Lagoon-side property in the Bel Marin Keys, Novato, CA. Plants featured: Phormium, Sedum rupestre 'Angelina', Fescue glauca, and other succuelnts in container. Entertaining and enjoying the views were a primary design goal for this project. The project includes a large camaru deck with built-in seating and contemporary planters filled with succulents, grasses and phormium, new zealand flax. The concrete steps and pavers lead down to the water's edge. I included a sunken patio on one side and a beautiful Buddha statue on the other, surrounded by succulents and other low-water, contemporary plantings. Photo: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design. Design Eileen Kelly

Waterfall and garden ponds in this backyard features a stone bridge and large koi pond. Backyard Waterfall, water garden, garden design by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.

Waterfall and garden ponds in this backyard features a stone bridge and large koi pond. Backyard Waterfall, water garden, garden design by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.

This tired, unused San Francisco backyard was transformed into a modern, low-maintenance landscape with site-appropriate plantings enhanced by raised planting beds and a lead-free artificial lawn to replace the existing water-thirsty lawn. I created two separate "rooms" to break up the long narrow yard, and specified full range blue stone for the two small patio areas, connected by a curved pattern of rectangular pavers of the same natural stone. The raised concrete rectangular planting beds were incorporated to bring more movement and interest to the landscape along with gravel bed accents alongside. Some of the existing concrete remained, and was stained with a color to compliment the natural stone. These photos were taken over a three year period. Photos: © Landscape Designer, Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design.

A small pond provides serenity in and urban setting.
Small contemporary exterior home idea in San Francisco

Inspiration for a small country powder room remodel in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, wood countertops, white walls and brown countertops

Avid gardeners worked alongside helping create a unique water garden with many small falls, 90′ stream, stone bridges and Japanese-style lower pond. Large deck, stone front entry steps, pathways and extensive plantings complete the quiet retreat.

Lagoon-side property in the Bel Marin Keys, Novato, CA. Entertaining and enjoying the views were a primary design goal for this project along with replacing the lawn with CA native and low water plants and a total renovation. The project includes a large camaru deck with built-in seating. The concrete steps and pavers lead down to the water's edge. I included a sunken patio on one side and a beautiful Buddha statue on the other, surrounded by succulents and other low-water, contemporary plantings. I also used Dymondia ground cover to create a natural pathways within the garden. Photo: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design. Design Eileen Kelly

A forest-like setting for a small fountain helps create a tranquil oasis.
Inspiration for a large contemporary exterior home remodel in San Francisco

San Rafael, CA / photo: Jay Graham
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional partial sun backyard stone water fountain landscape in San Francisco for spring.

Small backyard stone patio fountain photo in DC Metro with no cover

Concrete pavers, a fountain with a miniature water garden, and a built-in barbecue anchor the space. The grill's countertop ties in architectural detail.

John Beaudry
Inspiration for a large mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun side yard gravel garden path in San Diego for summer.

Avid gardeners worked alongside helping create a unique water garden with many small falls, 90′ stream, stone bridges and Japanese-style lower pond. Large deck, stone front entry steps, pathways and extensive plantings complete the quiet retreat.

Our clients on this project were inspired by their travels to Asia and wanted to mimic this aesthetic at their DC property. We designed a water feature that effectively masks adjacent traffic noise and maintains a small footprint.

Avid gardeners worked alongside helping create a unique water garden with many small falls, 90′ stream, stone bridges and Japanese-style lower pond. Large deck, stone front entry steps, pathways and extensive plantings complete the quiet retreat.

Pool fountain - small modern backyard stone and rectangular pool fountain idea in Atlanta

Julie Orr
Design ideas for a rustic water fountain landscape in San Francisco.

Avid gardeners worked alongside helping create a unique water garden with many small falls, 90′ stream, stone bridges and Japanese-style lower pond. Large deck, stone front entry steps, pathways and extensive plantings complete the quiet retreat.