This early-phase Japanese-inspired garden draws from the Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist philosophies and combines the basic elements of plants, water, and rocks along with simple, clean lines to create a tranquil backyard retreat. Plant material used includes Japanese varieties of trees, shrubs and perennials woven together to create interest throughout each season.

Curbside Appeal for Classic Brick Gem

Ambiance Garden Design, LLC

Updated landscape to address lack of curb appeal in neighborhood. This landscape creates flow and interest throughout the property. A rock garden was installed in the back yard to address erosion and drainage issues at end of the back area.

Los Angeles View Home

June Scott Design

Situated above Lake Hollywood, this expansive terrace was part of a masterplan for the property. It is composed of simple, elegantly-balanced elements that link together to offer the clients a range of pastimes to enjoy with friends and family.

Birdsong Ranch, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Brad Cox, Architect, Inc.

Galvanized trough planters serve as a focal point and an easy opportunity to grow herbs, greens, berries and flowers. The reddish-orange garage contrasts beautifully with the dark green stain on the fence and showcases the pittosporum and espaliered apple tree. A citrus garden with Meyer lemons and Valencia oranges is tucked in the corner.

Boulder Retaining Walls

NS Landscapes

Custom boulder retaining wall.
Design ideas for a traditional backyard garden in Minneapolis with a retaining wall.

Ealing, contemporary family garden

Beaufort & Rampton Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in London with a fire feature, decking and a wood fence.

Beautiful Backyard Paver Design in Bexley

Landscapes by Terra

From the eye catching rock encolsed flower bed in the front yard all the way through to the backyard transformation. These pavers are a great converstation piece, by adding the detail into the stone work it give the eye something to gaze upon.

Private Residence - Poway

LASD Studio

Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with with rock feature, gravel and a wood fence.

Newlands

EVOKE

Small arts and crafts backyard partial sun garden in Denver with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Hillsborough Estate Garden

Kristen Rudger Landscape Design

Design ideas for an expansive backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with decomposed granite.

Backyard Koi Pond-James Island

REMARK

Design ideas for a backyard shaded garden in Charleston with with pond.

Planting designs

VVM Designs

Swing seating area in compact yard. Lots of color and use in a tight space
This is an example of a small backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with with rock feature.

Mediterranean Retreat | Holt Norfolk

Adrian Griffiths Landscaping & Design

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in Other with a wood fence.

Orange County/LA

Aqua-Link Pools and Spas

This is an example of a large modern backyard garden in Orange County with a fire feature and decking.

Modern Lake Side Retreat

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

At night, this gorgeous space comes to life. With a roaring fire, daintily-hanging lights, and a modern aesthetic that matches the home and outdoor bar, our client will relax and host in this space for years.

Silvestri

Rescom Landscaping, Inc.

Design ideas for a traditional backyard full sun garden in Orange County with a metal fence.

Wrought Iron Garden Gate

Great Lakes Metal Fabrication

This metal garden gate with double swing panels and wrought iron scrolls makes privacy and security easy and elegant. Share this project or pin it on Pinterest!

Wrought Iron Garden Gate

Great Lakes Metal Fabrication

This metal garden gate with double swing panels and wrought iron scrolls makes privacy and security easy and elegant. Save this project or pin it on Pinterest!

Michelle's Garden

The Form Firm Inc.

Enclosed raised garden bed outfitted with pergola and lattice for climbing vegetables. Fenced in to keep out deer and other vegetable hungry critters. Constructed out of Douglas fir and coated with a UV protector to prevent sun bleaching. Irrigation with timers installed for easy watering.

Mid Century Restored

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

Private conversation space for two is conveniently located near the study.
Photo of a small midcentury backyard partial sun garden for summer in Chicago with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Backyard and Sloped Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Gardens on Houzz

A lot of the time when you get home from a long day at work, all you want to do is wind down. Where better to do this than in your very own garden at home? If you do it right, a great garden design can send you right into holiday mode. But where to start? There’s so many styles to choose from when it comes to garden design. Whether you want to create a tropical, modern, contemporary, beach style or country garden - or something else entirely - the large garden image gallery on Houzz has got you covered. Get inspired and collect your ideas to narrow down your desired garden style and features.

How to Create a Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a garden and if it’s appropriate for your climate. You may want to consider adding a deck or other landscaping features, but the plants you choose will mostly dictate your style and what kind of ongoing maintenance is required. Don’t worry if your backyard isn’t very spacious - there are many plants that can thrive even in a small space and allow you to turn your space into a little paradise of your own, regardless of size.

Decide which plants to use

The greenery you choose is critical to your look. For example, if you’re trying to create a tropical garden palm trees and bamboo are your go-to options. Other popular options are golden cane palm trees and fern for ground cover. From there you can add some colour with bright flowers like frangipani, hibiscus or bromeliads. All these are actually quite hardy plants, so once established, your tropical garden is actually quite easy to maintain. Use this structure and apply it to your style. Research which plants you need to set your base for a garden and go from there.

Add some decor

If the plants don’t quite do it for you yet, or if you want to add some extra wow-factor, consider adding some extra features. Even if you can’t accommodate a swimming pool, hot tub or pond, you could look at smaller water features. Simple rocks can also have a great effect, while statues and gnomes will add some extra character. Don’t forget to add some furniture so you have a nice place to sit and enjoy your garden!

Need some help?

Once you know what you want your garden to look like, it may be hard to make it a reality on your own. If that is the case for you, consider consulting a professional to help you with your garden design. Every photo you find on Houzz will lead you to the local pro that did the job, so you won’t have a problem picking the perfect person to help! Whether you need a gardener in Brisbane, a landscape architect in Melbourne or a fireplace installer in Sydney, you can be sure to find one on Houzz.