Concrete Wall and Fountain

Dominique Snyder

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

japanische Gartengestaltung auf höchstem Niveau in Bremerhaven mit Koiteich, Steinsetzungen, Natursteine, japanischen Ahornbäumen, Moos, Buxuskugeln, Karikomi, Dr. Wolfgang Hess, Firma Japan-Garten-Kultur

Bright blooming perennials and ornamental grasses bring this small water feature to life, and create an entry to the home that is sure to impress. Photos by Roger Haywood, Seth Soukup, Neil Podoll

Sitting areas were positioned to enjoy both the waterfall and fire pit.

Eastward view out Sonoma Valley

A tranquil garden design teeming with herbs and medicinal plants. Visitors are encouraged to use the continuous path as an aid to walking meditation. Along the path one can appreciate the filigree forms of umbellifers and gossamer fennel leaves. Awareness of subtleties such as plant movement in a breeze and backlit petals is heightened. The layout of the garden is denominated by the path’s route which loops and circles to contain a circular water trough and round of thyme. This curved path is intersected at various points by a serpentine rill. Senses are heightened via the calming sound of flowing water, cushioned feel of camomile atop the seat and the uplifting fragrance of mint varieties.

Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design

Photo by: Russell Abraham

Shannon McGrath

Pond-less Stream and Landscaping Photo: Shawn Ellison

Water cascades over large boulders through the wall of the yard. Photos by Meagan Hancock

The plants have finally completed the picture!

Can you believe that this pond uses less water than the lawn that stood before it?! Well believe it! This gorgeous pond, waterfall and landscape actually uses less water than that old lawn! Here’s a project where the client traded in their old ugly lawn for a beautiful pond, waterfall and low maintenance stunning succulents and drought tolerant landscape with synthetic turf. Not only does the client use a fraction of the water since the renovation, it is now super low maintenance! This is the family’s favorite spot to relax and enjoy any part of the day! If you are considering remodeling your yard either to save money on your water bill or just help conserve water in this tough drought, consider changing your yard into a livable and guilt free paradise with a sustainable water feature!