This study at the very tip-top of the four-story house feels as if it’s in a garden—because of the tall, airy plantings of asters and other natives on the roof garden just below. The small roof gardens at various levels of the house provide not only sustainable benefits such as rainwater absorption and wildlife habitat, but also beautiful views from inside the house. Architect: Wolf Architects, Inc. Photo by Susan Teare.

Native plants (Manzanita and California Fuchsia) provide the backbone for the hidden seating area. Even in the heat of summer this is rarely watered. Custom trellis by Indio Metal Arts. Photograph by Kate Howell

A 'Thundercloud' plum and five 'Wine and Roses' weigelas provide drama and continuity through the small back garden. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Photo of a craftsman full sun landscaping in Charlotte.

Lots off healthy lawn space to kick around in here! Native Mock Orange, Vine Maple and a Weeping Alaskan Cedar provide habitat for birds.
Photo of a farmhouse backyard landscaping in Portland.

Deergrass, a California native accent grass, creates magical golden wands in fall. When trimmed back, it forms lovely true green mounds. It provides an excellent alternative to highly flammable and invasive plants like fountain grass.

Like its native cousin, Eastern Redbud brings shade and ever-evolving seasonal color to petite spaces. Here, it shades the entry to the back garden and provides a measure of privacy.

Garden 16 in Manhattan Beach

These modest homeowners were looking for drainage solutions, low maintenance plantings, and an entertainment space they could enjoy outside. Mowing the grass had been a pain in the past, so with this design we decided to remove it entirely. Instead, more native grasses were utilized to take in water and reduce erosion. A new fence modernized and updated the space and allowed the interior of the backyard to be leveled providing more opportunities for design elements like a floating bench and custom built fire pit.

Access to the lake from this charming home required navigating a steep slope. db landscaping LLC was able to negotiate this terrain and provide comfortable lake access using oversized natural stone steps and landings that meander through native plant material. The upper patio space provides natural outdoor gathering space directly off the main living area and allows for a perched view of the lake beyond.

Tour goers revel in the chance to touch the ocean-like waves of this IdealMow meadow. Taller foliage and succulent with delightful blooms provide a subtle barrier between the front garden and the street.

This property is wet, wet, wet, until midsummer when it gets baked dry. A series of dry creeks provide an inviting natural vibe. Pool decking was replaced in part by lawn. Photo Calafia Design Hardscape installed by Krugel Cobbles

The living wall/vertical garden is filling in beautifully 2 months after the installation, providing a dramatic focal point for this mid-century model landscape renovation. The updates include a new concrete driveway, a welcoming concrete pathway accented by shiny black pebbles along with a variety of grasses, lavender, yarrow, succulents and CA native plants. The large living wall was the perfect solution to bring life to the home's large front wall just next to the entrance. A variety of succulents, grass-like plants, cascading Oxalis and Lamium, were planted in long waves in the wall offering a beautiful tapestry of flowing textures and colors.

A low maintenance border with year-round interest is provided by Hydrangea quercifolias, Sword Ferns,Garrya elliptica, Japanese Forest Grass and, Cornus Kousa and Acer Griseum.

These modest homeowners were looking for drainage solutions, low maintenance plantings, and an entertainment space they could enjoy outside. Mowing the grass had been a pain in the past, so with this design we decided to remove it entirely. Instead, more native grasses were utilized to take in water and reduce erosion. A new fence modernized and updated the space and allowed the interior of the backyard to be leveled providing more opportunities for design elements like a floating bench and custom built fire pit.

Paul Kiefer / Specialty Gardens LLC - Grand Haven, MI
Design ideas for a traditional full sun landscaping in Grand Rapids for summer.

These modest homeowners were looking for drainage solutions, low maintenance plantings, and an entertainment space they could enjoy outside. Mowing the grass had been a pain in the past, so with this design we decided to remove it entirely. Instead, more native grasses were utilized to take in water and reduce erosion. A new fence modernized and updated the space and allowed the interior of the backyard to be leveled providing more opportunities for design elements like a floating bench and custom built fire pit.

After photo of side yard from street, goals of the project were to provide access to backyard and hide generator and air conditioner from the street
Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun front yard concrete paver driveway in New York for summer.

Fall can still provide lots of color in the garden. The purple in the background is Aster 'October Skies' which contrasts nicely with the yellow and orange foliage plants in the foreground.