Gardens in Miniature from Anthony Paul Landscaping

Good things come in small packages: that’s truer than ever in these small gardens by Anthony Paul Landscape Design. Paul explains, “Strong design and a sense of scale is even more critical within a small garden.” Indeed, you’ll notice here that whether the yard appears to be bigger than the house or just a “postage-stamp” out back, a sense of scale makes both halves work well together. Paul goes on to more specifics: “Geometry and block, bold planting are key to ensuring that areas surrounding a house are uncluttered and visually enlarged.” Take a look at a deck surrounded by water and hemmed in by a high retaining wall; the result is an ultimate clean, uncluttered look, cozy at the same time. High grasses, colorful coneflowers, and reeds complete the effect.

Monochromatic schemes work wonders in small spaces: rich purple harmonizes with silvery cedar or pure white, while it contrasts appealingly with yellow furnishings. In a yard with an incline, terraces are a great touch; a few steps up or down gives you separate outdoor “rooms,” visually expanding the area nicely. Varying foliage from terrace to terrace adds yet more visual interest, as well as color and scent. And then there’s always the perennial draw of water…in any form. Paul agrees: “No matter how small the garden, I still always like to incorporate water — as a small pond or even perhaps just an ornamental bowl with water lilies.” From rooftop gardens in containers to terraced steps and ponds, small spaces flourish and bloom under the touch of a professional like Anthony Paul.

Mount Airy by Surrounds Landscape Architecture

With a cheery buttercup-yellow traditional house at its heart, this Mount Airy estate gives its owners everything they need for splendid outdoor living and entertaining in this lavish design by Virginia’s Surrounds Landscape Architecture
. Amble along the cobblestoned walk toward shallow steps formed by flat, long boulders, and you find the heart of the back yard: an oversized shelter that houses a delicate wrought-iron al fresco dining set and a full outdoor kitchen to make meals a breeze. Immediately fronting this “gazebo” is the other star of this garden: a gorgeous freeform pool, anchored at one end with a native stone boulder wall and cascading waterfall. Catch some rays in a lounge chair, enjoy the color of wildflower beds around you, and enjoy the vista of sky and greenery that reflect off the shining water.

If the mood strikes, or in cooler weather, you can take advantage of several indoor/outdoor spaces. A screened porch is only steps away from the pool deck and eating area on the lower level; up white-railed stairs, a neat back terrace gives you a bird’s-eye view of the yard and gardens. From it — or from French doors out of the main house — you can enjoy a third seating area, an open-air upstairs porch with a splendid coffered ceiling and overhead fan. Here, brown wicker chairs and glass-topped table give the space a casual air, cozied up by a vintage print rug underfoot. In warm weather or cool, and in sunshine or starlight, this ambience guarantees relaxation on many levels…literally, under the skilled touch of Surrounds Landscape Architecture.

Garden Beauty from the Ground Up, with Flooring by Art in Green

Gardens are only as good as their foundations: the soil, the water, and the growing environment all play a part. In these garden shots by Art in Green, we see another dim
ension of outdoor living foundations — the flooring elements that complement lawns, flowers, and other landscape ingredients. A solid ipe or other wood decking adds greatly to the beauty and usability of outdoor rooms, enhancing al fresco dining or even just relaxation in lounges next to a pool. And speaking of pools, don’t forget the impact that quality glass mosaic designs can have on the appearance of your entire outdoor area. Colors of mosaic tile run the gamut from classic blues (seafoam to royal and beyond) to colorations that match poolside flowers or the nuanced brick tones of a house.

Like mosaics, colored stone increase visual interest in your outdoor rooms. A concrete driveway is solid and utilitarian, while a cobblestone surface adds an extra degree of nostalgic charm. Sandstone can make for a softer look on a driveway and an undeniably rustic feel to retaining walls, flower garden paths, or walkways from a back deck or patio to the lawn. Concrete stepping stones can be rectangles that bridge a water feature (always a fun touch) or random shapes that meander through violets; colored concrete can even provide a stunning mosaic-type effect of its own, mimicking the look of far more expensive and/or fragile surfaces with very practical everyday durability. So, as you put together your dream garden, remember to start it right from the ground up…with some great ideas from Art in Green.

West Virginia Retreat by Surrounds Landscaping

Behind a pergola-topped garden gate and nestled around a West Virginia cott
age is this delightful series of outdoor rooms from Surrounds Landscape Architecture. Of course, you know you’re on to something special even at the front of the home, with its beckoning shallow stone steps, evergreens, and softly waving ornamental grasses, but it’s beyond that wooden gate where the magic happens. Approach it via flagstones edged with lily gardens and tiny photovoltaic lights, walk through the stone arch, and you’re steps away from a diving board! And the pool that lies ahead of you, sparkling in the sun and backed by tall shade trees, is only the beginning. Stroll around the board on a delightful deck of colored cobblestones and you’ll soon find a feast for the eyes…and nose.

Those ornamental grasses you saw out front? They’re here, too, tufted gold and tinged with sunshine on their tips. Speaking of sunshine, that burst of gold to your left is brown-eyed Susans, a whole lavish bed of them; interspersed with them are lavender and ferns, their subtle scent perfuming poolside lounges and the umbrella-topped wrought iron table and chairs. But, again, that’s only one “room” in this outdoor space: a bit further, a wooden gazebo holds more seating and an outdoor kitchen. And when it’s time to gather, don’t be surprised to hear that giant bell ring out! More than you can take in with one glance, this spot deserves a leisurely stroll-through, a pause that will truly refresh you — in a perfect haven beyond a whimsical garden gate.

Romantic Garden Decorating Ideas

A garden is an ideal place for a romantic decorating style, b
ecause your needs for charm and softness are usually maximized at a relaxing moment in your peaceful & tranquil garden atmosphere. A romantic garden decoration is not difficult; actually through few simple touches, you can get this sweetness in your garden. The proof is in the pictures below with many simple ideas for a charming outdoor garden decoration. A garden swing is an excellent item to get in order to create a romantic ambience in our outdoor; perfect to enjoy sunshine, a gentle breeze, and a perfume of flowers whether sitting or lying down.. what a perfect way to escape from the very urban everyday life. Flowers have been since ever the first expression of love… What can a sentimental soul do without flowers? It is precisely by cultivating magnolias, tulips, sunflowers and buttercups that makes the garden reveals its high sensitivity and its romantic & poetic atmosphere. Because the runoff of water just soothes us, a water path through the garden is a guarantee décor that will delight us… What a dreamy ambience: smooth water running softly surrounded by green plants and flowers from each side, isn’t it wonderful?! Once the night falls, the outdoor garden can be even more romantic; all depends on the lighting! As you know, lighting is one of the most important elements of a romantic ambience; lower the light and set a subdued atmosphere using candles & lanterns… the result is super charming.