Backyards Magazine

Credits

Contributors, photography, and references.

Projects

A kitchen garden with a room of its own

Project firm: McHale Landscape Design

Photography: McHale Landscape Design

References: McHale Landscape Design

A hillside garden with somewhere to linger

Project firm: Pacific Outdoor Living

Photography: Pacific Outdoor Living

References: Pacific Outdoor Living

Separate places, one compact backyard

Project firm: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes; Design: Max Finkbeiner

Photography: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

References: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

An existing deck becomes an outdoor room

Project firm: Mom's Design Build; Design: Becca Bastyr

Photography: Mom's Design Build

References: Mom's Design Build

A lakeside garden designed for a crowd

Project firm: Mom's Design Build; Design: Becca Bastyr

Photography: Mom's Design Build

References: Mom's Design Build

A porch for a narrow, sloping site

Project firm: Mom's Design Build

Photography: Mom's Design Build

References: Mom's Design Build

A city yard with room to stay awhile

Project firm: Mom's Design Build; Design: Becca Bastyr

Photography: Mom's Design Build

References: Mom's Design Build

A hillside made for more than one kind of play

Project firm: Mom's Design Build; Design: Becca Bastyr

Photography: Mom's Design Build

References: Mom's Design Build

When the pool moves to the side yard

Project firm: Mom's Design Build; Design: Becca Bastyr

Photography: Mom's Design Build

References: Mom's Design Build

A lake garden with several places to pause

Project firm: Mom's Design Build; Design: Brittney Udenberg

Photography: Mom's Design Build

References: Mom's Design Build

Four levels of water, one outdoor composition

Project firm: Ryan Hughes Design Build; Photography: Joe Traina

Photography: Joe Traina / Ryan Hughes Design Build · Joe Traina

References: Ryan Hughes Design Build

A pool garden composed in curves and lines

Project firm: Ryan Hughes Design Build

Photography: Ryan Hughes Design Build

References: Ryan Hughes Design Build

Water, fire, and a sheltered outdoor room

Project firm: Ryan Hughes Design Build

Photography: Ryan Hughes Design Build

References: Ryan Hughes Design Build

Keeping the bay in the picture

Project firm: Ryan Hughes Design Build

Photography: Ryan Hughes Design Build

References: Ryan Hughes Design Build

Four skylights over a compact gathering space

Project firm: Keystone Outdoor Living

Photography: Keystone Outdoor Living

References: Keystone Outdoor Living

A vaulted porch anchors a larger outdoor plan

Project firm: Keystone Outdoor Living

Photography: Keystone Outdoor Living

References: Keystone Outdoor Living

Opening a deck toward the pool

Project firm: Keystone Outdoor Living

Photography: Keystone Outdoor Living

References: Keystone Outdoor Living

An outdoor room in ashwood, stone, and gray

Project firm: Keystone Outdoor Living

Photography: Keystone Outdoor Living

References: Keystone Outdoor Living

A white pergola over warm-toned decking

Project firm: Keystone Outdoor Living

Photography: Keystone Outdoor Living

References: Keystone Outdoor Living

A porch with the warmth of a barn interior

Project firm: Keystone Outdoor Living

Photography: Keystone Outdoor Living

References: Keystone Outdoor Living

A pool house that looks both ways

Project firm: McHale Landscape Design

Photography: McHale Landscape Design

References: McHale Landscape Design

A garden designed from the arrival onward

Project firm: McHale Landscape Design

Photography: McHale Landscape Design

References: McHale Landscape Design

A contemporary house, carried into the garden

Project firm: McHale Landscape Design

Photography: McHale Landscape Design

References: McHale Landscape Design

An English garden vocabulary for family life

Project firm: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction; Design: Chad Talton

Photography: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction

References: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction

Privacy and stormwater on a corner lot

Project firm: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction; Design: Chad Talton, PLA

Photography: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction

References: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction

A pool framed by texture and planting

Project firm: Platinum Pools

Photography: Platinum Pools

References: Platinum Pools

A compact courtyard keeps its geometry simple

Project firm: Platinum Pools

Photography: Platinum Pools

References: Platinum Pools

The house gathers around the pool

Project firm: Platinum Pools

Photography: Platinum Pools

References: Platinum Pools

A raised pool meets the house at its level

Project firm: Platinum Pools

Photography: Platinum Pools

References: Platinum Pools

A freeform pool with a rocky edge

Project firm: Allison Landscape & Pool Company

Photography: Allison Landscape & Pool Company

References: Allison Landscape & Pool Company

A long pool deck finds a smoother connection

Project firm: Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio

Photography: Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio

References: Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio

A three-season room meets a curving patio

Project firm: Archadeck of Columbus

Photography: Archadeck of Columbus

References: Archadeck of Columbus; Detailed project account

A curved bar gives a deck its social center

Project firm: SelectDecks

Photography: SelectDecks

References: SelectDecks

Keeping the slab, changing the whole experience

Project firm: SelectDecks

Photography: SelectDecks

References: SelectDecks

A porch and deck with several ways into the yard

Project firm: Fence & Deck Connection

Photography: Fence & Deck Connection

References: Fence & Deck Connection

A deck designed around the hot tub

Project firm: Fence & Deck Connection

Photography: Fence & Deck Connection

References: Fence & Deck Connection

An L-shaped lot becomes a sequence of outdoor rooms

Project firm: Pacific Outdoor Living

Photography: Pacific Outdoor Living

References: Pacific Outdoor Living

A compact Santa Maria yard finds its center

Project firm: Pacific Outdoor Living

Photography: Pacific Outdoor Living

References: Pacific Outdoor Living

The terrace gives an existing pool a new setting

Project firm: Pacific Outdoor Living

Photography: Pacific Outdoor Living

References: Pacific Outdoor Living

A hillside intervention opens a room beside the house

Project firm: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes; Design: Eric Van Grinsven

Photography: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

References: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

A cedar gazebo gives a lawn a destination

Project firm: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes; Design: Matt Kerske

Photography: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

References: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

An English-garden idea finds a Tennessee vocabulary

Project firm: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes; Design: Chloe Barrett · planting design; Mike Omar · earlier hardscape

Photography: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

References: Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

A Moorpark pool garden rethinks the lawn

Project firm: Southwest Greens of Southern California

Photography: Southwest Greens of Southern California

References: Southwest Greens of Southern California

Two kinds of play share a Sedona backyard

Project firm: Southwest Greens Flagstaff

Photography: Southwest Greens Flagstaff

References: Southwest Greens Flagstaff

Ideas & guides

Prune for the flowers you want to keep

Photography: Gustavo Fring

References: University of Maryland Extension · Pruning shrubs and hedges; University of Minnesota Extension · Pruning hydrangeas; University of Minnesota Extension · Cleaning and disinfecting gardening tools

Divide a perennial with somewhere to go

Photography: Tom Fisk

References: University of Minnesota Extension · Dividing perennials (regional timing); University of Maryland Extension · Perennials: selection, planting, and care; University of Maryland Extension · Dividing iris

One good tomato plant, within reach

Photography: Efrem Efre

References: University of Maryland Extension · Growing vegetables in containers; University of Maryland Extension · Growing tomatoes; University of Minnesota Extension · Early-season tomato sleuthing; University of Maryland Extension · Blossom-end rot of vegetables

Give a rain barrel a useful job

Photography: Efrem Efre

References: University of Minnesota Extension · Rain barrels; University of Maryland Extension · Harvesting rainwater with rain barrels; University of Maryland Extension · Rainwater harvesting and rainscaping (PDF)

A place for the tools that do the work

Photography: Gary Barnes

References: University of Minnesota Extension · Cleaning and disinfecting gardening tools; University of Illinois Extension · Maintenance and garden-tool lifespan; University of Illinois Extension · Readying your garden tools

A front garden that knows how to welcome

Photography: Alex Quezada

References: University of Georgia Extension · Mature size and overgrown foundation shrubs; DarkSky International & Illuminating Engineering Society · Responsible outdoor lighting

A garden for the visitors you rarely notice

Photography: Yusuf Kaya

References: Xerces Society · Pollinator conservation in yards and gardens; Xerces Society · Regional pollinator-friendly plant lists; Xerces Society · Nest sites and host plants; University of Minnesota Extension · Pollinator nesting habitat; CAL FIRE · Defensible space

A compost routine that keeps working

Photography: Eva Bronzini

References: EPA · Composting at home; University of Maryland Extension · How to make compost at home; Cornell Composting · Troubleshooting

Mulch, with room to breathe

Photography: Mike Bird

References: University of Maryland Extension · Mulching trees and shrubs; University of Minnesota Extension · Watering newly planted trees and shrubs; CAL FIRE · Defensible space

Herbs for the kitchen door

Photography: Georgie Devlin

References: University of Maryland Extension · Growing herbs in containers and indoors; University of Maryland Extension · Growing vegetables in containers; University of Maryland Extension · Growing mint; University of Minnesota Extension · Growing herbs

A balcony with room to live

Photography: Valeria

References: Royal Horticultural Society · Roof gardens and balconies; University of Maryland Extension · Growing vegetables in containers

Gardening through a humid summer

Photography: Yan Miranda

References: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions · Plant placement; UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions · Microirrigation; UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions · Powdery versus downy mildew; UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions · Basil

The garden after the flowers

Photography: Darya Sannikova

References: University of Minnesota Extension · Pruning hydrangeas; University of Minnesota · Karl Foerster feather reed grass; CAL FIRE · Defensible space

Sunday lunch, with the doors open

Photography: furkanfdemir

References: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service · Keeping food safe at a buffet

The porch between house and garden

Photography: Curtis Adams

References: Mom’s Design Build · Urban Oasis project account

Plant a small spring in a pot

Photography: Диана Дунаева

References: Illinois Extension · Landscaping with bulbs; Iowa State University Extension · Forcing flower bulbs; Illinois Extension · Growing bulbs in containers

A few flowers from the garden

Photography: Kevin Van Ham

References: University of Minnesota Extension · Preparing and caring for cut flowers; Iowa State University Extension · Preparing cut flowers

Let a few containers do more

Photography: Damian Apanasowicz

References: University of Maryland Extension · Growing plants in containers; University of California · Drainage in containers

Keep the lawn you use

Photography: Neville Hawkins

References: U.S. EPA WaterSense · Turfgrass and water efficiency; U.S. EPA WaterSense · Landscape planning and irrigation groups

Mosquito prevention starts with the water

Photography: David Kanigan

References: CDC · Mosquito control at home; U.S. EPA · Tips to prevent mosquito bites

The first five feet in wildfire country

Photography: Saddam Umar Husain

References: IBHS · Noncombustible Zone 0 research; CAL FIRE · Defensible space guidance; U.S. Fire Administration · Healthy landscapes

The handoff notebook every finished yard needs

Photography: cottonbro studio

Take the samples into the backyard

Photography: Kaboompics

A backyard for the life you lead

Photography: Tile Merchant Ireland

A small yard needs a clear idea

Photography: Georgi Kalaydzhiev

References: Pacific Outdoor Living · Santa Maria project and conceptual plan

Privacy begins where you sit

Photography: Vlad Bucur

Plan the room before the pergola

Photography: Gene Samit

Give dinner a little more room

Photography: Eric Hong

Follow the shade before choosing a seat

Photography: Image Hunter

Let the slope help organize the garden

Photography: Mariya Eskina

A quieter palette, a stronger garden

Photography: tiago alves

Design the garden around the pool, too

Photography: Jonathan Borba

References: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · Pool Safely safety guidance

Follow the route you already take

Photography: Joel Zar

The overlooked side of the house

Photography: Tyler Williams

Design for the evening you want

Photography: Sóc Năng Động

References: DarkSky International & Illuminating Engineering Society · Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting

Write the menu before designing the kitchen

Photography: Derwin Edwards

The garden you see through the window

Photography: Mads Terkelsen

Make a place for twenty quiet minutes

Photography: Monika Grabkowska

Room for company, space for everyday life

Photography: Askar Abayev

Borrow the decision, not the whole backyard

Photography: Deane Bayas

The brief that starts a better conversation

Photography: Kaboompics

Design for the care you are willing to give

Photography: Emmanuel Najera

Choose outdoor furniture in plan, not just in pictures

Photography: Ksu&Eli Studio

What a good before-and-after should explain

Photography: RDNE Stock project

A backyard in phases, with one coherent plan

Photography: Mathias Reding

Compare the scope before you compare the number

Photography: Tima Miroshnichenko

References: Federal Trade Commission · Choosing a contractor and reviewing written estimates

Where to spend when everything is on the wish list

Photography: Michael Burrows

The backyard inventory: what is already working?

Photography: Aaron Burden

The route into the yard belongs on the plan

Photography: Mikael Blomkvist

Make a decision calendar before the work begins

Photography: Ann H

Keep, repair, or replace: editing an existing backyard

Photography: Jason Ta

References: Southview Design · Sustainable Serenity, published reuse and drainage account

Test the layout with the furniture you already own

Photography: Elise Brown

Living at home while the backyard changes

Photography: Tahir Xəlfəquliyev

A family yard that can change with the family

Photography: Kampus Production

Design around the dog you actually have

Photography: Lucas Pezeta

References: ASPCA · Plant identification and animal poison-control resources

A place to work outside for an hour

Photography: Ketut Subiyanto

What makes a good outdoor reading seat?

Photography: Oguz Kagan Cevik

Plan movie night around the audience

Photography: Vlad Chețan

Make room for dinner for two

Photography: Leo Johnson

Give the gathering a serving station

Photography: Andy Lee

The poolside storage plan

Photography: Rachel Claire

References: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · Pool Safely safety guidance

Before you add an outdoor shower

Photography: Jonathan Borba

A welcoming route from the gate to the gathering

Photography: Juan Manuel Suárez

Start a native garden with one well-chosen patch

Photography: Ronin

References: University of Minnesota Extension · Native-plant resources (regional guidance)

Plant the garden in water groups

Photography: Jean Paul Montanaro

References: EPA WaterSense · Landscaping tips and hydrozones

Build the border around leaves

Photography: Kaboompics

A garden in one color, with room for variation

Photography: Alisa Mitus

Make a small place for flowers to bring indoors

Photography: Jordan Rushton

References: University of Minnesota Extension · Where bouquets begin: growing a cutting garden from seed

Make edible plants part of the garden composition

Photography: Aleksandr Gorlov

References: University of Florida IFAS · Foodscaping (regional guidance)

Raised beds or planting in the ground?

Photography: Nico Siegl

References: University of Maryland Extension · Building raised beds for vegetable gardening

Let the mature tree lead the design

Photography: Andrea NM

References: USDA Forest Service · Tree Owner’s Manual, construction protection (pp. 24–25)

Give a narrow border one clear job

Photography: Derick Rossan

Read the garden in late summer

Photography: David Logan

Gravel or paving: compare the way you will use it

Photography: Pew Nguyen

Large slabs or small pavers? Read the pattern first

Photography: TXTR

Pergola or solid roof: decide what should happen overhead

Photography: Renan Lima

Built-in seating or furniture you can move?

Photography: alleksana

Horizontal or vertical: the rhythm of a fence

Photography: Hoài Nam

Wood or metal for the pergola frame?

Photography: Manish Dhankani

How much variation should a wood-look deck have?

Photography: Igor Starkov

Choose the pool coping with the terrace

Photography: Jan van der Wolf

The most important detail may be where materials meet

Photography: Dimitar Dimitrov

Choose the outdoor counter around the work it will do

Photography: Alef Morais

What makes a courtyard feel like a room?

Photography: Dilan Ceviz

Let a midcentury house set the garden’s proportions

Photography: G N

Give a cottage garden a clear framework

Photography: Eline Spee

A coastal mood without a themed backyard

Photography: David Pohl

A desert-inspired palette begins with restraint

Photography: Việt Anh Nguyễn

References: University of Arizona Extension · Choosing the right plants; University of Arizona Extension · Drought and extreme heat; University of Arizona Extension · Learning to read plant stress

Make a woodland edge feel like part of the garden

Photography: Nejc Košir

References: University of Maryland Extension · Selecting and establishing groundcovers; University of Maryland Extension · Grade-change problems with trees

Formal lines, loose planting

Photography: Max Vakhtbovych

Make the garden gate a proper threshold

Photography: Mathias Reding

Design an overlooked yard around the best view

Photography: Justin Choi

How to give a large yard a human scale

Photography: Rene Terp

Reopen the outdoor room with a fresh eye

Photography: Michael Obstoj

Let the outdoor room shift for summer

Photography: Rachel Claire

Set an autumn table around the setting

Photography: Vitali Adutskevich

Use the off-season to make better backyard decisions

Photography: Julia Filirovska

Plan the cushion routine before buying the sofa

Photography: Alex Kviatkouski

Leave a garden handoff that someone can actually use

Photography: Kaboompics

References: EPA WaterSense · Watering and irrigation-system checks

The first year is part of the garden design

Photography: Greta Hoffman

References: EPA WaterSense · Plant establishment and landscape care

An annual edit for the garden you already love

Photography: Magda Ehlers

Give existing outdoor furniture a better role

Photography: Daniel Maurício Bertoli

Photograph the garden as a design tool

Photography: Pavel Danilyuk

Read the yard after rain

Photography: Natalia Sevruk

References: University of Minnesota Extension · Building a rain garden (regional guidance)

What a soil test can tell you

Photography: Mikhail Nilov

References: University of Maryland Extension · Soil testing and soil testing labs

A garden route that works for you

Photography: Isaac Taylor

References: U.S. Access Board · Guide to accessible routes; scope and technical requirements

Permeable paving starts below the surface

Photography: Wendelin Jacober

References: EPA · Permeable pavements: system design and limitations; EPA · Green infrastructure installation, operation, and maintenance

Before the digging begins

Photography: Lisa Fotios

References: Common Ground Alliance · 811 before you dig; Texas811 · Homeowner questions, including private utilities (regional guidance); City of Austin · Work exempt from building permits (local example)

Choose plants for the place you have

Photography: Lara

References: USDA · How to use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map; EPA WaterSense · Landscaping tips

Materials & products

TimberTech Vintage: a deck in three board widths

Photography: TimberTech

References: TimberTech; TimberTech · Care and cleaning requirements

Trex Lineage: muted color and the question of heat

Photography: Trex

References: Trex

Blu 60 Smooth, from the garden path to the patio

Photography: Techo-Bloc

References: Techo-Bloc

Belgard Origins and the art of the paving border

Photography: Belgard

References: Belgard

Pergola X: a roof that opens to the sky

Photography: StruXure

References: StruXure

Phantom screens: open porch, sheltered room

Photography: Phantom Screens

References: Phantom Screens

Tuuci Ocean Master MAX Classic: shade with a defined silhouette

Photography: Tuuci

References: Tuuci

Sunbrella outdoors: beyond the fabric swatch

Photography: Sunbrella

References: Sunbrella; Sunbrella · Upholstery cleaning and removable-casing guidance

Loll Tall Adirondack: consider the seat as well as the silhouette

Photography: Loll Designs

References: Loll Designs

Fermob Bistro: the case for a folding chair with character

Photography: Fermob; Fermob / Sébastien Erome

References: Fermob

An everyday outdoor table: POLYWOOD Lakeside

Photography: POLYWOOD

References: POLYWOOD

Deckorators Voyage, from the field boards to the steps

Photography: Deckorators

References: Deckorators

Fiberon Good Life: choosing a quieter deck finish

Photography: Fiberon

References: Fiberon

Veradek Corten: a planter that changes with the garden

Photography: Veradek

References: Veradek

Ooni Koda 2: room for the next pizza

Photography: Ooni

References: Ooni

Weber Slate 30: supper on a flat top

Photography: Weber

References: Weber

Rachio 3: what smart watering can—and cannot—do

Photography: Rachio

References: Rachio; Rachio Support · Offline device functionality

Inside a Yardistry wood gazebo

Photography: Yardistry

References: Yardistry

WAC Grand Accent: a tree, a beam, an evening view

Photography: WAC Lighting

References: WAC Lighting; DarkSky & IES · Responsible outdoor lighting

Barlow Tyrie teak, new and weathered

Photography: Barlow Tyrie

References: Barlow Tyrie

Unilock Town Hall: the character of brick, the logic of a paving system

Photography: Unilock

References: Unilock

Aberdeen slabs: give a large format room to work

Photography: Techo-Bloc

References: Techo-Bloc

Outdoor porcelain: choose the assembly before the finish

Photography: Daltile

References: Daltile

Pedestal decks: a level terrace above the drainage plane

Photography: Bison Innovative Products

References: Bison Innovative Products

Kebony decking and the beauty of weathering wood

Photography: Kebony / Kristian Alveo

References: Kebony

Trex Signature: design the view through the railing

Photography: Trex

References: Trex

Fermob Luxembourg: a family of seats with room to mix

Photography: Fermob / Nicolas Matheus

References: Fermob

A low seat in the garden: Loll Lollygagger

Photography: Loll Designs

References: Loll Designs

Neighbor Haven: the view from behind the sofa

Photography: Neighbor

References: Neighbor

Gozney Arc XL and the pizza-night patio

Photography: Gozney

References: Gozney

Breeo X Series: the fire pit and the evening around it

Photography: Breeo

References: Breeo

Bromic Tungsten: warmth where you sit

Photography: Bromic

References: Bromic

Kichler’s brass dome light after dark

Photography: Kichler

References: Kichler

Rain Bird XFD: watering beneath the leaves

Photography: Rain Bird

References: Rain Bird

Hunter MP Rotator and the dry patch in the lawn

Photography: Hunter

References: Hunter; Hunter · Zoning standard and MP800 nozzles

Vego raised beds: a kitchen garden in panels

Photography: Vego Garden

References: Vego Garden

Veradek Demi: a softer outline for the planted terrace

Photography: Veradek

References: Veradek

The garden wall, finished: Belgard Tandem

Photography: Belgard

References: Belgard

A retractable awning and two ways to use the patio

Photography: SunSetter

References: SunSetter

Dekton in the outdoor kitchen

Photography: Cosentino

References: Cosentino; Cosentino · Dekton Marmorio outdoor kitchen by Rolf Zürcher