Landscaping Ideas & Inspiration
Explore inspiring landscaping ideas that will drastically make your home more efficient & appealing.
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Low-Maintenance Fruit Trees to Grow in Your Yard
If you’ve ever fantasized about growing a fruit tree, it’s entirely possible, even if you don’t have acres of land. A small backyard or even a pot on a balcony will do.
Everything You Need to Know About Tri-Color Dappled Willow Trees
Tri-color dappled willow trees are stunning, with gracefully arched branches and new growth that shifts from a lustrous pale pink to whitish-green.
A Complete Guide to Autumn Cherry Trees
Autumn cherry trees reveal their stunning pink-white blossoms in early spring—and do an encore in fall.
Everything You Need to Know About Weeping Willow Trees
Weeping willow trees are a classic for a reason—these gently arching beauties add drama and elegance to any landscape.
6 Budget-Friendly Landscaping Projects
When a house needs a lot of attention, the yard can get short shrift. Here are some budget-friendly ways to improve your great outdoors.
The Best Grass That Grows in Shade
Learn the secrets of growing a lush lawn in low light—from selecting hardy shade-tolerant species to providing them with tender loving care.
All About Shade Trees
Plant one to boost property values, lower energy costs—and leave a lasting legacy
Green and Serene Water-Thrifty Landscape
Sculptural shrubs, verdant groundcovers, and dappled sunlight create the magic in this canyon-hugging property in Los Angeles
All About Groundcover
Whether you’re looking for the best low maintenance or fastest growing groundcover for your lawn, these plants offer solutions to barren spots and spaces.
Fast-Growing Shade Trees
Here are our favorite fast-growing shade trees to keep you cool and give you privacy as well as ornamental beauty.
How to Design an Outdoor Kitchen
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada discusses the common elements she includes in outdoor kitchen designs.
Create Your Best Yard Yet
Getting ahead of your yard work is the difference between enjoying the seasonal rituals of planting, weeding, and deadheading—and falling behind and making the whole thing feel like drudgery. Read this guide to learn what you can do to create your ideal yard.
All About Landscape Lighting
From selecting the best outdoor lights to setting them up, our experts share how to brighten up the outside of your house.
Touring the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada travels to Washington D.C. to see the Cherry Blossom Festival.
How to Create a Secret Garden
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada cleans up an overgrown garden and redesigns it as a secret garden
How to Create a Vertical Garden for Small Spaces
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada installs a vertical garden to maximize space for a homeowner
Understanding Chainsaw Safety Features
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains safety features built into all chain saws
All About Fire Pits
From lightweight metal bowls that set up anywhere to fixed masonry wells that are a gather-round feature on a patio or a patch of grass, fire pits extend the outdoor-living season in style. Here’s how to choose one for your own space
How to Plant a Living Privacy Screen
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner plant a living privacy screen.
How to Find Inspiration for Your Landscape Projects
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada walks Kevin through the process of pulling inspiration for a landscape design.
How to Transform Your Landscape Using Existing Plants
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada uses a homeowner’s existing plants and a few additions to transform the look of a house’s foundation
Ask This Old House: Roger Cook’s Greatest Hits
Over the years, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook has shown countless homeowners how to care for their trees
Low-Maintenance Landscaping Shrubs and Bushes
Our picks for the best landscaping shrubs and bushes that provide maximum beauty with minimal hassle.
Into the Woods for a Lot Turned into Magical Garden Rooms
Here's how an ordinary suburban lot became a nature playground for kid and adults alike—with ideas anyone can use
How to Make Maple Syrup Like a Pro
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada heads to Vermont to learn about making maple syrup commercially and at home
Drought-Resistant Ornamental Grasses
These ornamental grasses aren't only easy on the eyes; they're easy on the water bill, too
Ask Roger: Using Landscape Edging
Learning about landscape edging with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook
All About Garden Fountains
Adding the pleasing sights and sounds of flowing water to your backyard can transform it into a relaxing retreat
Grow Little Fruit Trees for Big Rewards
An ingenious pruning method for growing an orchard in a small backyard
A Garden Designer's Favorite Shrubs
8 no-fail garden beauties for all-season performance
10 Best Trees and Shrubs for Fall Color
Brighten your yard with fiery red and yellow autumn foliage
5 Design Ideas for Sheared Shrubs
These living fences can set off areas in your yard and solve a multitude of problems. Here are pro tips and design ideas for shearing success
Which Grass is Best for Your Area?
Choose types adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. The newest varieties have greater resistance to drought and disease and need less maintenance