Turning into the backyard, a two-tiered pergola and social space make for a grand arrival. Scroll down to the first "before" photo for a peek at what it looked like when we first did our site inventory in the snow. Design by John Algozzini and Kevin Manning.

Flagstone and river rock walkway and landing.
This is an example of a mid-sized country front yard shaded garden in Austin with natural stone pavers.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard shaded garden in Philadelphia with a garden path.

An example of a Japanese garden has lot options. This space only measure 8ft x 4ft (3 square meters) As you can see in the photos, we incorporated a tsukubai (Japanese source) and a karesansui (sand garden) This work was carried in only 3 days !!!

Koi pond in between decks. Pergola and decking are redwood. Concrete pillars under the steps for support. There are ample space in between the supporting pillars for koi fish to swim by, provides cover from sunlight and possible predators. Koi pond filtration is located under the wood deck, hidden from sight. The water fall is also a biological filtration (bakki shower). Pond water volume is 5500 gallon. Artificial grass and draught resistant plants were used in this yard.

This shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy. The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves. These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree. At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike. The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover. Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight. The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover. Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway. The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it. A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed. To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.

This compact, urban backyard was in desperate need of privacy. We created a series of outdoor rooms, privacy screens, and lush plantings all with an Asian-inspired design sense. Elements include a covered outdoor lounge room, sun decks, rock gardens, shade garden, evergreen plant screens, and raised boardwalk to connect the various outdoor spaces. The finished space feels like a true backyard oasis.

Within this garden we wanted to create a space which was not only on numerous levels, but also had various points of interest. This garden is on a slope, but is also very wide. Firstly, we broke up the space by using rustic sleepers to create several raised beds,as well as steps which lead to differennt zones. This helps to give the garden a more traditional, country edge. The sleepers were also used to create a winding path through out the garden, marrying together the various areas. The path leads up to the impressive sunburst pergola and circular stone patio. This is the perfect spot to view the whole garden. At the other end of the garden another pergola sits amougnst a bustling flower bed, and will be used to train vining flowers. Along the back wall of the garden a raised bed is home to a stunning display of wildflower. This plot is not only a fabulous riot of colour and full of rustic charm, but it also attracts a whole host of insects and animals. While wildflowers looks great they are also very low maintenance. Mixed gravel has been used to create a variety of texture. This surface is intermittently dotted with colour with lemon thyme, red hot pokers and foxgloves. Stone has been used to create a warm and welcoming patio area. Flower beds at the front of the garden can be used for veg and other leafy plants. Overall we have created a country style with a very contemporary twist through the use of gravel, modern shape and structural landscaping.

Photo by Kirsten Gentry and Terra Jenkins for Van Zelst, Inc.
Expansive asian backyard shaded garden in Chicago with natural stone pavers for summer.

A view across the backyard which shows the natural stepping stones leading from the side yard to the interlock stone patio with the step up to the composite deck on the right. newly planted creeping thyme will provide a dense green mat with spectacular pink flowers in the summer. Various areas throughout the yard have been provided for the owner to install various containers for annuals or other seasonal interest plants. C.Gilmore - Heritage Stoneworks

The spiral water fall is also a biological filter. A layer of small stones fills the spiral almost to the top and as water passes over the stones, beneficial bacteria remove nutrients reducing algae blooms. Roger Foley Photography, All Rights Reserved

Custom horizontal western red cedar fence. 3/4" thick true western red cedar horizontal boards with cedar posts, and cap. We have many different styles to choose from. All custom built. Serving all of Denver Colorado Metro and Northern Colorado

Kirkland's East of Market neighborhood is more urban in character than the surrounding communities, encouraging a design that occupies the urban-suburban boundary. Living spaces are tightly organized and vertical, stacked over the garage, with a shifted geometry between floors creating a dynamic form. photo by Lara Swimmer

Terrestrial habitat features like the stone filled hibernacular in the foreground were built by the children. This would offer amphibians and small mammals a place to forage and hibernate. There were also log piles and places where the plants would be allowed to grow wild.

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard shaded garden in Seattle with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Decomposed Granite Pathway
Mid-sized country backyard shaded garden in Los Angeles.

http://www.creativenoodle.net/
This is an example of a small modern backyard shaded garden in Orange County with decomposed granite.

An inner city oasis with enchanting planting using a tapestry of textures, shades of green and architectural forms to evoke the tropics of Australia. Sensations of mystery inspire a reason to journey through the space to a raised deck where the family can enjoy the last of the evening sun.

The design for the new custom stepped redwood fence and gate incorporated a narrow trellis top for Akebia vines. The horizontal slats are expressed with a modern reveal but there are no gaps, for privacy. The topiary trees are Majestic Beauty Hawthorns, which will quickly bulk up in height and spread and create even more privacy from neighboring houses. The narrow sidewalk planter has Liriope, Biokovo Geraniums and Ajuga