Photo of a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard gravel garden path in San Diego.

Designed planters and steps leading off back porch with dry set Oklahoma limestone steppers leading to pool area.
Photo of a large transitional full sun backyard stone garden path in Austin for spring.

Backyard Landscaping
Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard brick landscaping in Phoenix.

Here there is a step down via limestone steps into a sunken garden beside the pool and an outdoor seating area with a fire pit as its focal point. The fire pit is CorTen steel. That seating area is flanked with oak leaf hydrangeas, arborvitae, and autumn fern, another Japanese maple that was relocated into a large steel CorTen, a steel planter Carlton Edwards designed. Along the northern property line in front of an existing fence, European Columnar Hornbeams were placed to provide a vertical hedge and to offer privacy from the adjoining neighbor and second-story addition on the rear of that home. There's also a cedar boardwalk that connects the central lawn area to a sunroom on the side of the house. The Hornbeams are underplanted with Big Blue Liriope. This design maximized the potential for the whole property.

Sited on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, this backyard was full of potential. Although there was plenty of space, the entertainment area was limited to the deck or the space below. The feeling was disjointed and the homeowners came to Southview looking for a cohesive entertainment space with a sense of flow. Photography by John Wiese

Complete backyard re-design allows for a more functional and aesthetically pleasing layout and use of space. Initially we developed conceptual designs showing the potential locations for a rectangular pool and guest house, as well as a sport court, soccer field and lavender garden. This layout allows for an easy flow for kids and their friends to go from area to area. The pool house can house out of town guests. It is also used by the teenagers as a getaway for sleepovers and alone time. The lavender garden, guest house patio and the fire pit all provide adult entertainment areas - providing both separation and a window to the kids at the same time.

Location: Cohasset, MA, USA When my clients purchased this historic house, they saw that this garden held great potential, even though the property had been somewhat neglected. They wanted the new landscape to evoke the feeling of an Olde Maine house that time had forgotten. Sitting on the front veranda in the shade of the treasured Horse Chestnut and Maple trees that flank each side of the house, we explored the possibilities together. The front yard sloped a bit too much for comfort, so we determined that building a stone wall in the middle would create a terrace, making both parts of the lawn more usable. Visions of parties and children's weddings came to mind. We put a set of elegant arching steps in the middle, leading down to the sunken garden. Large, mature Rhododendrons were planted at the base of the Horse Chestnut and Maple trees just off the front veranda. Boxwoods undulate beneath the trees with Vinca as a ground cover. Ticonderoga stone was used for the walls and steps, which was the closest match to the existing stone foundation. The exquisite masonry by Doug Brooks Masonry makes this staircase as elegant as a tiered wedding cake.

Design ideas for a large tropical full sun front yard brick formal garden in Miami.

Spectacular unobstructed views of the Bay, Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco skyline and the rolling hills of Marin greet you from almost every window of this stunning Provençal Villa located in the acclaimed Middle Ridge neighborhood of Mill Valley. Built in 2000, this exclusive 5 bedroom, 5+ bath estate was thoughtfully designed by architect Jorge de Quesada to provide a classically elegant backdrop for today’s active lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on over half an acre with flat lawns and an award winning garden there is unmatched sense of privacy just minutes from the shops and restaurants of downtown Mill Valley. A curved stone staircase leads from the charming entry gate to the private front lawn and on to the grand hand carved front door. A gracious formal entry and wide hall opens out to the main living spaces of the home and out to the view beyond. The Venetian plaster walls and soaring ceilings provide an open airy feeling to the living room and country chef’s kitchen, while three sets of oversized French doors lead onto the Jerusalem Limestone patios and bring in the panoramic views. The chef’s kitchen is the focal point of the warm welcoming great room and features a range-top and double wall ovens, two dishwashers, marble counters and sinks with Waterworks fixtures. The tile backsplash behind the range pays homage to Monet’s Giverny kitchen. A fireplace offers up a cozy sitting area to lounge and watch television or curl up with a book. There is ample space for a farm table for casual dining. In addition to a well-appointed formal living room, the main level of this estate includes an office, stunning library/den with faux tortoise detailing, butler’s pantry, powder room, and a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow allowing the spectacular setting to envelop every space. A wide staircase leads up to the four main bedrooms of home. There is a spacious master suite complete with private balcony and French doors showcasing the views. The suite features his and her baths complete with walk – in closets, and steam showers. In hers there is a sumptuous soaking tub positioned to make the most of the view. Two additional bedrooms share a bath while the third is en-suite. The laundry room features a second set of stairs leading back to the butler’s pantry, garage and outdoor areas. The lowest level of the home includes a legal second unit complete with kitchen, spacious walk in closet, private entry and patio area. In addition to interior access to the second unit there is a spacious exercise room, the potential for a poolside kitchenette, second laundry room, and secure storage area primed to become a state of the art tasting room/wine cellar. From the main level the spacious entertaining patio leads you out to the magnificent grounds and pool area. Designed by Steve Stucky, the gardens were featured on the 2007 Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club tour. A level lawn leads to the focal point of the grounds; the iconic “Crags Head” outcropping favored by hikers as far back as the 19th century. The perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the spectacular view. The Century old Sonoma Olive trees and lavender plantings add a Mediterranean touch to the two lawn areas that also include an antique fountain, and a charming custom Barbara Butler playhouse. Inspired by Provence and built to exacting standards this charming villa provides an elegant yet welcoming environment designed to meet the needs of today’s active lifestyle while staying true to its Continental roots creating a warm and inviting space ready to call home.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard concrete paver garden path in Denver for fall.

Location: Cohasset, MA, USA When my clients purchased this historic house, they saw that this garden held great potential, even though the property had been somewhat neglected. They wanted the new landscape to evoke the feeling of an Olde Maine house that time had forgotten. Sitting on the front veranda in the shade of the treasured Horse Chestnut and Maple trees that flank each side of the house, we explored the possibilities together. The front yard sloped a bit too much for comfort, so we determined that building a stone wall in the middle would create a terrace, making both parts of the lawn more usable. Visions of parties and children's weddings came to mind. We put a set of elegant arching steps in the middle, leading down to the sunken garden. Large, mature Rhododendrons were planted at the base of the Horse Chestnut and Maple trees just off the front veranda. Boxwoods undulate beneath the trees with Vinca as a ground cover. Ticonderoga stone was used for the walls and steps, which was the closest match to the existing stone foundation. The exquisite masonry by Doug Brooks Masonry makes this staircase as elegant as a tiered wedding cake.

When we first met, this client was extremely frustrated. A current contractor had left her with a yard in disarray, a project incomplete and the loss of an entire season of swimming pool use. Additionally, years of accumulated DIY projects left other potential landscape contractors overwhelmed and unwilling to take this project on. Picking up the pieces, we put together a design that would meet the client’s goals and our team set to work. We completed the retaining wall, laid a modular paver pool deck, updated the cedar deck, added privacy screening, solved drainage issues, installed LED lighting, overhauled plantings to maximize color and brought the lawn back to life. The re-defined space is a dream-come-true for our client. A yard which two years ago was a jungle of debris, is now the “go-to” gathering place for family & friends to relax and have fun.

Kaibab Landscaping - Natural Stone Paver Driveway - Retaining Wall with Landscape Lighting - Boulder Gardens- Telluride Colorado. Photo credit: Josh Johnson

Location: Cohasset, MA, USA When my clients purchased this historic house, they saw that this garden held great potential, even though the property had been somewhat neglected. They wanted the new landscape to evoke the feeling of an Olde Maine house that time had forgotten. Sitting on the front veranda in the shade of the treasured Horse Chestnut and Maple trees that flank each side of the house, we explored the possibilities together. The front yard sloped a bit too much for comfort, so we determined that building a stone wall in the middle would create a terrace, making both parts of the lawn more usable. Visions of parties and children's weddings came to mind. We put a set of elegant arching steps in the middle, leading down to the sunken garden. Large, mature Rhododendrons were planted at the base of the Horse Chestnut and Maple trees just off the front veranda. Boxwoods undulate beneath the trees with Vinca as a ground cover. Ticonderoga stone was used for the walls and steps, which was the closest match to the existing stone foundation. The exquisite masonry by Doug Brooks Masonry makes this staircase as elegant as a tiered wedding cake.

Unique opportunity to live your best life in this architectural home. Ideally nestled at the end of a serene cul-de-sac and perfectly situated at the top of a knoll with sweeping mountain, treetop, and sunset views- some of the best in all of Westlake Village! Enter through the sleek mahogany glass door and feel the awe of the grand two story great room with wood-clad vaulted ceilings, dual-sided gas fireplace, custom windows w/motorized blinds, and gleaming hardwood floors. Enjoy luxurious amenities inside this organic flowing floorplan boasting a cozy den, dream kitchen, comfortable dining area, and a masterpiece entertainers yard. Lounge around in the high-end professionally designed outdoor spaces featuring: quality craftsmanship wood fencing, drought tolerant lush landscape and artificial grass, sleek modern hardscape with strategic landscape lighting, built in BBQ island w/ plenty of bar seating and Lynx Pro-Sear Rotisserie Grill, refrigerator, and custom storage, custom designed stone gas firepit, attached post & beam pergola ready for stargazing, cafe lights, and various calming water features—All working together to create a harmoniously serene outdoor living space while simultaneously enjoying 180' views! Lush grassy side yard w/ privacy hedges, playground space and room for a farm to table garden! Open concept luxe kitchen w/SS appliances incl Thermador gas cooktop/hood, Bosch dual ovens, Bosch dishwasher, built in smart microwave, garden casement window, customized maple cabinetry, updated Taj Mahal quartzite island with breakfast bar, and the quintessential built-in coffee/bar station with appliance storage! One bedroom and full bath downstairs with stone flooring and counter. Three upstairs bedrooms, an office/gym, and massive bonus room (with potential for separate living quarters). The two generously sized bedrooms with ample storage and views have access to a fully upgraded sumptuous designer bathroom! The gym/office boasts glass French doors, wood-clad vaulted ceiling + treetop views. The permitted bonus room is a rare unique find and has potential for possible separate living quarters. Bonus Room has a separate entrance with a private staircase, awe-inspiring picture windows, wood-clad ceilings, surround-sound speakers, ceiling fans, wet bar w/fridge, granite counters, under-counter lights, and a built in window seat w/storage. Oversized master suite boasts gorgeous natural light, endless views, lounge area, his/hers walk-in closets, and a rustic spa-like master bath featuring a walk-in shower w/dual heads, frameless glass door + slate flooring. Maple dual sink vanity w/black granite, modern brushed nickel fixtures, sleek lighting, W/C! Ultra efficient laundry room with laundry shoot connecting from upstairs, SS sink, waterfall quartz counters, and built in desk for hobby or work + a picturesque casement window looking out to a private grassy area. Stay organized with the tastefully handcrafted mudroom bench, hooks, shelving and ample storage just off the direct 2 car garage! Nearby the Village Homes clubhouse, tennis & pickle ball courts, ample poolside lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas, full-sized pool for free swimming and laps, an oversized children's pool perfect for entertaining the kids and guests, complete with lifeguards on duty and a wonderful place to meet your Village Homes neighbors. Nearby parks, schools, shops, hiking, lake, beaches, and more. Live an intentionally inspired life at 2228 Knollcrest — a sprawling architectural gem!

A shady area underneath the stairway & deck provides a good place for those plants that don't mind less sun. Ground covers, mulch, stone pavers, and moss-rock accents give this area a finished (not forgotten) look.

Here there is a step down via limestone steps into a sunken garden beside the pool and an outdoor seating area with a fire pit as its focal point. The fire pit is CorTen steel. That seating area is flanked with oak leaf hydrangeas, arborvitae, and autumn fern, another Japanese maple that was relocated into a large steel CorTen, a steel planter Carlton Edwards designed. Along the northern property line in front of an existing fence, European Columnar Hornbeams were placed to provide a vertical hedge and to offer privacy from the adjoining neighbor and second-story addition on the rear of that home. There's also a cedar boardwalk that connects the central lawn area to a sunroom on the side of the house. The Hornbeams are underplanted with Big Blue Liriope. This design maximized the potential for the whole property.

Renovated Natural stone stair tread, hand selected & manually chiselled for a natural finish with a french country look, in addition we installed a rather simple but efficient stone patio utilizing the space to its upmost potential as well as making use of the greenery for privacy

The new flagstone landing and steps to the patio, with retaining wall and new fencing in the background. Design and Photograph by Patrick Murphy
Inspiration for a large craftsman full sun backyard stone retaining wall landscape in DC Metro for summer.