With views of Nantucket Sound and Sampson’s Island, this Oyster Harbors property holds colorful gardens for summer enjoyment. A large kitchen garden surrounded by apple trees provides a bountiful selection of herbs for the home cook. In the adjacent gardens, vegetables, lime and lemon trees, and tropical plants are mixed amongst vibrant perennials and pear and apple trees.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'Shenandoah' Switchgrass (foreground), Panicum virgatum is a tough native cultivar that provides months of interest and needs very little. Grass matures to about 3-4' tall by 3-4 wide. Foliage tips become reddish purple in summer changing to yellow in autumn. Tiny plumes sway in the breeze. Provide food and shelter for wildlife. Looks lovely backlit by the sun.

Enclosed courtyard located off the Living Room provides outdoor dining/entertaining in a serene environment. Existing yard walls were raised, a river rock wall was added for additional seating as well as to define the 'living' area. Native and native adapted trees, shrubs, grasses and ground covers were added to the three existing Pinon trees in addition to two specimen boulders.

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.

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.

The terra cotta tile roof as well as the Spanish tile of the front stairs focused the color palette. In spring, the California Lilac behind the stairs mirrors the blue in the tile. In summer and fall, that service is provided by California native Oregon Grape.

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.

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.

Shady, flower-lined paths invite a stroll through a pocket-sized woodland. A variety of spring-blooming and fall-blooming plants provides color throughout the growing season. A more natural look and the use of mulch rather than pavement creates an aesthetic harmony with the undeveloped area beyond the yard.

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.

Wrought fencing, a hallmark of Spanish Colonial design, would provide little privacy from the street. Now established trees are joined by California Lilac and Coffeeberry Ito give the meadow a secret garden feel.

A stabilized granite walking path allows a natural area for walking meditation which feels like part of the surrounding landscape, yet provides a level of protection.

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.

Bottlebrush buckeye in the background of this planted area is not only a reliable choice for the region, it also provides summer flowers which are known to attract a variety of butterflies. Lining this area are bold, sweeping duffs of fern which provide a picturesque contrast to the grass and boxwoods in front of the home.