Decomposed granite path with added flagstone that surrounds the tree in the property.
Photo of a mid-sized asian full sun backyard decomposed granite and wood fence formal garden in San Diego for summer.

Design ideas for a large contemporary shade side yard stone formal garden in Toronto for summer.

Multi-color blooms of Agastache 'Blue Boa' (Hummingbird Mint) + Agastache 'Apricot Sunrise' (Hummingbird Mint) team up to lure in a variety of birds and butterflies. Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' (Blue Idaho Fescue) is in the foreground.

Photography by Jorge Alvarez.
Mid-sized elegant gray two-story exterior home photo in Tampa with a hip roof

This thoughtfully designed Davis backyard blends comfort, style, and functionality. The curved raised concrete patio sets the stage for future lounging, soon to be furnished with inviting outdoor sofas and a firepit. Nearby, a gravel area is reserved for an outdoor dining table—perfect for alfresco meals under the trees. A flowing gravel pathway lined with honeycomb pavers ensures stable footing as you move through the space, guiding you around the entire garden with ease. Off the main path, stepping pavers invite you to meander through a growing meadow toward a future destination: a peaceful sitting area where an Adirondack chair will offer a quiet spot to unwind. Practical improvements include a handsome new wood fence that screens the AC unit, and a clean-lined gate that conceals the newly paved side yard—transforming previously cluttered views into moments of calm and order. The landscape is designed to evolve beautifully over time, with layers of texture and movement adding depth and natural interest throughout the seasons.

Situated in old Palo Alto, CA, this historic 1905 Craftsman style home now has a stunning landscape to match its custom hand-crafted interior. Our firm had a blank slate with the landscape, and carved out a number of spaces that this young and vibrant family could use for gathering, entertaining, dining, gardening and general relaxation. Mature screen planting, colorful perennials, citrus trees, ornamental grasses, and lots of depth and texture are found throughout the many planting beds. In effort to conserve water, the main open spaces were covered with a foot friendly, decorative gravel. Giving the family a great space for large gatherings, all while saving water.

A stone path, ferns, some native, some added, and a gorgeous tree tunnel.
Photo of a transitional shade hillside stone garden path in DC Metro for summer.

This is an example of a modern partial sun backyard stone formal garden in Toronto.

Pristine white fencing and flagstone path beckons one to enter and explore this garden. To the left of the gate are Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, Stargazer Daylily and Red Knock Out Rose. To the right is a Buttercup Winter Hazel. The tree behind the gate is a rare variegated Beni Schichihenge Cutleaf Japanese Maple. The portion of the home behind the fence was an addition designed by Architect John Milner.

This home owner didn't want to keep mowing his back yard. So we came up with a shade garden design that eliminated his grass and added beauty and function to his back yard. We used mature Natchez Crape Myrtles, Asian Jasmine, Variegated Hostas, and Autumn Fern.

This natural stone path creates a boundary between lawn and planting bed, keeping the client's feet dry as well.
This is an example of a small traditional shade backyard stone garden path in Portland.

Careful attention to detail required for small garden design also catered to Client's refined tastes. A backyard oasis for Client to spend time with young grandchildren and friends.

Photo Credit: Ryan Corrigan
Design ideas for a rustic garden path in Omaha.

Thick Tennessee Crab Orchard Stone slabs create the steps. The slabs were snap cut to retain a natural feel. Virginia mined Sandstone blocks pick up the same color range and were used to create stone walls along the stone path. The garden primarily consists of serpentine swaths of Liriope spicata and Euonymus coloratus. These two plants work well to retain the soil and have kept erosion from being a problem. Additional species were added and nestled in close to the walk for garden interest. Blue sedges, white flowering geranium, dwarf mounding boxwoods and dwarf wintercreeper are visible in this picture. Photography by Katherine Palmer

Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun front yard stone formal garden in Atlanta.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary partial sun front yard stone formal garden in Toronto for summer.

Design ideas for a traditional partial sun side yard concrete paver formal garden in Seattle for summer.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard garden path in Los Angeles.

Photo of a mid-century modern landscaping in Phoenix.