Refine by:
Budget
Sort by:Popular Today
1 - 20 of 58,605 photos
Item 1 of 3
Verdance Landscape Architecture
The driveway was rebuilt with permeable Belgard 'Old World' pavers to complement the Spanish style home. Slabs of 'Autumn Gold' create steps up to the front seating area, which is contained by a seatwall clad in 'Mt. Moriah' ledge stone. Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan.
Sweet Smiling Landscapes
When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.”
This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat.
The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings.
Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up.
The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation.
When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space.
Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.
Simmonds & Associates, Inc.
This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden.
Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.
Platinum Swimming Pools
Inspiration for a small beach style backyard custom-shaped pool in Melbourne with a hot tub and tile.
Clayton Vance Architecture
Mid-sized traditional side yard full sun garden in Salt Lake City with a retaining wall and gravel.
Township Pools
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.
Creative Environments
Peter Koenig Landscape Designer, Gene Radding General Contracting, Creative Environments Swimming Pool Construction
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard l-shaped pool in San Francisco with concrete pavers and a hot tub.
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard l-shaped pool in San Francisco with concrete pavers and a hot tub.
Soake Pools
Serene afternoon by a Soake Plunge Pool
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Boston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Boston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.
Ledge Lounger
This project, by Houston based pool builder and authorized Ledge Lounger Dealer, Custom Design Pools, features multiple seating areas, both in pool and out of pool, making it ideal for entertaining and socializing.
Turkel Design
Axiom Desert House by Turkel Design in Palm Springs, California ; Photo by Chase Daniel ; custom cabinetry by Turkel Design ; pool and spa by Teserra Outdoors ; ping pong table by RS Barcelona ; lift and slide doors from Marvin ; landscaping by Randy G Myers and Nurseries
Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas
This amazing vanishing edge overlooks a beautiful lake and the spa is handicapped accessible! the beautiful
symmetric waterfalls on each side accentuates the rustic look of the architecture of the house! The tile that was
selected is quite unique as it displays a huge variety of different shades of browns and blues to match those
waterfalls!
Randy Angell Designs
Photography by Jimi Smith / "Jimi Smith Photography"
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a hot tub and concrete slab.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a hot tub and concrete slab.
Heartwood Window & Door
This is an example of a traditional backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with a hot tub.
VIKING FENCE CO
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun garden for spring in Austin with a retaining wall.
Ashley J. Design
Photo of a large country backyard rectangular infinity pool in Charlotte with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.
Bradford Products
Partially recessed stainless steel spa with tile trim in this compact, San Fransisco backyard. Landscape design by Katharine Webster.
This is an example of a small modern courtyard rectangular aboveground pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete pavers.
This is an example of a small modern courtyard rectangular aboveground pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete pavers.
H2O Pools & Custom Design LLC
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a hot tub and stamped concrete.
Fig Tree Construction
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.
VIKING FENCE CO
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun garden for spring in Austin with a retaining wall.
Outdoor Design Ideas with a Retaining Wall and a Hot Tub
1