Your backyard could be the perfect escape—if only the sun wasn’t trying to roast everything in sight. Or maybe it just needs a little more life, something to break up the silence besides your neighbor’s dog. This is where a landscape architect comes in. With expertly designed water features and shade structures, your outdoor space can go from "barely tolerable" to "never want to leave." Let’s talk about five ways to transform your Carson City backyard into a stunning, comfortable retreat.