Large pots can be used as focal points in the garden, with or without plantings inside. Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

Acer grandidentatum / Bigtooth maple Photo: Andrey Zharkikh, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-2.0 Generic
Design ideas for a landscaping in Other.

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

This is an example of a modern landscaping in Los Angeles.

Antique yet modern designed Wine barrel shaped wine cabinet which hold 18 bottles. Made out of white pine with beeswax infused stain, which is hand applied and rubbed, then allowed to dry and cure overnight or maybe two nights, depending on the weather, humidity, and temperature, then apply another coat. After drying, we stretch a bronzed hoop around each perimeter, just like a regular barrel has hoops, only in our case, we also decorate the hoop with several antique hammered and dimpled round escutcheons on each side and top. Measures 22 "wide, by 13" deep, and 38" high. Pre-assembled and ready to use. Solid white pine with a hand rubbed bees wax stain, that is first applied, then dries for two days, and then re-applied to give a lustrous olde world look and smell. Pre-assembled - no assembly required. This is Kelsey's Collections first product which requires no assembly. Made in a factory in a remote village in Michoacán province called Nuevo San Juan Pangacaritiro. The village owns the logging mill and next door to the mill are our furniture factory and also a molding factory. The village also owns the forest where the white pine is selectively logged. In the forest they also harvest pine pitch and manage the forest for long term yields and sustainable growth. The area in the summer season is frequented by almost daily thunderstorms with a huge downpour of water and then it dries out and the evenings are warm but not unpleasant and avocados are the main fruit. Measures 38" high, by 22" Wide and 13" deep Holds 15 bottles Weighs 22 pounds

From above, the multi-tiered metal roofing layout shows how Schulte Roofing balanced architecture with functionality. The concealed fastener panels and custom chimney flashings were positioned to direct water toward harvesting zones without affecting the home’s design. This installation follows the global precision standards expected from seasoned roofing experts. We have regularly delivered such high-end residential work as a leading San Antonio roofing contractor.

Our clients approached us to renovate their loved family home. The Main Floor needed a fresh update, and better functionality and storage to fit the needs of their growing family. The existing Kitchen felt closed off from the rest of the Main Floor, and the layout did not allow for enough countertop or storage space. Each of their Bathrooms also needed an update and better storage. Due to a previously bad experience with another contractor previously, it was important for our clients to work with a contractor who they could build trust with, and feel respected by and comfortable with. Using space from an extra stairway in the side entry of the house, we were able to create a spacious mudroom, perfect for taking a seat to put on or take off coats and boots, and unique, hidden storage for seasonal and outdoor items. We were able to create a more open concept Main Floor, by removing the walls between the Kitchen and Family Room. This allowed for a larger, more functional Kitchen. The new Kitchen is bright and welcoming with white quartz countertops that run seamlessly into a matching backsplash. Beautiful white cabinetry is complemented by brushed bronze pulls and faucets, and durable, contemporary flooring. We transformed the Kitchen and Family Room areas with a vaulted ceiling, and a repaired and modernized Kitchen skylight. We also integrated a patio door entrance, which combined with both sloped and flat sections of the vaulted ceiling, proved to be quite a challenge! This project involved skilled welding, roofing, and structural work, and it was important to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. As any mistakes could result in serious issues, communication between everyone involved was key! Regular team meetings, updates on progress, and addressing concerns promptly kept everyone on the same page and avoided misunderstandings. In the end, the raised ceiling, skylight, and patio door were well worth the work, as together they enhanced the airiness and visual spaciousness of the space. On the Second Floor, we created a larger Master Ensuite by borrowing room from existing closet space. This allowed for a spacious walk-in shower, and separate bathtub. A prefabricated stylish vanity not only adds a pop of colour, but also provides plenty of useful storage. New marble tiling on the floor extends to the wall behind the bathtub, creating a luxurious accent wall. The Shared Bathroom was updated to include a new walk-in shower, and a separate bathtub, surrounded by modern geometric wall tiles. The removal of popcorn ceilings, an updated the Front Door, and a refinished Main Staircase with metal railings completed tying the home together, creating a fresh, updated space that this family can enjoy for years to come.

Add a bit of fancy to your decor with this ceramic deer head vase. Feature it as a centerpiece or greet visitors with it. The branches are not included, so create your own display using twigs from your yard. Change the antlers out regularly to express the spirit of every season. Made of ceramic. Dimensions: 9.5" H.

Great thought and ingenuity went into creating this dining room. With the homeowner desiring hidden, walk-in butler pantries, accessible from the dining room, but not visible on a regular basis, the Neolith wall with hidden doors was a creative solution. Spring catch doors open up to separate pantries equipped with wood cabinetry; one side stores dishware and the other sports a cocktail bar. CaesarStone Apple Martini countertops add a bright pop of color to the area. A coffered ceiling highlighted with rope lighting and a Rhapsody Chandelier creates the perfect dining ambiance. Paul Kohlman Photography

Our client in the villager of Pembury was feeling really deflated after having a Slate Patio laid adjacent to the full length of her house, however the builder had not applied the sealer correctly creating a mess which ruined the appearance of the stone. Unfortunately, it is not that unusual to be contacted about this sort of situation, applying a sealer is not as easy as manufactures make out. There are lots of factors to consider, choosing the right sealer, is the stone damp, how do you know if you have applied too much, and it often catches tradesmen out. I was able to reassure them that with the right combination of products and equipment the problem could be rectified. The first job was to strip off the old sealer which was done using a product called Tile Doctor Remove and Go. The name of this product pretty much says it all and once applied to the stone it is left to soak in for ten to twenty minutes before being scrubbed in with a rotary machine fitted with an abrasive burnishing pad. Tile Doctor Remove and Go is a multi-purpose stripper which will remove most coatings and sealers, including epoxy grout haze which is another common problem we encounter when tradesmen have not cleaned up properly after grouting. It is also good for removing heavy build ups of grease. I used several burnishing pads of different grits going from coarse to smooth on this patio, rinsing and extracting the soil after each pad. It was a large area, so this process took up most of the day on its own, fortunately I use a van mounted high pressure cleaning and extraction system to remove the soil which is very efficient and leaves the stone bright clean and reasonably dry afterwards. This ensures the process can be carried out with minimal mess. It was a nice warm summers day and although cloudy we didn’t get any rain overnight, so after checking the forecast I was able to return the next day and apply a fresh sealer to the Slate. My client wanted a natural look, so I used Tile Doctor Ultra Seal. This product is a no-sheen, natural-look, impregnating sealer which is formulated to provide maximum stain protection. These impregnating sealers work by penetrating the stone, occupying its pores, and thus preventing dirt from residing there. The client was so happy and relieved to see the results on what a very expensive patio and commented she was eager to get the first barbecue of the season underway. We recommended that a regular with the jet wash should keep the patio in good condition and in a few years time we could return to reapply the sealer for them. Michael Conlon South Kent Tile Doctor

Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

The exciting new Southgate™ Rhododendrons are heat tolerant and thrive in the Deep South while performing equally well in traditional Rhododendron areas. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Deep pink buds open to pink ruffle blooms Plant Type Shrubs Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 6,7,8,9 Zone Detail Hardy to -10 F Key Features Heat tolerance, attracts birds/butterflies, year-round interest, dwarf Use Accent, container, mass planting, slope, hedge Exposure Part shade to shade Bloom Season Spring Dimension 3-4' H x 3-4' W Growth Rate Slow to moderate CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Early spring Pruning Shape after spring bloom PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in part shade to shade dig hole 3X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

Distinctive oak-shaped leaves; dense, bright green foliage; upright shape; needs little pruning; great for an accent or screen. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Bright green leaves with oak leaf look. Red berries in fall and winter. Plant Type Trees Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 6,7,8,9 Zone Detail Hardy to -10 F Key Features Year-round interest Use Hedge, privacy planting Exposure Full sun to part shade Bloom Season None Dimension 15-20' H x 12-15' W Growth Rate Moderate to fast growth CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Early spring Pruning Shape in spring PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in full sun to part shade dig hole 3X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

Outdoor fireplace and pizza oven by Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by Preferred Properties. North Haven, CT. WITH MILD WINTERS and warm summers, Connecticut’s climate is ideal for living it up in the great outdoors. This family’s sizable and beautifully landscaped lot was enough to get them outside regularly, but it was not enough to keep them there for long. Desiring an outdoor design that would keep them comfortable and entertained through all the seasons, they hired Michael Gotowala, principal designer and president of Preferred Properties Landscaping and Masonry. Gotowala carved out space off the home and outfitted it with a full suite of open-air amenities. The main focus is the fully equipped kitchen, which includes a built-in DCS by Fisher & Paykel grill, a Summit refrigerator, a Tuscan pizza oven, a sink with Moen faucet, Danver cabinetry, trash pullout, and stone countertops. This sizzling setup makes both cooking family meals and entertaining guests a snap by putting everything they need for prep and cooking at their fingertips—no more running back and forth into the house. For more inspiring outdoor kitchen projects go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by Preferred Properties. www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com