Something to soothe the soul. ? Take a deep breath in and slowly release.... Ahhhhh.... (Photo by RStarovich)
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard pond in Chicago for summer.

This fireplace is a true masonry heater. It is a type of fireplace the accumulates, stores and then slowly releases the heat from a wood fire. It is built entirely from soapstone and weighs just over 4000lbs.

This fireplace is a true masonry heater. It is a type of fireplace the accumulates, stores and then slowly releases the heat from a wood fire. It is built entirely from soapstone and weighs just over 4000lbs.

This fireplace is a true masonry heater. It is a type of fireplace the accumulates, stores and then slowly releases the heat from a wood fire. It is built entirely from soapstone and weighs just over 4000lbs.

This small backyard was the low point (in elevation) in the neighborhood. During a rainstorm a river would run from the yards above. Creating a rain garden collected and managed the large amount of water and then slowly released it back into the landscape. Feather reed grass, Joe Pye Weed, Echinacea clean the water while being held.

PureZEO Pro is recommended for any installation. It is 100% Zeolite which is safe for both the environment and your pets. Zeolite minerals will absorb any ammonia in the urine while preventing foul odors. PureZEO Pro also captures and holds moisture, releasing it slowly throughout the day. This help to prevent artificial grass from getting too hot, keeping the artificial grass more enjoyable during hot summer days.

This small backyard was the low point (in elevation) in the neighborhood. During a rainstorm a river would run from the yards above. Creating a rain garden collected and managed the large amount of water and then slowly released it back into the landscape. Feather reed grass, Joe Pye Weed, Echinacea clean the water while being held.

Potting mixes for container gardens need to drain freely, but still retain moisture. My base potting soil mix contains (clockwise from upper left) coarse builder's sand, high-quality organic compost or worm castings, coconut coir, and small lava rock. I supplement this with additional compost, fresh worm castings, and organic soil amendments, with the amounts varying depending on what I'm planting. Photo by Steve Masley

The steel exo-skeleton cradles a floating radiant concrete floor platform. A shallow sloped exposed timber-framed roof structure serves as a metaphorical forest canopy umbrella and optimally orients the photovoltaic solar panel system to the southwest. A continuous clerestory wraps all sides of the house, bathing the interior spaces in natural light and providing serendipitous views into the treetops from within. photo credit: Ben Benschneider

The two mounds are hugelkultur beds reserved for annual vegetables. They have a core of well aged wood that will slowly release nutrients and heat over time as it breaks down. The wood also absorbs an incredible amount of water over the winter and spring thus drastically reducing the amount of watering needed over the dry summer. There are three keyhole garden beds on the far side of the dry creek as well. Two are for annual vegetables while the middle one has a combination of asparagus and delicious little alpine strawberries. 2016 Mark Wolfe Photography. www.mwolfephotography.com

For this residence, the stone came from excavating for the foundation and septic system and clearly reads as structural, not as a veneer. Attention to southern and northern exposures and resulting site preservation and energy requirements determined design choices. On southern exposures, heavily insulated wooden walls mitigate summer heat gain; the stone wall mass on the northern exposure slowly releases cooling during daytime hours. All exposed posts and beams are structural; exposed joist tails reveal the simple stick-framing and durability. Ultimately, the symbiosis of stone, wood, and steel reflects a structure rooted to its site.

lily pond flower in Manalapan, Florida. Fountain lily pond design and installation by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard stone patio fountain design in Miami

Scott & Catherine Buley, High Tech Turf & Trees/Rain Garden Nursery

Concrete can be made to look like any substance. Tile, stone, wood, brick, etc. With unlimited color options, Ky-Kan Coatings can transform any room in your home or business using lightweight, beautiful concrete.

Pool - large modern backyard tile and rectangular lap pool idea in Miami

'Patio' tomatoes, basil, and parsley form the centerpieces of these three planters. Flowers accent the front. Learn how to grow easy vegetables that look great on your patio from the book "Easy Container Combos: Vegetables & Flowers." See a free, 24 page sample of the book at www.pamela-crawford.com. in the 'Books' section. Pamela Crawford designed and photographed the planter. Pamela designs landscapes throughout Palm Beach County, FL, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, the town of Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Wellington.

This previously unused attic space is now a sauna/yoga room. The left sauna wall follows the attic rafters down diagonally to allow a wider space for leg room on the twin sauna benches.

Photo taken in the garden of David Benner. Photo by Jay Sifford
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Charlotte.

Example of a small classic 3/4 white tile and stone tile mosaic tile floor alcove shower design in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls