Situated in German Village this garden consists of an extensive perennial garden that has taken the place of the lawn. The garden provides a tremendous amount of privacy for the homeowners and at the same time provides a food source and the birds, bees and butterflies. Planted with many native species this garden is a true urban prairie.

I was thrilled to be selected as one of 10 designers around the country to design a bathroom space for Speakman faucets. Dave Kessler of Native Structures in Providence, RI was the amazing contractor. www.speakman.com www.nativestructures.com

During the 2025 tour, Toyon had yet to bloom, but the California Lilac on the other side of the trail provided plenty of eye candy! Photo: Lesly Hall Photography, Spring 2025

Native bottlebrush buckeyes provide nectar for pollinators and great yellow fall color. Further down, witch hazels have fragrant orange-red blooms in late winter when nothing else is going on, as well as brilliant red color in the fall.

Stone deck brings the recessed front door out into the garden without impacting mature Japanese maple roots. Carved stone bowl to the left provides water to birds.

This coastal garden is located 4 hours north of Sydney. This garden has been an ongoing project for Secret Gardens over the last decade. The original brief was for a ‘mini botanic garden’ which proved a challenge on a site with little tree or vegetation cover and limited top soil. The plantings are 95% native, from the establishing rainforest where over 25 varieties of trees have been used to the drier areas where Callistemon, Kangaroo Paw and ornamental grasses have been used in large swathes.The result now is an established garden that will continue to evolve and provide great enjoyment for our clients.

Interior Design by others. Our Sackston Prarie Cabana solved the problem of client privacy with its native stone screen walls and stucco accents while providing all of the luxuries of poolside outdoor living. Three 11-feet wide accordion style doors open the cabana entirely to the outdoors to circulate westerly summer winds. Deep overhangs provide shade for summer sun while allowing the sun to permeate the space to utilize the saloon and hot tub during the winter months. Terraced poolside planters with native vegetation complement the design. Although this cabana was constructed after completion of the main residence the material choices seamlessly blend this addition to create one unified outdoor space.

Echinacea providing a long-season of blooms to support local pollinators and provide cut flowers.
Inspiration for a small contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard garden path in Portland for summer.

The dream come to life: a waterfall, stream, and ecosystem Koi pond. The sitting area was covered with a sail shade to provide comfort while the owners enjoy the desert oasis. The pond was designed to include an area outside of their fenced back yard to provide water for the local native & migratory wildlife.

This is an example of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

California native Oregon Grape provides another perfect complement to the Spanish tile doorway.California lilac brings its soft blue blooms in early spring. Once they fade, Oregon grape steps in, producing otherworldly blue berries.

Situated in German Village this garden consists of an extensive perennial garden that has taken the place of the lawn. The garden provides a tremendous amount of privacy for the homeowners and at the same time provides a food source and the birds, bees and butterflies. Planted with many native species this garden is a true urban prairie.

Raised steel planters are located in the center of the circle drive to provide vegetable gardening space. Bird, bat, and butterfly habitat is provided by the Texas sabal palms, Texas persimmon, orange zexmenia, and wooly stemodia. The artful placement of trees, shrubs, ground cover, boulders, gravel, edging, and planters create a landscape worthy of its placement on the site.

This design and selection is such that the plants will provide a variety of color and texture across every season that grass can only dream of.
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Atlanta.

Many varieties of native ferns, understory trees and shrubs were added along the drive and within the forest to stabilize eroding slopes. Photo Credit :Chipper Hatter

Alan D Holt ASLA Landscape Architect This pergola provides shade for the cars and an architectural transition from the house to the landscape. Confederate Jasmine is trained to the Pillar.

The dream come to life: a waterfall, stream, and ecosystem Koi pond. The sitting area was covered with a sail shade to provide comfort while the owners enjoy the desert oasis. The pond was designed to include an area outside of their fenced back yard to provide water for the local native & migratory wildlife.

Soft colourful plantings along the pathway, seasonal interest begins in early spring and the planting is still colourful in late summer.
Design ideas for a small craftsman partial sun front yard brick driveway in New York for summer.

Rainwater is celebrated as the focal point in this backyard garden. The angled deck provides enough space for a morning coffee, then transitions down onto a natural stone patio for large gatherings. A deep plant bed was created against the garage to showcase plant textures and soften the patio space. The curved edge of the patio mimics the irregular shape of the corner rain garden, with a gently sloping lawn in between the two spaces. Natural boulders form the edge of the rain garden, while swaths of rushes and other water-loving plants provide all season interest.