Gardens have the ability to embody everything from gorgeous messiness to ethereal buttoned-up polish. And when you think about it, your yard, or stoop or porch is the first communication your home makes to your guests and neighbors about you.

I’ve been sadly neglectful of my own yard over the last few years. And coming home to empty flower beds and bedraggled potted plants does not inspire. So I’ve decided to start looking at my yard as what it is: another room. It’s just as important that the little spot of outdoors that is ours be comfortable and inviting.

Some images I’m looking to for inspiration: This fairy arch from Gypsy Purple, this  typography-inspired patio in the round from Black, White, Bliss, the Japanese-inspired rooftop garden from Hatch (this one’s actually plastic!), this luxurious gazebo from Domino.