For decades, the word "yard" has been almost synonymous with "garden." Rows of flowers, patches of lawn, maybe a tree or two-it's the image most people picture when they imagine walking up to a house.

A primary design goal of any backyard that's smack in the middle of a busy neighborhood should be to create a sense of enclosure. To this end, Eckley planted hedges of Leyland cypress, which, at up to ...

Is it modern or Mediterranean? Does it convey a cottage aesthetic, or is it a classic colonial? Your landscape should serve as an extension of the style of your home, so think yard improvements that ...