How to Slow Down Stormwater in Your Landscape: The First Step in Sustainable Design

Traditional landscaping rushes rainfall off-site as quickly as possible—but this approach harms water quality by increasing downstream flooding and bypassing the natural cleansing that occurs when water filters through s

10 Inspiring Ways to Transform a Sloped Yard into a Stunning Landscape

Steep or hilly yards present some of landscapings greatest challenges—but also its most spectacular opportunities. From artful stonework and terraced gardens to built-in seating and even a hillside slide, these 10 creati

How to Spread Stormwater Across Your Landscape for Natural Filtration

Moving water across the ground surface instead of piping it underground is a cornerstone of sustainable stormwater management. When water drains directly into buried pipes, it carries silt and pollutants straight into wa

Designing Your Landscape to Absorb Water Naturally: The "Sink It" Strategy

Sinking water—also known as infiltration or percolation—allows rainwater to pass through your garden soil rather than rushing off into storm drains. This natural process reduces downstream runoff, filters pollutants, rec

Which Pergola Is Right for You? A Guide to Covered Outdoor Living

Whether planning a new entertaining area or upgrading an existing one, a covered pergola creates a versatile, all-weather outdoor room. These inspiring options will have you transforming your space before you know it. T

8 Stylish Storage Solutions for Patio and Garden Essentials

Outdoor rooms demand as much storage as indoor ones—cushions, blankets, rugs, tools, toys. These clever spaces show how to stash it all in style. 1. Take a Table Outdoors New, secondhand, or upcycled—a potting table wit

The Garden Edge: Transform Pathways and Borders Into Sensory Experiences

With careful planning, garden pathways and borders become dynamic spaces that excite the senses—not just thoroughfares. Here are my favorite tips for planting borders that are low-maintenance, beautiful, and deliciously

Houzz Landscaping Survey Reveals 2016 Trends: Major Renovations, Water Management, and Pet-Friendly Design

Homeowners arent messing around with outdoor projects. A new Houzz survey of 958 U.S. users (February 2016) shows 88% of those with outdoor projects report substantial or complete renovations—adding paving, beds, structu

Creative Landscaping Ideas for Small Front Yards

Whether urban or coastal, a home close to the street challenges front-yard landscaping. These thoughtfully designed petite yards inspire going beyond the standard lawn-plus-foundation-plantings formula to find a solution

Everything You Need to Know Before Adding a Deck

Good weather begs to be enjoyed outdoors—but without an inviting space, theres little incentive. Deck additions are among todays most requested home projects, fueled by durable materials, smart tech, and unique shade opt

10 Lounge-Worthy Patios, Porches, and Decks for Endless Summer Days

Warmer months turn outdoor rooms into true living-space extensions—if you outfit them with indoor comforts: sink-in seating, bar carts, mood lighting. These 10 spaces brim with ideas to make your porch, patio, or deck th

Napa Valley Retreat: A Landscape Designed for the Wine Country Lifestyle

Two busy San Francisco designers wanted a weekend escape embracing Napa Valleys relaxation. A full home and yard remodel means the driveway transition sheds city stress instantly. Out back: vineyard and olive grove views

Dream Spaces: 10 Secluded Garden Nooks for Ultimate Relaxation

After hours in the garden, nothing beats a private nook to savor your work. Whether under a tree, in an arbor corner, or nestled in a flower bed, these small, secluded spots—simple bench or pillowed chaise, bistro table

Front Yard Makeovers With Impact: Cottage, Formal, Minimalist, and Natural Styles

Want to make a lasting impression? Dont just tweak your front garden—make it shine. These front-yard transformations across four distinct styles prove a thoughtful design changes how you see your home. Cottage Style Low

Eltham Palace Gardens: A 20-Acre Historic Revival in Southeast London

When millionaire socialites Stephen and Virginia Courtauld acquired Eltham Palace in 1933, they transformed the dilapidated 15th-century estate into an Art Deco showplace—including its 20-acre garden, now maintained by E

24 Garden Paths That Turn Every Walk Into a Journey

Garden paths do more than connect points—they set pace, dictate companionship, and control sightlines. These 24 paths from Houzz Tours reveal the design possibilities for this essential garden feature. 1. Mown Meadow Pa

Spring Garden Tour: Five Palo Alto Landscapes Designed for Living

A garden that invites living goes beyond maintenance—its accessible, feels like home, and makes you never want to leave. Thats the theme of the Gamble Garden Spring Tour, showcasing five private residential gardens in Pa

How to Plan Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen: A Complete Guide

As summer nears, you may be envisioning a backyard cooking and entertaining hub—from a simple grill surround to a fully equipped island rivaling indoor kitchens. Where to start? We break down the key decisions to match y

Design Workshop: 10-Step Site Analysis for a Successful Garden Plan

Landscape designers begin every project with a site survey—assessing soil, wind, existing plants, utilities, and grade changes—to create a scaled drawing that informs the final concept. Whether youre hiring a pro or desi

Dining on Gravel: How to Create a Romantic, Low-Maintenance Outdoor Table Setting

A gravel-floored dining area offers rustic or modern appeal, suits lawn-free yards, and excels at outdoor entertaining. But gravel comes with practical considerations. From style choices to installation and upkeep, heres