This is an example of a large contemporary full sun courtyard brick formal garden in Chicago for spring.

Night Blooming Jasmine. Extremely fast grower and surprised me how tall it can actually get. This is currently approaching 10'.

Anne Lacouture Penniman

Backyard patio with Dover Grey porcelain slabs, cut basalt step, custom trellis for privacy, new planters with plants and landscape lighting.
Design ideas for a partial sun backyard landscaping in Vancouver.

Photo of a large tropical partial sun front yard stone formal garden in Phoenix.

The goal of this Bethesda Maryland property was to continue upgrading the backyard while also reflecting the family’s needs. The updated space now serves as a great spot for sports and gardening, making it more than just an outdoor area! The upgrades included leveling an area for a soccer field with bold walls, replacing the old patio and steps with a new flagstone patio, and installing a “Provence” style garden and stepping stones to connect all areas. To add a touch of uniqueness, we opted for a checkerboard fire pit patio that is sure to impress guests. For the patio space near the house, we went with a wolf outdoor kitchen, updated plantings and the drainage (using natives and ornamentals) plus installed low-voltage lighting. No property comes without its challenges. We had to deal with the significant rainfall uphill that created rivers crossing the property as well as the narrow access points to the backyard. The final product is a unique and upgraded space for the family to enjoy for years to come.

“House with the Common View,” Wallingford AWARDS: Best of Wallingford, Built Green Hammer Award Description Artistic, sustainable addition to a small Wallingford bungalow which was necessary to allow a growing family to continue to thrive in a neighborhood that they love. Challenge Growing family needed more space but they didn’t want to move. They knew that they would have to build up but don’t want to block views or ruin the experience for their neighbor friends. Because of the size and shape of the lot, there were also permitting and structuring challenges. Inspiration We found inspiration in the family and their commitment to the place, neighborhood and friends. We wanted to create a house that is not only functional and respectful of the neighbor’s view, but that actually gives back to the neighborhood. We had to lean in hard in the design process to pull all of that off. Solutions + Innovations We engaged in a meticulous design process included literal “boots on the ground” elements like standing on the property with sticks to measure the neighbor’s view. We not only maintained that view but enhanced it by giving the neighbors a view of green roof gardens on 4 sides of the house. To support that work, we had to rebuild the foundation. As an amenity for the neighborhood at large, we created a rain path that channeled into living wall and structured rain garden that was adjacent to the sidewalk. How is it sustainable? We salvaged or repurposed all of the materials that we could, including salvaging painted shingles on from house and repurposing them for a tiny play house (which also has a green roof). The old beams from basement became a cabinet in the new bathroom. We also used orchard-salvaged walnut which matched the horizontal grain already existing in the kitchen. We economized on space, saving the footprint on the main floor, and only added 600 feet upstairs which house two bedrooms and one batch. We used casework to create walls, used the stairs for part of the cabinets, and built walk-n cabinets, creating adaptable space for long term needs. More adaptable space included a sharable bathroom/wetroom which is functional for both adults and kids. We developed a green roof system, rain gardens, and a green wall along sidewalk. We took the opportunity to improve the envelope, insulating outside the building before the siding went back on. We also incorporated solar into the design, created the opportunity for natural daylighting all day on upper level and stairwell, as well as using resin-based eco countertops.

A happy shade garden on a sunny day ~

Design:Steve Hansen; Photos: Jesse Edsell-Vetter

Design ideas for a traditional partial sun hillside stone garden path in Toronto.

Photo: Rob Mooney
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Boston.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard mulch formal garden in New York.

Design ideas for an eclectic landscaping in Denver.

Inspiration for an eclectic landscaping in Seattle.