You can read more about the project through this Houzz Feature link: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/hillside-yard-offers-scenic-views-and-space-for-contemplation-stsetivw-vs~131483772

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard concrete paver garden path in Austin.

For when the point is firing. Images | Kurt Jordan Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized coastal full sun backyard landscaping in San Luis Obispo for summer.

Inspiration for a traditional backyard concrete paver landscaping in Other.

Inspiration for a large transitional partial sun backyard mulch landscaping in Minneapolis.

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard stone landscaping in New York.

An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

A purple hyacinth bean vine (Lablab purpureus) drapes one of the gateways. Planted as an annual in Pennsylvania it will grow up to 20’ in a season, producing purple/pink flowers and fabulous purple pods all summer long. The leaves, flowers and pods look beautiful both clambering on the fence and in mixed bouquets.

Fire pit seating area with fountain and pathway to upper level landscape. ©Daniel Bosler Photography
Design ideas for a large contemporary drought-tolerant backyard concrete paver landscaping in Los Angeles with a fire pit.

New paver patio and retaining wall with a firepit and plantings. Old backyard had only a small cramped wooden deck with no plantings.
Photo of a mid-sized modern shade backyard concrete paver outdoor sport court in Boston.

Perched on a hillside on the edge of the Palouse, these homeowners wanted a backyard that took advantage of the stellar views across the surrounding farmland. Masonry retaining walls match the brick of the house, while the landscaping complements the vistas below. The water feature has multiple falls that cascade into a deep wading pool below. The concrete patio is cantilevered over the water for a seamless transition. Across the top pool, boulder stepping stones continue the path to the upper patio.

This is an example of a traditional backyard decomposed granite garden path in Milwaukee for fall.

This was a backyard renovation. There was an existing plastic tub pond with many perennials around it. We took out everything, saved as many perennials as we could and installed a new rubber lined, natural ecosystem pond, stream and waterfall. We redesigned the area and created a couple different seating areas along with a pathway over the stream. Transplanted the perennials and added a few new plants to add interest all year long. A year after installation we added an accent spillway bowl to the feature. They make great additions to existing water features or make great stand alone features. They can add extra movement to dead spots in ponds and more oxygen to the water. We put tropical plants in the bowl for extra filtration as well.

Photography: Scott Shigley
Photo of a large traditional backyard stone garden path in Chicago.

a cast stone path wanders threw a garden of succulents, cannas, ornamental grasses and subtropicals
This is an example of a contemporary backyard landscaping in San Francisco.

Granite Steps and Softscapes
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic full sun backyard stone landscaping in Manchester for summer.

Outdoor Kitchen and Living Space
Design ideas for a mid-century modern backyard landscaping in New Orleans.

Eric Parnell with www.thenwcollective.com/
Inspiration for a large craftsman full sun backyard stone landscaping in Other with a fire pit.

Exterior Worlds was contracted by the Bretches family of West Memorial to assist in a renovation project that was already underway. The family had decided to add on to their house and to have an outdoor kitchen constructed on the property. To enhance these new constructions, the family asked our firm to develop a formal landscaping design that included formal gardens, new vantage points, and a renovated pool that worked to center and unify the aesthetic of the entire back yard. The ultimate goal of the project was to create a clear line of site from every vantage point of the yard. By removing trees in certain places, we were able to create multiple zones of interest that visually complimented each other from a variety of positions. These positions were first mapped out in the landscape master plan, and then connected by a granite gravel walkway that we constructed. Beginning at the entrance to the master bedroom, the walkway stretched along the perimeter of the yard and connected to the outdoor kitchen. Another major keynote of this formal landscaping design plan was the construction of two formal parterre gardens in each of the far corners of the yard. The gardens were identical in size and constitution. Each one was decorated by a row of three limestone urns used as planters for seasonal flowers. The vertical impact of the urns added a Classical touch to the parterre gardens that created a sense of stately appeal counter punctual to the architecture of the house. In order to allow visitors to enjoy this Classic appeal from a variety of focal points, we then added trail benches at key locations along the walkway. Some benches were installed immediately to one side of each garden. Others were placed at strategically chosen intervals along the path that would allow guests to sit down and enjoy a view of the pool, the house, and at least one of the gardens from their particular vantage point. To centralize the aesthetic formality of the formal landscaping design, we also renovated the existing swimming pool. We replaced the old tile and enhanced the coping and water jets that poured into its interior. This allowed the swimming pool to function as a more active landscaping element that better complimented the remodeled look of the home and the new formal gardens. The redesigned path, with benches, tables, and chairs positioned at key points along its thoroughfare, helped reinforced the pool’s role as an aesthetic focal point of formal design that connected the entirety of the property into a more unified presentation of formal curb appeal. To complete our formal landscaping design, we added accents to our various keynotes. Japanese yew hedges were planted behind the gardens for added dimension and appeal. We also placed modern sculptures in strategic points that would aesthetically balance the classic tone of the garden with the newly renovated architecture of the home and the pool. Zoysia grass was added to the edges of the gardens and pathways to soften the hard lines of the parterre gardens and walkway.