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.

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.

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.

Vibrant, colorful and drought tolerant forest understory garden including California natives. Giant Sequoias provide the canopy and large boulders are the anchors for this beautiful, front yard garden.

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.

The stunning white walls of this Rosemary Beach house contrast with the Mediterranean Blue tiles of the pool. The five scuppers pour a stream of sound into the small pool courtyard, providing an oasis in this busy neighborhood. The compact, native landscape provides year-round color and interest. Photographed by: Alan D. Holt

Planted dry creek with limestone boulders and river rock provides a beautiful and functional drainage solution along the frontage of a sloping property. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

The inspiration for materials in the rear yard draws from the recently renovated interior spaces of the kitchen and living area. The design provides a seamless transition from inside to out. The limestone patio is sized to accommodate seating and gradually leads you out into the new lawn. The line of palms will provide some privacy from the neighbors and a strong focal element from the porch. The kids now have an engaging play space that was built to visually enhance the backyard, not detract from it. All of the new plantings are native and create a lush, serene atmosphere. photo by Matthew Bolt Charleston Home + Design Magazine

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.

Mulching dryland plantings with granite provides more drainage than traditional hardwood mulch. Plants like agave and stemodia prefer to dry out between waterings.

Island Bush Poppy (Dendromecon rigida) is native to the eastern San Fernando Valley, it is highly recommended for butterfly gardens and provides an excellent informal screen. Lesly Hall Photography

The back porch and pool area are surrounded by a broad lawn, while a sandy path through the dune leads down to the beach. The existing dune was enhanced with native plantings to stabilize the sand and provide additional habitat for native birds. Photography by Charles Mayer

DRM Design Group provided Landscape Architecture and construction services for this Bixby country residence. The project consisted of a native plant palette, drip irrigation system, outdoor lighting, tree protection and low impact construction practices, custom metal trellis and arbors. The layout was simple and clean so as to not distract from the natural beauty of their surroundings.

This grassy ramp was designed to provide lakeside access for property owners on a steep slope. The ramp would qualify as ADA accessible, bu the slopes between the retaining walls are a different story. These slopes are held with the deep rooting system of native grasses to provide a clean manicured look with little maintenance.

This is an example of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

This impressive rain cistern was installed to provide water to the raised keyhole vegetable garden and the owners' extensive houseplant collection.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard stone and wood fence landscaping in Austin for summer.

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
Photo of a large traditional partial sun front yard concrete paver driveway in New York for summer.

The simple, delicate blooms of Cassia and the plum tree have similarities, but the purple and yellow color provide yet another wonderful set of contrasts. Photo: Orly Olivier

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.