Sustainable Garden design on tight suburban lot with new shed as focal point.
This is an example of a small modern drought-tolerant, privacy and full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in New York for spring.

These are decorative metal privacy panels placed on the side yard. We planted Podocarpus between for fillets and star jasmine vine to climb on them. Of course we put lights behind them to create a silhouette effect.

Custom wrought iron fencing, wavy contemporary metal panels, steel privacy screen for neighbors, decorative metal fencing design.

To read more about this project, click here or start at the Great Lakes Metal Fabrication metal railing page

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

Our team transformed this once neglected lakefront cottage into a one-of-a-kind sanctuary to be used as a year-round residence. These creative homeowners were craving an outdoor living space that felt naturalistic while still offering the comforts of an upscale retreat. In response, we designed and curated a fully integrated living space including expansive cedar decking with built-in hot tub that appears suspended over the steep meadow-inspired pollinator garden below. Bluestone steps create a sturdy, non-slip walk down and native grasses and drought tolerant perennials offer screening and a natural buffer to activity on the water; delivering color and textural interest for this unique outdoor retreat all year long.

Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern privacy and shade backyard formal garden in DC Metro.

Balinese style water garden including a pond less waterfall and 18’ stream, crossed by a custom made wooden bridge and stone mosaic pathway. 12’ x 16’ Pergola custom built to enjoy the sound of the running water.

Design ideas for a contemporary privacy backyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.

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.

Concrete stepping stones meander their way thought a private, densely planted garden area. Accents like a wooden bridge over the dry creek bed, a seating bench, and container planting bring this area to life.

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.

Photo of a small contemporary privacy and full sun backyard landscaping in New York with decking.

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.

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.

Balinese style water garden including a pond less waterfall and 18’ stream, crossed by a custom made wooden bridge and stone mosaic pathway. 12’ x 16’ Pergola custom built to enjoy the sound of the running water.

Open-plan kitchen/dining with patio doors opening out to the pool area. Terraced stucco retaining walls hold flowering shrubs and fragrant herbs.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant, privacy and partial sun backyard landscaping in Atlanta.

We designed this lovely, private dining area with custom wood-slat screens and a concrete kitchen complete with seating, grilling, counters and wood storage.

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.

New Fence
This is an example of a transitional privacy landscaping in San Francisco.