Whole lotta landscaping inspiration

Need landscaping inspiration? My answer to that question is always a resounding "Yes!" Check out HGTV's new gallery, "Landscaping Solutions." Okay, so some of these ideas are waaay beyond the means of ordinary mortals. (That is, those of us who are not squillionaires.) Nevertheless, each photo handily demonstrates how a professional landscaper solved a yard-related problem, transforming a blah space into a wow! space.

Click on each photo to view "before and after" photos, and work-in-progress pics. Here are my favs:

• Best problem-solver: landscaping a sloped yard.

• Idea most worth considering: how to break up a boring yard into personality-filled outdoor "rooms." Not sure I like the ultra-symmetrical approach taken here, but it still beats a big, bare square of lawn. Extra points to this landscape designer for painting the garage bright blue. Talk about adding zing!

• Best in-your-dreams-only idea: installing a putting green and elevated spa. Um, yeah. Not a realistic goal for most of us! Take a look. Dream. Move on.

• Most practical outdoor living space: this home mixes built-in stone benches with lawn furniture. This creates tons of seating options for guests.

What I'd really like to see, however, is more ideas like this one, which incorporates lots of easy-care ground covers and other massed plants. This does more than create privacy and beautify your surroundings. It also lessens dependence on high-maintenance, water-thirsty lawns. Need I mention it's better for the environment too? More of those, HGTV, please!

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