This compact, urban backyard was in desperate need of privacy. We created a series of outdoor rooms, privacy screens, and lush plantings all with an Asian-inspired design sense. Elements include a covered outdoor lounge room, sun decks, rock gardens, shade garden, evergreen plant screens, and raised boardwalk to connect the various outdoor spaces. The finished space feels like a true backyard oasis.

This was a creative collaboration with ROBIN KRAMER GARDEN DESIGN (their design combined with LaurelRock's plant installation and pruning). We used proper pruning techniques to square the hornbeam, green velvet, and 'Dee Runk' boxwood hedges, along with the pleaching of the linden trees.

Jonathan Pearlman Elevation Architects
Inspiration for a traditional privacy side yard landscaping in San Francisco.

This garden path was created next to the new master bedroom addition we designed as part of the Orr Residence renovation. The curving limestone paver path is defined by the plantings. RDM and the client selected plantings that are very happy in the shade as this part of the yard gets very little direct sunlight. Check out the rest of the Orr Residence photos as this project was all about outdoor living! This photo was one of the most popular "Design" images on Houzz in 2012 - http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1435436/thumbs/pt=fdc1686efe3dfb19657036963f01ae47/Houzz--Best-of-Remodeling-2012---Landscapes - and added to over 11,000 Ideabooks

The Valero Family wanted a new area where they could have foliage growing and covering an area that faced the neighbors for more privacy and also to enhance the look of their backyard. Privacy fence, new landscaping , palm trees and beach pebbles were installed in this area,

The backyard is small and uninviting until we transformed it into a comfortable and functional area for entertaining
Inspiration for a small contemporary privacy and full sun backyard landscaping in New York.

A grand wooden gate introduces the series of arrival sequences to be taken in along the private drive to the main ranch grounds.
This is an example of a farmhouse privacy and full sun front yard stone fence driveway in Denver for summer.

Simple zen front yard with floating steps.
This is an example of a small asian drought-tolerant, privacy and partial sun front yard concrete paver and wood fence landscaping in Los Angeles for summer.

pervious paver pathway leads to patio past purple perennials
Photo of a small craftsman drought-tolerant, privacy and full sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Seattle.

a raised deck was added so that a new corner spa could be nestled into the garden and be seat height, eliminating the need for steps up to a tall hot tub. A removable section of the deck allows access to the mechanical panel in the spa. A cut-corner spa was selected to allow more circulation around the spa. Custom lattice panels with a narrow trellis top complete the spa experience and provide privacy from adjacent houses in this tiny urban garden.

Dominican Coral Driveway with Traveler Palm Screening and California Alocasia and dwarf heliconia border
Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical privacy and partial sun front yard stone and stone fence formal garden in Miami.

Design ideas for a small contemporary privacy backyard landscaping in Boston.

Photography by Stacy Bass
This is an example of a large traditional privacy and partial sun backyard concrete paver formal garden in Other for fall.

Dakin has been working with the owners of this site realize their dream of cultivating a rich and meaningful landscape around their home. Because of their deep engagement with their land and garden, the landscape has guided the entire design process, from architecture to civil engineering to landscape design. All architecture on site is oriented toward the garden, a park-like, multi-use environment that includes a walking labyrinth, restored prairie, a Japanese garden, an orchard, vegetable beds, berry brambles, a croquet lawn and a charred wood outdoor shower. Dakin pays special attention to materials at every turn, selecting an antique sugar bowl for the outdoor fire pit, antique Japanese roof tiles to create blue edging, and stepping stones imported from India. In addition to its diversity of garden types, this permacultural paradise is home to chickens, ducks, and bees. A complex irrigation system was designed to draw alternately from wells and cisterns. Dakin has also had the privilege of creating an arboretum of diverse and rare trees that she based on Olmsted’s design for Central Park. Trees were selected to display a variety of seasonally shifting delights: spring blooms, fall berries, winter branch structure. Mature trees onsite were preserved and sometimes moved to new locations.

To create a private courtyard just off the home office, Eden fabricated a hexagonal perforated steel screen, covered in ‘Tangerine Beauty’ crossvine, to define the space. A large specimen Agave weberi punctuated the area and provided privacy. Low-maintenance concrete benches and a coffee table provided opportunities for lounging. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

Inspiration for a traditional privacy landscaping in San Francisco for fall.

Design ideas for a small craftsman drought-tolerant, privacy and full sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Seattle.

Design ideas for a small craftsman privacy and partial sun side yard concrete paver and wood fence landscaping in Seattle.

Dennis Mayer Photographer
Design ideas for a mediterranean privacy side yard landscaping in San Francisco.