628,775 Landscape IdeasView All Photos

Landscape Ideas and Designs

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Q

Landscape Lighting Installation

Q

Landscape Drainage System Installation

Q

Lawn Treatment & Fertilization

Q

Browse Landscapes By Style

Photo of a contemporary partial sun backyard landscaping in Madrid.landscaping, stones, minimal plants on edge - monacorona05

Inspiration for a large traditional full sun backyard stone landscaping in Columbus with a fire pit.makes me think if we want this kind ox thing for backyard ... probably something more structured - echang

The inviting fire draws you through the garden. Surrounds Inc.Photo of a large traditional backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro with a fire pit.this is a nice patio floor and walls - lannie_slabaugh

Front yard seating area in an urban xeriscapePhoto of a traditional stone landscaping in Toronto for summer.10. Vaughan, Ontario. If your front yard doesnt have walls, fences or mature plantings for privacy, its natural to feel a little on display for the neighborhood if youre sitting outside. Adding a pergola to cover a front yard seating area and surrounding it with a mix of shrubs and small-scale trees can help an area feel private but still friendly. This xeriscape front yard in a suburb in Ontario features a flagstone patio enclosed by a handsome wooden pergola and dynamic, low-water plantings - margo62

The arbor over the swing is intended to shade the sitting area in this hot yard as the sun comes from the left side of the swing. Evergreen Pandorea vines eventually grew over the top. The style mimicked that of the already existing pergola on the deck. The swing gives the family a resting place to watch people practicing on the putting green. Possibly put a hanging chair in there - lups777

Popular Filters to Try:

Our latest project combines a modern resort style with contemporary hard structures that deal with the sites steep topography. Incorporating the pool as part of the retaining has helped create a stunning landscape to live within. Steve TaylorPiedras y crculos de segmento - webuser_4591682804702094

We installed hardscapes, elements and plantingsInspiration for a contemporary side yard landscaping in Seattle.Side of house walkway from courtyard to back patio - benlott

This small vignette shows one of the casual entry ways into the main space. Bella Anna Hydrangea flank either side of 2'x2' stepping stones. Design by John Algozzini. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.IDEA: Pathway lined with Hydrangeas to our shed! - deechar

This is an example of a mediterranean gravel landscaping in Los Angeles.A warm very beautiful home overall - bethcoleman1

Photo of an asian landscaping in London.View from studio out to Aba's backyard - gccathi

Photos By; Nate GrantDesign ideas for a contemporary side yard landscaping in Portland.Rectangular side lawn against horizontal fence. Potentially add bay trees for screening - rafreeborn

Russian sage and lady's mantle alternating along a white fence with pink rosesDesign ideas for a mid-sized traditional front yard driveway in New York for summer.maybe some flowers like this in front - juanster

An overview of the back yard shows one method of effectively dividing a patio into different rooms without chopping up the space. The small carriage walk on the left, while seldom used, binds the spaces and completes the design thought.Design by John Algozzini. Photo Courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.patio without built up wall, just edging - buttonkathleen

Irregular bluestone stepper path and woodland shade garden.Inspiration for a traditional shade stone landscaping in Boston.Spaced stones with grass in between - alanjeffers

Inspiration for a large farmhouse full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco for summer.Extra tall raised beds (backsaver) - amberaconnelly

Design ideas for a small traditional shade backyard stone landscaping in London.Like clean lines of walkway and raised planter idea on left side - webuser_94425660671

Naturalist, hot tub with flagstone, Stone Fire Pit, adirondack chairs make a great outdoor living space.Holly LepereInspiration for a rustic partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Santa Barbara with a fire pit.This chair; meandering little paths - twistedoaks

the bamboo is a clumping variety called Bambusa eutuldoides viridi-vittata , Asian lemon bamboo. This variety is a clumper and you do not need to contain it, however, do allow an 8'by 10' area for its ultimate growth. Bamboo does require constant maintenance and you will need to do some research for the specific variety you choose. Once planted, it will become a beautiful focal point and add a stunning tropical accent. Photo Credit: Sherwood Coxpathway (stepping stone or cement) back to the garden area - cristi7

page_type: page_browse_photo

Read the original post:
50 Best Landscaping Pictures - Landscaping Design Ideas ...

Using stone in your home's landscaping design isn't something new--in fact people have been doing it for years. Some homeowners like that stone makes your landscaping look more natural and organic. Others enjoy knowing that stone brings a certain look of establishment and is durable enough to last for a long time.

Most people that use stone in their landscaping design agree that it makes an attractive addition and can be used in a variety of ways. The Rock Yard Inc. is one of the largest distributors of landscape stone in Georgia and works to provide you with the perfect stone addition to your lawn.

It also provides more stable temperatures to the surrounding areas because the sun heats the rocks during the day and at night that same heat is slowly released back into the ground. This provides an easier transition from the hot days to cool nights for thedelicate plants in your landscape.

There are a few guidelines to placing boulders in a good location so it makes sense with your entire landscape design. First of all, if you use plants around them, make sure that they are going to be about as tall as the boulder when the plants are at their mature height. You don't want them overshadowing the boulder and covering it up so you can't see it at all, and your landscape ends up looking like a unruly jungle instead of what you had planned.

Another guideline to remember is to make sure that the boulder is partially buried, not just placed on top of the ground as it will look out of place.

Finally, if you are using natural stone, make sure that they are different sizes and shapes, just like you would find in nature.

Looking for other ways to spruce up your home with stone? Check out our design center!

See the rest here:
Landscape Rocks in Atlanta, Ga | The Rock Yard

Subtle Terracing in Backyard

This backyard benefits from the subtle use of various textures on its terraces that ups the excitement level. A dramatic wall gives a feeling of enclosure and privacy, a great solution when neighbors might be close.

Creating a naturalistic stream and waterfall adds movement, noise and wildlife to the backyard landscape that will be enjoyed by the entire family.

Terraced tiers evoke a sense of peace, excitement, and interest in this urban backyard. The modern bench in the corner makes an ideal place to pause and take in the space and the reflections in the mirrored wall.

A colorful summer teepee creates a backyard summer playhouse for children to enjoy from spring through fall.

A well planned backyard vegetable garden plot can yield a bountiful harvest of vegetables from spring into fall. A variety of crops, such as tomatoes, squash and herbs, will flourish in a well watered and sunny spot.

Bamboo rolls are used to run vertically with black painted lattice, creating a tranquil Japanese theme in this private backyard garden.

A small backyard greenhouse is a good spot to start early vegetables and flowers. Once the weather warms, the door and windows can be left open to increase airflow.

An urban backyard is transformed into a living family sanctuary that features an area for dining, lounging and playing.

Use an imaginative design to make the most of available backyard space. Create privacy with tall fences, rather than borders. Integrate features such as built in seating with raised beds and plant with aromatic herbs to create a scented relaxation area.

If you have a large backyard, you may have room for an outbuilding to use as a guest room, playhouse or private retreat. Furnish it with comfortable furniture to create a relaxing home away from home.

A level backyard lends itself to a courtyard effect and multiple outdoor "rooms."

What some homeowners would see as deficitsa sloped and shady backyardthese homeowners have turned into assets. This tranquil, restful escape from busy city life features a path that winds through groves of 'Knock Out' roses, butterfly bushes, azaleas and areas of visual interest, from a koi pond to a bird bath, along the way.

Old and new architectural styles combine in this striking backyard Southern pavilion. The focal point (#1) is the striking fireplace. A woven, seagrass rug (#2) softens the space. Water-resistant furniture (#3) makes sense in this space exposed to the elements.

Fancy a swim under the stars or how about a dip in a pool lit only by the light of a firewall?

Create a backyard that both adults and children can enjoy. Areas for both play and relaxation will work for all ages, if the space is well designed.

Exotic foliage surrounds the edges of this small backyard pond.

A pond can be a beautiful, calming feature in a backyard if the space is large enough. It will help attract wildlife and a variety of surrounding plants can be used to offer color and texture.

Entertaining in the backyard is a favorite pastime of family and friends. A patio can easily be adapted for an outdoor eating area by adding a grill, table and chairs.

A winding backyard path is the perfect way to explore the many different areas of the yard. The path can go from the house, past a dining table, to a shed and around to a play area, all surrounded by plantings.

Concrete leaf stepping stones lead the way to a backyard playhouse.

Wood decking is a way to make a small backyard space warm and inviting. It creates a sophisticated look for an outdoor living and dining area right outside the home.

Is your backyard is graced with large, sturdy trees? Then maybe what you need is a treehouse. DIY designs range from simple, open-air decks to fully-finished spaces complete with plumbing and electricity.

Fire pits create a wonderful focal point for an outdoor gathering space and add warmth to backyard gatherings on cool evenings.

Landscape designer Jamie Durie removed the lawn from a shady backyard and then filled the space with tropical plants, a floating lounge and a daybed.

Moss gardens mean even shade is no deterrent to green. Moss makes a beautiful border in this Japanese garden and requires no mowing, leaving more time for meditation.

Read this article:
Backyard Ideas | HGTV

American family uses a lot of water to maintain its landscape. In fact, during the summer months, 50% of total water use is expended on landscaping. Reducing water use without sacrificing an exciting landscape design using sand & gravel from The Yard Depot in Cypress TX can help you save money.

Decorative gravel can help you reduce the water used for your landscape design in Houston. Create the perfect balance of trees,shrubs, sand & gravel for a beautiful landscape layout of your front or back yard.

~ Basic sand that has a yellowish color to it (unscreened).~ NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE.

Recommendation: Used as a fill material, or to build a base under concrete.

~ It is classified as a fine aggregate for masonry mortar, white in color.~ It is washed and double screened to be a finer sand.

Recommendation: It can be used in mortar mix, bunker sand for golf courses, beach sand for sandboxes, volleyball courts, under vinyl swimming pool liners, and also as an option to level low spots on the lawn.

~It is classified as a fine aggregate with size less than 3/8.~Yellowish-Reddish in color.~ It is washed and screened.

Recommendation:Mainly used in production of ready mixed concrete (NOT FOR MORTAR), dairy barn bedding, backfill pipe bedding, and also as a base for pavers or flagstone.

~It is classified as a coarse aggregate.~ It is light in color, a blend of beige,tan, white, gray, & small amounts of black and red stones.~ It is crushed, washed, and screened to a size around 3/8.

~*size may vary from the picture*

Recommendation: It may be used for backfill along foundations walls, concrete subgrade (requires no compactive effort), pipe bedding, dog runs, underneath golf course greens and in ready mixed concrete for exposed aggregate concrete, and also to plant cactus: 50% Pea Gravel- 50% Turf Mix.

~ 1/4 to 2, mostly 1.5 in size.~ For used in drainage or garden ponds.~ Can be used as decorative aggregate, pathway grave.

~*size may vary from the picture*

Recommendation:For used as a backfill around underground storage tanks, and landscape decoration.

~ 2 to 6, mostly 4 in size,Brown in color.~ For used in drainage or garden ponds.

~*size may vary from the picture*

Recommendation: Used in drainage, landscape decoration & garden ponds.

~What we keep in stock is 1.5 in size.~ White color and has some powder residue.

Recommendation:It is great for building roads, driveways, walkways, or parking lots. It can also be used for landscape decoration.

~ 1/4 to 1, mostly 5/8 in size.~ Multi color.

Recommendation: Main use- Decorative applications in concrete sidewalks and flowerbeds.

~ Drain water very well, Goldish-Brown color ( Copper).

~ High in trace minerals and environmental safe.

Recommendation: May be used for hiking paths, walkways, tracks, driveways and base for pavers or flagstone patios.

~ A crushed basalt gravel available in 5/8 size with a dark grey look when dry, and very black look when wet.

Recommendation:Can be used for walkways, fill in the gaps in between patio stones, and for water features.

~ It is a recycled aggregate~Dust to 1.5in size

~*size may vary from the picture*

Recommendation:A good alternative to gravel as a drainage material in wet areas. it may be also used as a base for driveways and parking lots.

Continued here:
Sand & Gravel Landscape Materials - The Yard Depot

***RAILWAY SLEEPERS AVAILABLE***CREOSOTED PINE0.2m x 0.15m x 2.1m long

The Landscape Supply Yard hasa comprehensive range of BULKGARDENING,LANDSCAPING & BUILDING MATERIALS, by the 1/2cubic metre scoop or by the bag,forPICKUP or DELIVERYtodomestic, commercial and trade customers in Palmerston North and surrounding areas. Plus macrocarpa sleepers, veggieboxes and sandpits, seedlings and shrubs, weedmat, wind break, peastraw, fertilisers, cement, animal feed and lots, lots more.

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5.30pm, Sunday & Statutory Holidays 9am to 4pm

Drop in and see us, give us a call or send us anEmail NOW!

A testimonial from a satisfied customer:

"We found the staff at The Landscape Supply Yard really made the difference. They asked us all the right questions to help determine what we needed to improve the soil and foundation of our garden. The product they provided was top quality, affordable and delivery to our Summerhill home was so cheap we'll never rent a trailer again! This business is a true gem; we'll definitely be coming back."

Ashley Meyer

Read more:
Landscape Supply Yard

1

2

Measure any areas where you will need to add fill material to grade and smooth the existing site. Look for other areas you can "cut", or take some soil off to spread to these places. Often in large landscaping projects you will find that you have to "import", or haul in additional soil to level out the lawn, and it is best to bring this material in before any underground utilities are installed.

3

Calculate how much fill you will need to import. This is a math problem, and if the area is irregular in shape, try to imagine it as a square or rectangle, multiplying width X length X depth, to give you a cubic volume of material. Large volumes are measured either in tons or cubic yards or meters. If the amount is very large, you will need to hire someone to haul your material in with a dump truck, smaller amounts may be brought in with a pickup truck or utility trailer.

4

Spread the new fill material and level all areas of the yard. If you have a large amount to move, you may want to rent a small tractor with a front end loader bucket and a grader blade or box blade to do this job for you. Very large projects may require a bulldozer or other heavy equipment, but this may be too much for the average homeowner to attempt on their own.

5

Mark off any flower beds, tree plantings, or other features you are putting in your landscape, and also consider any permanent structures you may want to add now or later. After the landscaping is complete is not the time to build a swimming pool or utility shed!

6

Leave some additional soil in areas where you want raised flower beds, garden areas, or other features that need it.

7

Remove plants, bushes, or undesirable trees from the area so that areas to receive grass will get maximum sunlight.

8

Plant all the shrubs, bushes, and trees that you have planned for each area, and remember, it is often easier to start working one area and finish it before moving to the next. Large landscaping projects can be overwhelming if they are not broken down into a series of smaller projects.

9

Lay out and install whatever irrigation piping you have planned, install conduits for underground electric to power landscape lighting and to operate pumps for fishponds or fountains you are building. If you use an electric mower, leaf blower, weed eater, or edger, you may want a couple of remote ground fault receptacles to eliminate the need for long extension cords. You will need to mount these with weatherproof boxes and covers on posts or attached to some type of structure.

10

Work out your flower beds and other permanent landscape features, such as patios, permanent barbecue pits, fountains, etc. Use landscape fabric in planting areas to keep the weeds from becoming a problem, and mulch all these areas to conserve water.

11

Finish grading the areas to receive grass. This is often done by dragging a section of fence material behind a lawn tractor or ATV, passing back and forth over the area until it is smooth.

12

13

14

Sit back, and allow your work to establish itself.

Read more here:
How to Landscape a Large Yard (with Pictures) - wikiHow

The BIG, the BOLD, the BEAUTIFUL! Sounds like a soap opera title, doesnt it? These powerful adjectives also describe a breathtaking vegetative plant that fascinates me. The plant is Colocasia esculenta, more commonly called elephants ear. The leaves of this plant are interestingly shaped and huge. Because the leaves are large and closely resemble the ears of an elephant, I can certainly see how its common name was derived. The plant grows from a bulblike structure called a corm. In warmer climates, elephants ear grows as a perennial. Here in Nebraska, the plant is grown as an annual. Unless the corms are lifted in the fall and stored indoors for the winter, they will freeze and die. This plants uniqueness is similar to that of cannas and caladiums, all of which add a tropical flair to the landscape.

For many years, Rita and I have grown Colocasia esculenta. This year we planted corms directly into the soil in shady areas near our deck. We also planted some in planters. A great companion plant to grow with elephants ear is caladium. The leaf shape of both elephants ear and caladium are very similar and together they create a striking contrast.

Elephants ear prefers wetland planting. In USDA Zones 9 through 11, it grows almost as a perennial evergreen. It performs best in partial shade with slightly acidic, moist soil, rich in organic material. Under these conditions, elephants ear is a fast grower.

Its leaves are usually heart-shaped, reaching 2-3 feet in length and 1-2 feet

The BIG, the BOLD, the BEAUTIFUL! Sounds like a soap opera title, doesnt it? These powerful adjectives also describe a breathtaking vegetative plant that fascinates me. The plant is Colocasia esculenta, more commonly called elephants ear. The leaves of this plant are interestingly shaped and huge. Because the leaves are large and closely resemble the ears of an elephant, I can certainly see how its common name was derived. The plant grows from a bulblike structure called a corm. In warmer climates, elephants ear grows as a perennial. Here in Nebraska, the plant is grown as an annual. Unless the corms are lifted in the fall and stored indoors for the winter, they will freeze and die. This plants uniqueness is similar to that of cannas and caladiums, all of which add a tropical flair to the landscape.

For many years, Rita and I have grown Colocasia esculenta. This year we planted corms directly into the soil in shady areas near our deck. We also planted some in planters. A great companion plant to grow with elephants ear is caladium. The leaf shape of both elephants ear and caladium are very similar and together they create a striking contrast.

Elephants ear prefers wetland planting. In USDA Zones 9 through 11, it grows almost as a perennial evergreen. It performs best in partial shade with slightly acidic, moist soil, rich in organic material. Under these conditions, elephants ear is a fast grower.

Its leaves are usually heart-shaped, reaching 2-3 feet in length and 1-2 feet in width. The leaves are attached to thick, stalk-like stems nearly 2-3 feet tall. Although the plants are capable of blooming, never have I seen ours bloom.

Geography matters. A plant that spreads aggressively and is declared invasive in one region may be perfectly well behaved in another. For example, elephants ear is regarded as an invasive exotic throughout much of Florida. There, it displaces native plant species. Elephants ear forms dense stands along lakes and rivers where it completely crowds out native plant species. Since elephants ear is only hardy in Zones 9 through 11, it is doubtful that it will ever be listed as a noxious or invasive plant in Nebraska.

In many parts of the tropical world, the leaves and corms of elephants ear are cooked and eaten. Although I have never eaten the leaves of elephants ear, I have read that the taste of cooked leaves is similar to that of spinach. Cooked corms have a light mealy texture and a flavor somewhat like potatoes. They can be roasted, fried, boiled, grated or mashed. Poi is a starchy paste-like food product made from fermented elephants ear corms and is a staple in Hawaii, Tahiti and other Pacific islands. By the way, all parts of elephants ear contain the acrid compound calcium oxalate that can cause a stomachache if ingested without cooking.

It is doubtful that we will be eating our elephants ear plant, but I can assure you we are delighted to watch them grow. In fact, each year after the first frost, we dig and lift our plants and save the corms for the next season.

It is too late to plant elephants ear outdoors for this year, but when making plans for next season, I urge you to try Colocasia esculenta. The BIG, the BOLD, the BEAUTIFUL are the best ways I know how to describe this breathtaking plant!

Yard and Garden is provided by University of Nebraska Extension Buffalo County. It is written by horticulture aide Ted Griess of Minden. Questions can be directed to him by sending email to tgriess2@unl.edu or calling the Buffalo County Extension Office at 236-1235.

Read the original:
Elephant's ear adds tropical flair to landscape - Kearney Hub

From the mountains to the desert and back to the Pacific Ocean, Southern California rocks in more ways than one.

Yards, especially in communities hugging the foothills, are filled with them. Anyone who has had a swimming pool installed, or simply gardens, knows the ground below is packed with them. Sometimes playfully called regional potatoes, theyve been distributed by rains by way of alluvial plains and scattered by earthquakes. Instead of hauling them away, some gardeners shrug and say, when you have rocks, make rock gardens.

Rockhound Nancy Bird of La Habra enjoys the thrill of the hunt and the colorful prizes that can be harvested from the earth. She can tell you exactly where to find and collect them, including Bureau of Land Management lands. Best of all, theyre free.

You can go on to any BLM land and collect a trunk load a day, and most people dont have a clue, said Bird, a proponent of residents enjoying their public lands. The Mojave Desert is simply a jewel in our backyard.

Recreational rockhounding, as it is technically called, is defined as the non-commercial collecting of rocks, minerals and fossils, according to governing laws, rules and regulations. Individuals are allowed to collect reasonable amounts of rocks on non-developed recreations sites/areas.

One great place for large, colorful boulders, easily accessible by a regular car, is to take theMinneola Road exit off I-15, go over the freeway, then any dirt road on the left has plenty. This is past Calico a few miles, she said.

Other good sites includePisgah Crater (take the Hector Road exit off I-40), which is an extinct volcano with lava rock and agates; Bell Mountain, north of Victorville on Stoddard Mountain Road, which has black jade and verde antique; and the site of Lucky Baldwins onetime gold mine outside Big Bear, where chryosocolla can be found. There are barite minerals in Palos Verdes, fossils in Topanga Canyon, actinolite in Wrightwood and snowflake obsidian next to the Salton Sea.

Its much easier and safer to go with a group, she said. And there are plenty of those. California is home to 120 mineralogical clubs that focus on different aspects of earth science (cfmsinc.org). Most support field trips, lectures programs and shows.

A veteran collector dating back to her days as a child camping with her family and later in college when a geology class got her hooked, Bird is past president of two local gem and mineral societies as well as the Year Around Garden Club in Whittier. She combines both hobbies in her small yard and offers others advice on how others can do the same. In fact, shes lecturing on the subject Sept. 14 at the Los Angeles Arboretum. Her presentation is appropriately called, Garden Rocks.

You can buy rocks, but I get bored with white and black ones, which are the most common, she said. I like the shiny, sparkly ones, the reds, oranges and yellows. (A red jasper) will stand next to a plant and provide just as much interest and dimension to a landscape as a plant will.

Rocks and geology are science, which is never-ending learning, she added. Thats what I love about rock collecting and what I love about horticulture, a science, too. I think we dont have enough love of science in this world. Its what makes our world.

Bird loves sharing her interests at gem and mineral shows, especially with young people. I love to give rocks to kids, she said. They love them. Too many people tell kids, what do you need with another rock? I say getting more rocks should be encouraged and not discouraged. Children dont realize that rocks are a part of science. There is no such thing as too many rocks.

In her upcoming class, Bird will provide handouts on rules and resources for those ready to get digging along with maps. And shell discuss three types of rocks sedimentary (sandstone, for example), igneous (volcanic) and metamorphic (those that have changed).

Once you have your rocks, then what? Dominic Masiello of DP Environments, a landscape design company in Arcadia, says to use them strategically in your yard. They can become natural focal points, adding height and texture to bland landscapes. Consider them to line pathways and to take the place of mulch, he said.

Another great way to use rock is by creating accent ribbons through hardscape, Masiello said. This technique softens up expansive concrete patios and pathways by breaking it up visually with a different texture. For example, using a darker colored rock around a lightly colored concrete creates not only adds texture, but dramatic color contrast, giving the landscape a professionally designed aesthetic.

Dry stream beds also have become an increasingly popular element in landscapes. Usingvarious sizes of rocks and gravel to mimick a stream provides an organic feel that works well with a California native garden. Choosing the right plants, of course, also is important.

Smaller gravel can be a great filler in between gaps of natural flagstone patios and pathways, Masiello said. It provides contrast to the flagstone as well as a porous joint for drainage.For this reason, flagstone paths and patios that are dry-set, meaning set without using a concrete sub-base and set with gravel instead, are becoming more desired.

When: 9:30 a.m.-noon, Sept. 14

Where: Palm Room at the Los Angeles Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia

Cost: $25; register beforehand or pay at the door

Information: 626-821-4623

Resources

Majesta Ms A to Z Jewelry Supply, 6991 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach; 714-292-3653, also on Facebook and Pinterest

Nevada Mineral & Book Co., 342 S. Tustin St., Orange; 714-633-1549;minbooks.net. Sells a variety of earth science publications.

Mining Supply and Rock Shop,9565 C Ave., Suite K, Hesperia; 760-244-9642; miningsuppliesandrockshop.com. Offers classes and single-day field trips, $40 for six consecutive trips once a month.

Bureau of Land Management, blm.gov/california

More:
Landscapes: When you have rocks, design a rock garden - Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

From the moment this Modesto house was built, it was destined to be different, from its coffee can structure erected decades ago to its pueblo-style and landscape today.

Michael and Tammy Cunhas home at 329 Santa Barbara Ave. in Modesto has garnered Garden of the Month honors for September from the Modesto Garden Club.

The original owner of the house built the structure using coffee cans back in the 1940s. The cans were filled with cement, stacked in rows that then were covered with plaster, according to a press release from the Modesto Garden Club.

Whats inside the walls is decidedly unusual and so is the exterior of the home, for the Valley region at any rate a pueblo-style complete with a flat roof. Adding to its charm, the house is painted in a contemporary dark slate gray.

When they bought the house, the landscape on the corner lot was mostly dirt and dead grass and the Cunhas have been working to rebuild it since 2001, the garden club said. Dubbed Casita de Cunha, the home has a tiny back yard, so the owners used their creativity to make areas for outside dining and socializing in the more spacious front.

A pergola stands over an outdoor seating area where the couple sit in the evenings and talk to neighbors and passersby; theres also a half-walled courtyard that leads to the front door, which provides a more private area. Bold black and white stripes decorate umbrellas in the courtyard and the seating upholstery under the pergola, adding a pop and contrast to the walls and landscape plantings.

The Cunhas were inspired in their planting style by Playa del Carmen, a coastal resort town in Mexico that they love to visit, so they brought in succulents, rock work and green grass.

There are several beds in the yard with plants such as agave, dracaena, horsetail reed, purple fountain grass and mother in law tongue. Among the cacti is one thats now over 14-feet tall that theyve harvested from to use in other planting areas.

The couple covered one expanse of grass with huge pavers patterned with black ash rock between them, among the more recent changes to the constantly evolving garden. Under the pavers is PVC pipe resting on pumice rock and black ash, designed so that any water that falls on the pavers goes to the PVC drain and washes out to the grass area.

More:
Modesto house built from coffee cans? That's just the beginning for unique structure - Modesto Bee

Novi Landscaper Promotes the Value of Native Plants

Novi Landscaper Promotes the Value of Native Plants

(Drew Saunders, Sept. 4, 2017)

Novi, MI -What kinds of plants are native to Michigan, and does that matter in landscaping? Landscape architect Drew Lathin, who has a demonstration garden at his Novi home, takes pride in educating people about the distinction. He recently held an open house to show off his collection of native plants.

I get questions Is hosta native? and I usually say yes, to China, Lathin said.

This is the sixth year that Lathin has run his own landscaping company, which only deals in plants native to Michigan.

All a native plant is, is a plant that was here before European settlement, Lathin said.

There have been plenty of non-native species, including plants intentionally brought over for agriculture like apples and decorative ones like tulips, both brought to the United States from Europe.

And there are also invasive species like Japanese Stiltgrass, Garlic Mustard, Giant Hogweed and the 40 plus species of plants the State of Michigan lists on its invasive species database.

In general people from the Midwest dont know what a native plant is. Theyve never seen one, Lathin said.

Standing in Lathins yard, he pointed out the bees to the Oakland County Times. The native plants were swarming with bees and other bugs. While the few non-native plants he had planted next to them, only occasionally had one bug on them.

Nodding Onion is a native true onion with purple flowers that comes out of its tall green trunk in a burst at the top, then droops down like Charlie Brown when hes sad. Its edible.

Another example is Cardinal Flower, a wetlands plant. It is a tall, red flower, which the hummingbirds swarmed around.

And there is an obvious reason Novis local hummingbirds and insects are in Lathins garden. Native bees evolved in stride with native plants. So, when they can find native plants, they are perfect for pollination; and by extension of course, the insects get more nutrition overall. Its beautiful to people, beautiful to wildlife, Lathin said.

By providing natural habitat for the birds and the bees it produces a noticeably different look from the traditional green grass and flower lined yards that make up much of suburban Michigan. But different doesnt mean not beautiful.

This plant is Bigleaf Aster. You look at one flower and you go This is really not much to write home about, Lathin explained, acknowledging that its not all that big or striking. But when you pack the plants together and you get a drift like this, theres a much different effect.

This is a different aesthetic, but its very formally designed, Lathin added.

To create a native plant landscape, Lathin uses much less bush mulch than other companies, and packs the plants closer together.

Lathin works for local governments on specific city beautification projects, as well as residents and businesses. His company, Creating Sustainable Landscapes, is aptly named.

In most cases, Lathin will be asked just to add certain patches of plants in peoples yards, and then might be asked to add bits and pieces later. Unless the residence is brand new, Lathin usually isnt asked to redo an entire garden in native plants.

Not even my yard is all native, Lathin said, pointing to the turf grass, hostas and boxwoods that are vastly outnumbered by native plants. If you dont count lawn, Im probably about 90 percent native. If you include lawn, Im about 70 percent native!

Like any other landscaper, summers are Lathins peak time. He and his determined crew can be found at creatingsustainablelandscapes.com.

Visit link:
Novi Landscaper Promotes the Value of Native Plants - Oakland County 115 News