Who doesn’t love a transformation? Remodels, glow-ups, 10-year challenges—there is something about a “before” and “after” shot side by side that draws us in and sparks that “wow” reaction. Garden transformations are no different.
Gardens and transforming go hand in hand, whether it’s the transformations that occur during the changing of seasons, or the way plant additions or removals can give a space a whole new feel. The longer you garden, the more attuned you become to the fact that nature is ever changing. Rather than fight against this reality and strive to achieve the exact same designs year after year, embrace the changes of the garden. Let your landscape guide your decisions so that your garden is constantly becoming better for you and your plants.
Whether it’s a whole landscape overhaul, replacing a lawn with a more flower-filled solution, or simply adding a new garden bed or structure, we love to see how our contributors and readers have transformed an outdoor space into something new. We love even more when they give us a glimpse into the design process and share their “before” and “after” photos.
In this collection, you’ll find feature articles and reader submissions of stunning garden transformations. The photos and descriptions may inspire and empower you to make some garden changes of your own—or they may simply make you say, “Wow.”
Share your transformation
If you’re interested in sharing your garden transformation story, please submit to our Garden Photo of the Day blog! Send 5 to 10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear about where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
-
DesignTransforming a Barren Backyard
Berms and a dry streambed change the terrain from flat to rolling. -
DesignRedesigning the Backyard
We challenged three designers to transform a simple space into a garden retreat. -
DesignA Backyard Makeover
This small space was redesigned to include all the comforts of home. -
Garden Photo of the DayMaxine’s Dramatic Before and After in Washington
We've lived here for four years and I've been able to transform our small, urban backyard from a very plain one to one that is jam-packed with as many perennials as I can possibly fit. -
Garden Photo of the DayRevisiting Carol Jean in Wisconsin, Including a Before and After!
After losing the shade of a beloved tree, it's time to embrace the benefits of a sunny yard. -
Garden Photo of the DayMichelle’s Garden in Connecticut: Before, During, and After
Visit our very own Michelle Gervais' garden! -
Garden Photo of the DayLea’s Dramatic Before and After in Massachusetts
As kids grow up and move on, it's time to replace sandboxes and playhouses with gardens. -
Garden Photo of the DayHarriet’s Garden in Maine, Before and After
What do you do with an unused swimming pool? Harriet knows! -
Garden Photo of the DayBefore and After in Kathy and Kevin’s Garden in Washington
We created order and repetition with shrubs and trees to give the eye focal points and a sense of order within the context of soaring conifers and an understory of Indian plum and salmonberry. -
Garden Photo of the DayVeronica’s Garden in New Hampshire
Veronica and her husband have been reclaiming this previous gravel pit property for the past nine years.
