OUR VERY OWN tropical oasis

Living in Minneapolis, MN, didn't stop this couple from channeling their Southern California roots into a super-lush backyard.

- KELLY RYAN KEGANS

Garden Indoor/outdoor living is second nature to Steve and Meghan Modrow, who both grew up in SoCal. Their house didn't allow for that until they bumped out the kitchen and opened up the back with sliding doors and windows. Now they can fully appreciate the backyard retreat that Steve, a landscape designer, created with tropical plants (they winter in his warehouse), a pond, and stone and wood paths. Says Meghan, "It's like a vacation right at home."