A simple iron handrail and low stone cheek walls make a journey of the walk up the steps. Vinca, Helleborus, Yew, Azalea and a weeping Cherry tree surround the upper terrace. DESIGN: Cathy Carr, APLD Photo and installation by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

Huge chartreuse Sum & Substance Hosta shine in the sunlight. Aucuba, Hellebore and Liriope provide reliable year-round interest. DESIGN: Cathy Carr, APLD Photo and installation by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

The Japanese Maple and Weeping Hemlock were installed last year. We left the Annebelle Hydrangea and added Azaleas, Spirea, Endless Summer Hydrangea and Hicksii Yew as foundation plants for the winter.

Cothren Design, LLC
Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Houston.

The yard used to just fall off to the sidewalk. A flagstone capped brick wall looks like it's always been there. DESIGN: Cathy Carr, APLD Photo and installation by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

The homeowners enjoy having a snack or reading the paper on their front porch. The vine-covered lattice provides privacy from the neighbor. DESIGN: Cathy Carr, APLD Photo and installation by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

Front entrance walkway with exciting plantings for all seasons. Planting design uses different contrasting colors, textures, shapes, and seasonal interest. Small seating area in front yard for morning coffee and enjoying garden

The existing landscape was filled with colorless Yew evergreens and poor soil conditions. These areas are somewhat shady and now include Azaleas, Endless Summer Hydrangea, Grefsheim Spirea, Weeping Hemlock, Japanese Maple Bloodgood and Hicksii Yews that do not spread. The small pear tree is a Jaczam and will flower in Spring and have ornamental small non edible pears in the fall.

Cothren Design, LLC
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Houston

Cozy front porch seating area. Cards, anyone? DESIGN: Cathy Carr, APLD Photo and installation by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional stone front porch design in DC Metro with a roof extension.

Large Podocarpus hedge allows pool privacy.
Photo of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Los Angeles with a fire pit for spring.

The homeowner worked with an iron fabricator to design the handrails ad the arbor over the gate. DESIGN: Cathy Carr, APLD Photo and installation by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

Front entrance walkway with exciting plantings for all seasons. Planting design uses different contrasting colors, textures, shapes, and seasonal interest. Small seating area in front yard for morning coffee and enjoying garden

Looking down at the original planting created for this property. A tapestry of foliage colors, shapes and textures was used to liven up this somewhat shady space. Key plants in this photograph are Autumn Brilliance Autumn Fern, Climbing Hydrangea, Hot Lips Chelone, Winter Hellebore, Weeping English Yew, Dwarf Rhododendron, Azalea and Gulfstream Nandina. Photography by Katherine Palmer

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

Ryan Hainey
Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Milwaukee

After removing 2' deep ivy and yew shrubs, our landscape crews installed a mix of color and textures for year round interest. Large maple trees were planted in the front for shade. A river birch, weeping Alaskan cedar, and flowering trees were added for an additional layer of interest.

Cothren Design, LLC
Example of a trendy pool design in Houston