Hilarie Holdsworth
Home design - country home design idea in Boston

A neglected backyard in deep shade needed a redesign. Clean and usable garden was built full of shade tolerant perennials and shrubs. As this garden will mature in years to come it will provide owners with lush vegetation and plenty of room to entertain and play.

These stone terraces were built by a master craftsman. We chose to use slightly diverse stone, here and there, adding subtle color and texture. In addition this choice gives an old world charm to the terraces, as found stone was the what was historically used in terraces long ago.

Design ideas for a large modern drought-tolerant and shade backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in Austin for spring.

This is an example of a large modern drought-tolerant and shade backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in Austin for spring.

This project reimagines an under-used back yard in Portland, Oregon, creating an urban garden with an adjacent writer’s studio. Taking inspiration from Japanese precedents, we conceived of a paving scheme with planters, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and a seven-foot-tall cedar fence. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

Inspiration for an asian landscaping in Santa Barbara.

This is an example of a mid-sized shade backyard stone landscaping in Boston.

Further north, at the northwest corner of my lot is a old zip line platform that is being repurposed to an Arbor already under construction. The 5' tall Witch Hazel is just left of center. More on it later.

This is a 12' x 14' timber frame pergola kit that can be put up in as little as one afternoon for a wedding. Durable and strong to withstand strong winds and heavy mountainous snows for many years of enjoyment and family gatherings.

Design ideas for a huge traditional shade backyard formal garden in New York.

This thoughtful husband wanted to give his wife an Asian-inspired shade garden with deep cedar soaking tub for her 50th birthday - what a guy! They also wanted to encourage their teenagers and friends to hang out at home - smart thinking! The hot tub and deck had to be designed around large existing conifers. The addition of the overhead structure provides visual interest as well as protecting the hot tub from sap and falling debris. This project illustrates skilled woodworking and a minimalist, textural plant palette. We created two separate patios - one for outdoor dining and one with a gas fire table, perfect for enticing teenagers and their friends! Lighting from FX Luminaire highlights the Japanese Maple and illuminates the stamped concrete pathways, creating a magical nighttime effect.

Lush perennial plantings surround bear sculpture at front entry
Photo of a small asian shade front yard concrete paver garden path in Denver.

Design ideas for a large modern drought-tolerant and shade backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in Austin for spring.

Home design - transitional home design idea in New York

Family room - traditional enclosed dark wood floor family room idea in Cincinnati with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This thoughtful husband wanted to give his wife an Asian-inspired shade garden with deep cedar soaking tub for her 50th birthday - what a guy! They also wanted to encourage their teenagers and friends to hang out at home - smart thinking! The hot tub and deck had to be designed around large existing conifers. The addition of the overhead structure provides visual interest as well as protecting the hot tub from sap and falling debris. This project illustrates skilled woodworking and a minimalist, textural plant palette. We created two separate patios - one for outdoor dining and one with a gas fire table, perfect for enticing teenagers and their friends! Lighting from FX Luminaire highlights the Japanese Maple and illuminates the stamped concrete pathways, creating a magical nighttime effect.

A neglected backyard in deep shade needed a redesign. Clean and usable garden was built full of shade tolerant perennials and shrubs. As this garden will mature in years to come it will provide owners with lush vegetation and plenty of room to entertain and play.

Diminutive shade garden in urban backyard with transitional styling. Both traditional and ultra modern elements are combined.
Photo of a small traditional shade backyard stone landscaping in New York.