Several of Michael Glassman's custom residential landscapes are prominently featured in the double issue of Great Backyards. One is a two page front courtyard with an original water feature and a custom fireplace.

A filigreed gazebo turns this side yard in Davis, California, into an enchanting setting for alfresco dining. The airy, 11-foot-tall, rusted-iron structure was found at a local nursery for less than $1,000, a candle chandelier and a pair of tall candle stands were added for nighttime ambience. To make an intriguing "rug," the landscape designer glued 12-inch mosaic marble tiles to cast concrete squares, filling spaces between them with decomposed granite.

"It's an interesting phenomenon," said Michael Glassman, of Sacramento-based Michael Glassman & Associates, who has designed many outdoor spaces, including this one, which is also in Sacramento. "Designers always think about function when designing a kitchen inside the home, but when they step outside to create one, it's that thought that goes right out the door." More than just a pet peeve to Glassman, who has built his award-winning reputation on visualizing a home's exterior as another large room, it's a mistake. "You need to think about how the clients are going to use the space," he said. "Otherwise, you miss the opportunity to capitalize on its potential."