Retain a soft pebble pathway by using brick edging for support. Soft surfacing for garden paths consists of natural materials that include combinations of stone, wood and shell.
Nary a backyard retreat is complete without a deck built for entertaining. Just like any indoor space, this exterior structure can be customized to your wants and needs. Multiple levels, shady overhead structures, and spa-like amenities are all within the realm of deck design possibility—with a little planning. Take inspiration from these 17 creative deck ideas for a relaxing space built just for you. (Feel free to share it with others.)This Old House
Favorite outdoor spaces usually have two things in common: comfy seating and a little screening. The front yard at Leni and Fred Wiener's lacked both. Add in heavy shade and the traffic of their New Rochelle, New York, neighborhood, and it's no surprise the couple went decades without using the space. But when a nor'easter took out a few old trees, they seized the chance to start over.
Popular with garden designers worldwide, boxwood hedge is perfect for use as topiary. It requires full sun to grow, so it's best fit for placement in front of a porch or patio rather than inside a shade-covered outdoor area.
"Wrap small bouquets in plain paper and group them in galvanized buckets, where they'll serve as rustic decor and gifts for your guests." – David Stark, event planner
An all-white centerpiece gives a table a sophisticated, glamorous look. Porcaro says "simple, clean winter whites and the sparkle of the season" was the inspiration for this arrangement, which consists of Dusty Miller, spray roses, and amaryllis.
For her own front yard, designer Margie Grace of Grace Design Associates Inc. matched the hardscape to her home's architectural style for a cozy cottage garden. To keep the yard low maintenance she laid a large patio using Arizona flagstones, then filled the rest of the space with lush flower beds. A reclaimed concrete bowl is transformed into a water feature that brings the sound of rain to the garden.
Salads usually require forks, but here a classic Caesar is transformed into a clever finger food. Toss chopped endives with a lemony dressing, then spoon the mixture inside the elegant endive spears, topping each with cheese and crunchy mini croutons.
Holiday hues don't have to be red, green, or gold. Amethyst vases, decanters, and two hefty hurricanes from William Yeoward Crystal set up a striking color scheme and complement a garland made of two kinds of arborvitae. Spheres from Areo and white bronze Robert andirons from Lyle and Umbach create a shimmering still life in the nonworking fireplace. Mirror fromCarvers' Guild.
