6 Dramatic Garden Transformations: From Backyard to Rooftop

Great landscapes look effortless — like they've always existed. But visualizing how to transform a steep unusable slope or dark soggy side yard feels impossible. It's easy to see finished projects and assume one solution, but how do you get there?

From post-hurricane rebuilds to construction-site starts, six landscape transformations.

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1. Framing the View in Austin, Texas

A surrounding apartment building towered too close. Post-renovation backyard shambles demanded action. Family wanted entertainment space and children's exploration/play space.

Studio Balcones AFTER: Designers Jennifer Orr and Ilse Frank devised an 8-foot movie wall as focal point. Frames lush shade-loving plants, bisects two garden areas, serves as seasonal aperture and childhood game stage. Building still visible, but privacy and cover thrill the homeowners.

See more: In Austin, a Backyard Wall Provides More Than Privacy

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2. A Night Garden in Amsterdam

Urban backyard unused for years. Working couple hired Arjan Boekel for magical gathering space enjoyed indoors/out, night/day.

Boekel Tuinen AFTER: Simple built-ins and subtle hardscaping recede. Designed for night enjoyment — magic at sundown.

See more: Nightfall Brings a Dutch Urban Garden to Life

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3. Using the Golden Ratio in Seattle

2013: brand-new home, "Mars-scape" garden. Couple wanted relaxation/entertaining space incorporating contemporary home design and muted, eco-friendly Pacific Northwest aesthetic. 5-foot grade change, strict codes, extensive must-list demanded designer vision.

Banyon Tree Design Studio AFTER: Lisa Port meticulously transformed every detail using the golden ratio — from hot tub dimensions to plate steel wall curve.

See more: Divine Proportions Make for a Dream Landscape

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4. Rebuilding with Native Plants in Brooklyn

Hurricane Sandy destroyed this Sandy Hook, Brooklyn garden (2012). Cor-Ten walls and sidewalk survived; saltwater receded after feet of flooding. Five months later: rebuild resilient.

New Eco Landscapes AFTER: Sean Lewis and Jesse Terzi designed new outdoor kitchen/deck plus hardy East Coast native landscape. Plant selection: drove hardest-hit NY areas to see storm survivors, incorporated them. "If another hurricane hits, we want this garden to ride it out."

See more: A Front Yard Regrows in Brooklyn

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5. Clever Circulation in Sacramento

Michael Glassman didn't need to see the yard — couldn't park his car. No clear entry confused guests; homeowners inconvenienced daily.

Michael Glassman AFTER: Seamlessly incorporated parking: U-shaped bay off street. Grand steps eliminate entry confusion. New trees/shrubs soften front yard, complement golden house color.

See more: Landscaping Magic Fixes a Dangerous Sloped Yard

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6. Cat- and Owner-Friendly Manhattan Rooftop

Chelsea loft with spectacular Manhattan views, but unused roof terrace wasted them. Clients wanted lush escape — safe for two cats.

Lynn Gaffney Architect, PLLC AFTER: Inspired by surrounding water towers, Lynne Gaffney transformed barren terrace into lush urban hideaway — ample gardening space, privacy, cat playspace.

See more: Discover an Intimate Garden Nestled on a Manhattan Rooftop