Project: Mid Century - Sensation

Credited to: Anne Attinger

Photo credit: David Papazian

As illustrated by this extremely well-shot photo, the planting design complements the surrounding area perfectly. Genius loci (the protective spirit of a place) is strong at this renovated mid-century home and garden in Rancho Mirage, CA. Our judges were impressed by the designer's use of drought-tolerant yet visually striking plants, and the fact that virtually nothing looks out of place. The mountainous backdrop anchors the sense of place in the photo. Compositionally, the image follows the rule of thirds extremely well, and provides a great example of a time of day that creates golden lighting and dramatic shadows for a spectacular photo.

Project: Elevate Academy Irrigation – Caldwell, Idaho

Credited to: Krisjan Hiner

We loved the vantage of this shot, which emphasized the dynamics between the landscaping and running sprinklers in the foreground and the 6th-through-12th-grade career technical charter school in the background. The low camera angle added a wealth of depth to the scene, with the contrast between plants and hardscaping providing a degree of stark beauty. The sprinkler stream extending through the top corner of the image was a nice touch too, lending even more depth and continuity.

Project: Bachelor Pad Envy

Credited to: Jessica Staples

Photo credit: Sarah Rowlands

Our judges were wowed by the fantastic use of materials in this outdoor kitchen. The black and white components create a strong sense of contrast and balance – a masterful use of a limited color palette for a minimal yet sophisticated design. It's a striking photo that puts the focus on the site's hardscape, and does so brilliantly.

Project: Hillside Modern

Credited to: Eric Arneson

This image can almost speak for itself. Our judges loved the use of the time of day to create a dramatic light-and-shadow display. The space is incredibly inviting and pleasant looking, and the render did a magnificent job of showing off the use of materials and the planting alike.

Project: Wekiva

Credited to: Corey Mills

Photo credit: Larry Taylor - Taylor Architectural Photography

This wide-open design demonstrates a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces, which is further complemented by highly effective lighting. Straight lines and angles play important roles in the success of this design, and the stair lighting emphasizes these elements triumphantly.

Project: Sada Backyard Project

Credited to: Melda Clark

Photo credit: Melda Cipli-Clark

The products used in this design – water bowls from Nobel Tile Supply – play a central role in the site, as they do in the submitted photo. We thought the bowls were a stunning addition to what is already a tranquil, alluring space. With the surrounding elements gracefully included for context, this one was a sure winner. More information about the products used:

• Fountain Urn Small – Concrete Water Bowl, Limestone Color
• 23.5" diameter, 10" height
• Spout width 8", Spout Overhang 3"
• Inlet for 1.5" PVC
• Website