A stepping stone path meanders through drought-tolerant plantings including Dymondia, Rosemary 'Barbeque', and Euryops. The owner's favorite roses are integrated with Penstemon 'Apple Blossom' and variegated Tulbaghia 'Silver Lace' to provide color and contrast. Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan.

Marie Sandblom Rudsvik

This project, by Houston based pool builder and authorized Ledge Lounger Dealer, Custom Design Pools, features multiple seating areas, both in pool and out of pool, making it ideal for entertaining and socializing.

ceramic pots, grasses, gravel path, outdoor furniture, succulents, tuscan

Outdoor furniture: EMU from Room & Board. Photography by: Chris Martinez

Terrasse extérieure aux inspirations méditerranéennes, dotée d'une cuisine extérieure, sous une pergola bois permettant d'ombrager le coin repas.

Hummingbirds are drawn to blooming succulents as well as the garden's Island Pitcher Sage, Manzanita and Western Redbud blooms.

The homeowner of this traditional home requested a traditional pool and spa with a resort-like style and finishes. AquaTerra was able to create this wonderful outdoor environment with all they could have asked for. While the pool and spa may be simple on the surface, extensive planning went into this environment to incorporate the intricate deck pattern. During site layout and during construction, extreme attention to detail was required to make sure nothing compromised the precise deck layout. The pool is 42'x19' and includes a custom water feature wall, glass waterline tile and a fully tiled lounge with bubblers. The separate spa is fully glass tiled and is designed to be a water feature with custom spillways when not in use. LED lighting is used in both the pool and spa to create dramatic lighting that can be enjoyed at night. The pool/spa deck is made of 2'x2' travertine stones, four to a square, creating a 4'x4' grid that is rotated 45 degrees in relation to the pool. In between all of the stones is synthetic turf that ties into the synthetic turf putting green that is adjacent to the deck. Underneath all of this decking and turf is a concrete sub-deck to support and drain the entire system. Finishes and details that increase the aesthetic appeal for project include: -All glass tile spa and spa basin -Travertine deck -Tiled sun lounge with bubblers -Custom water feature wall -LED lighting -Synthetic turf This traditional pool and all the intricate details make it a perfect environment for the homeowners to live, relax and play! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Raised beds and gate surrounded by Joseph's Coat climbing rose in this beautiful garden

Hot Spring Spas: A beautiful addition to your backyard space

design & photos by Jean Marsh

Lepere Studio

Garden designed by Debbie Roberts MSGD of Acres Wild. Winner of the SGD International Award 2014