Garden Renovation: Deciding Which Plants Stay, Go, or Move

When renovating a large landscape with many existing plants, the temptation to remove everything and start fresh is strong. I strongly caution against this—its expensive, highly disruptive, and damaging to soil ecology.

How to Make Your Stone Home Feel at Home in the Landscape

Stone is a predominant exterior material today. Whether colonial, traditional, or contemporary, stone lends timelessness and organic earth connection. But U.S. stone homes historically had an austere look, sitting atop l

Bring Renaissance Italian Garden Style to Your Landscape

Italys influence spans design fields, including gardens. Renaissance and villa gardens are renowned for skillful design, attention to detail, water features, grottoes, and statues creating elegant, tranquil spaces that c

How to Read a Site Plan for Better Landscape Design

The site plan represents the overall landscape design and is the landscape architects primary layout tool. Architects create plans in plan view as an early design phase, often the first drawing presented to clients. As a

How to Make Your Painted or Stained Home Blend With the Landscape

Every house has untapped potential. Too many—whether brick, stone, stucco, wood, or composite—sit atop the land unremarkably, barely connecting to it. Good landscape designers prioritize establishing that connection, mak

How Grading Shapes the Ground and Manages Stormwater

Grading—the process of shaping and contouring land—is a crucial technical tool for landscape architects. Ground shape determines water flow, and elegant grading creates a solid framework for landscape design. Grading pla

The Case for Functional Garden Design

Before 20th-century landscape architects followed architectures turn from historical references, garden design focused solely on decoration, ornamentation, and plant cultivation. While many gardens still reflect horticul

9 Creative Ideas for Small Urban Outdoor Spaces

A piece of urban green space, no matter how small, is a treasure. But city outdoor spaces are notoriously oddly shaped, sun-challenged, and compact. Here are nine creative ways to maximize what you have—whether a tiny ba

6 Inspiring Yard Transformations After Removing the Lawn

Rethinking your lawn? These six Houzz-featured yards from 2014 offer ideas and inspiration. Each homeowner replaced grass with something better suited to their needs—from a sidewalk farm to a restored natural shoreline w

How to Make Your Metal Home Feel at Home in the Landscape

Metal houses arent for everyone, but theyre special to those who live in them. They can look out of place in traditional neighborhoods, yet in the right setting appear artful and perfectly at home. Metal accents like cop

Understanding Concept Design for Your Landscape Project

Youve hired a landscape architect, completed the initial site meeting, and discussed priorities, budget, and timeline. Now the architect presents your propertys concept design. Many clients dont know what to expect in th

How to Integrate Your Roof Into the Landscape Design

The best landscapes connect with their homes in both large and small ways. Attention to detail elevates a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Pulling hues from brick, stone, or siding into the landscape through plants

12 Essential Elements of Provence Garden Style

The mild climate of southeastern Frances Provence region enables near-year-round outdoor living. Provence gardens center around stone farmhouses (mas) and feature lavender fields, terraced plantings, ancient stone walls,

How to Find and Hire the Right Landscape Contractor

Youve approved your landscape architects final site plan—now its time to build. You can pay the architect to select a contractor, or hire one yourself. Landscape contractors vary in skill and experience, but a great job

5 Reasons to Hire a Landscape Design-Build Firm for Your Project

For homeowners ready to launch a landscape project, a design-build firm can streamline the entire process. These companies—typically landscape contractors, some with landscape architects on staff—package design and insta

How to Seamlessly Blend Your Home Into the Landscape

Winters chilly, overcast days offer the perfect opportunity for daydreaming about spring garden projects. Many find solace in planning outdoor improvements that will kick off once warmer weather arrives. Early planning s

DIY Deck & Tree Forts: Backyard Transformation That Drew the Neighborhood

Orlando couple in a 1920s bungalow, expecting their second child, moved to a semi-suburban remodeled home. The backyard needed work—torrential rains created a mud pit. They DIY-built a deck via articles and YouTube. D

Turquoise in the Garden: Energize or Soothe with This Versatile Hue

Turquoise—named for the gemstone—evokes calm, well-being, tropical escape. One of the most vibrant colors, it injects energy while suggesting blue skies and serene waters. But using it in gardens presents challenges: few

How to Hire the Right Landscape Architect for Your Project

Browsing Houzz portfolios reveals diverse styles, backgrounds, and specialties. How do you know if a landscape architect fits your project—and how do you hire the best one? When You Legally Need a Landscape Architect

Understanding Landscape Design Service Agreements: A Client's Guide

Youve interviewed designers and chosen your pro. Before work begins, you need a clear agreement. Contracts protect both parties—defining scope, communication, payment, and document ownership. Heres how to navigate the ag