and collector, the Client had an array of antiquities she wanted incorporated into the renovation. Privacy was needed as one moved from front to back. A solid wall would have felt too confining, so I designed a permeable, contemporary wall that would permit light, airflow and a stark contrast to the details of her ornate garden pieces. Eclectic tastes call for eclectic measures and this is a gracious, exciting garden to visit! Jae Gregory of Artful Gardens continues to assist the client in the care and maintenance of these beautiful grounds. Gigi

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

This compact garden was made over into a sustainable yard using drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, a dry creek bed and some cool accents. The local wildlife love to play in this garden and feast off of the plants. You can read the full story plus a video of the project here http://tinyurl.com/zazpgfd

Parking area with permeable paving. Water storage tank under paving for storage to use for irrigation of lawn and garden. Pot garden with annuals in stone containers. Cooper pipe trellises for vines. Charles W. Bowers/Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

Parking area with permeable paving. Water storage tank under paving for storage to use for irrigation of lawn and garden. Pot garden with annuals in stone containers. Cooper pipe trellises for vines. Charles W. Bowers/Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

Cut stone pavers are a great option for using natural stone, with the convenience of unit pavers. Natural cut stone pavers are less labor intensive than natural stone slab paving and have a more uniform appearance. Sand set cut stone pavers are sustainable and permeable solution for your next paving and walk way project.

A complete and eclectic rear garden renovation with a creative blend of formal and natural elements. Formal lawn panel and rose garden, craftsman style wood deck and trellis, homages to Goldsworthy and Stonehenge with large boulders and a large stone cairn, several water features, a Japanese Torii gate, rock walls and steps, vegetables and herbs in containers and a new parking area paved with permeable pavers that feed an underground storage area that in turns irrigates the garden. All this blends into a diverse but cohesive garden. Designed by Charles W Bowers, Built by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc. © Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc./Charles W. Bowers

Xtreme EASY is the definition of jointing made easy. It's mixed ready to use and vacuum packed. Individual•Professional•Quick Work it in - Brush it off - Finished It quickly and easily fills the joints and is the optimum solution to finish off your paved stone surface. It can be installed rain or shine... in fact the use of water helps force the XtremeEASY evenly into the joints without labor-intensive compacting saving you both time and money. • Everlasting • Powerwasher use • Frost resitant • Weed resitant • Ant resistant • Water permeable

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Seattle.

Transitional exterior home idea in Orange County

Large trendy beige two-story mixed siding flat roof photo in Seattle

Hawkeye Landscape Design We began this project with the idea of making a friendly entryway and social area under the Mulberry tree which provides much needed shade in this hot, mountainous area. The 'red fescue' meadow grass has a cooling effect and the agaves reduce the need for excess water and maintenance. The backyard has a covered dining area with a corner lounge and fireplace. The large barbecue offers a cantilevered counter for entertaining. The waterfall into the pool is surrounded with bamboo and plantings that emulate the hillside beyond the property. The permeable paving and mix of Vitex and Olive trees provide shade for smaller seating areas to enjoy the variety of succulents throughout the garden

Parking area with permeable paving. Water storage tank under paving for storage to use for irrigation of lawn and garden. Pot garden with annuals in stone containers. Cooper pipe trellises for vines. Charles W. Bowers/Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.