Lance Kelly
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Boston for summer.

Bristleleaf Sedge / Bristleleaf Sedge
Design ideas for a landscaping in Other.

Photo courtesy of Dig Plant Co., uploaded with written permission
Inspiration for a landscaping in Other.

Bliss Garden Design
This is an example of a coastal landscaping in Seattle.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

This is an example of a landscaping in Boston.

This area has a bit more controlled design with just the prairie dropseed next to the rocks. Very attractive prairie grass that leans over in an attractive fashion.

Aloe Ferox, Iris, Anigozanthos, Agapanthus Design- Harry Thompson, Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc A San Diego Home and Garden 2014 award winner Maintenance- Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc, A CLCA award winner Photo-Martin Mann

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz
Photo of a farmhouse landscaping in New York.

Inspiration for a landscaping in Boston.

Dry steam bed becomes a feature in the yard and is sustainable
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel garden path in Other.

Scandinavian yard built on a slight slope with sandy soil. A concrete driveway was poured with dark grey concrete and white gravel. It includes a small grass play area, planters made out of CorTen steen, a wood deck entrance and a succulent wall.

This project represents the evolution of a 10 acre space over more than three decades. It began with the pool and space around it. As the vegetable garden grew, the orchard was established and the display gardens blossomed. The prairie was restored and a kitchen was added to complete the space. Although, it continues to change with a pond next on the design plan. Photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Sculptural agaves, succulents and California native plants punctuate the front landscape complementing the “arroyo seco” rain garden studded with boulders and branches. The rain garden catches 50% of the stormwater runoff from the roof and infiltrates it into the soil. The remaining 50% of the runoff goes to a second rain garden in the back yard.

Inspiration for a landscaping in Minneapolis.

A perfect little seating area next to a heritage orange tree.
Design ideas for a large traditional full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco for spring.

Carex Eburnea / Bristleleaf Sedge The High Line, New York
Photo of a landscaping in New York.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Photo: Geoff Gallice, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution- 2.0 Generic
This is an example of a landscaping in Other.

Scandinavian yard built on a slight slope with sandy soil. A concrete driveway was poured with dark grey concrete and white gravel. It includes a small grass play area, planters made out of CorTen steen, a wood deck entrance and a succulent wall.