Houzz Logo Print

Backyard Garden Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

Colorful and Contemplative
Colorful and Contemplative
Sweet Smiling LandscapesSweet Smiling Landscapes
When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.
Modern Landscape Design
Modern Landscape Design
WERK | Building ModernWERK | Building Modern
Modern Landscape Design, Indianapolis, Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood - Hara Design LLC (designer) - Christopher Short, Derek Mills, Paul Reynolds, Architects, HAUS Architecture + WERK | Building Modern - Construction Managers - Architect Custom Builders
Very private backyard enclave
Very private backyard enclave
Morgan Howarth PhotographyMorgan Howarth Photography
Very private backyard enclave waterfall
Contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden in DC Metro with with waterfall and natural stone pavers for summer.
Sophisticated Surrounding
Sophisticated Surrounding
SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + ConstructionSURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction
The inviting fire draws you through the garden. Surrounds Inc.
Photo of a large traditional backyard garden in DC Metro with natural stone pavers and with fireplace.
Slim Rear Garden
Slim Rear Garden
Garden Club London LtdGarden Club London Ltd
Garden Club London | Tony Woods
Design ideas for a small modern backyard shaded garden for summer in London with a container garden and natural stone pavers.
Bayside Zen Garden | Bayside, WI
Bayside Zen Garden | Bayside, WI
LandCrafters, LLCLandCrafters, LLC
Behind the Tea House is a traditional Japanese raked garden. After much research we used bagged poultry grit in the raked garden. It had the perfect texture for raking. Gray granite cobbles and fashionettes were used for the border. A custom designed bamboo fence encloses the rear yard.
West Coast English Retreat
West Coast English Retreat
Tierra Madre Fine GardensTierra Madre Fine Gardens
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard partial sun garden in Other with with flowerbed and natural stone pavers.
Southfields Garden
Southfields Garden
Tom Howard Garden Design and LandscapingTom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping
Mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun formal garden in London with with pond and natural stone pavers for summer.
Winding Fence Way
Winding Fence Way
Promise Path Landscaping IncPromise Path Landscaping Inc
Bocce Ball court with decomposed granite
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard full sun xeriscape for spring in San Diego with a garden path and natural stone pavers.
LaurelRock Company: High Meadow Farm
LaurelRock Company: High Meadow Farm
LaurelRockLaurelRock
Neil Landino. Design Credit: Stephen Stimson Associates
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun garden in New York with a container garden and natural stone pavers.
Landscape Design
Landscape Design
WINN Design+BuildWINN Design+Build
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in DC Metro with with path and natural stone pavers.
Stone garden path off back deck
Stone garden path off back deck
Living Space LandscapesLiving Space Landscapes
Living Space Landscapes. Shade garden replacing turf area.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard garden in Minneapolis with a garden path and natural stone pavers.
Traditional Garden
Traditional Garden
Landscaping SolutionsLandscaping Solutions
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard shaded formal garden in London with natural stone pavers and with raised garden bed.
Marrying Elegant Design & Sustainability
Marrying Elegant Design & Sustainability
Julie Moir Messervy Design Studio (JMMDS)Julie Moir Messervy Design Studio (JMMDS)
The “handrill” of Corten steel follows the peastone and steel steps down a steep slope to pour into a round basin, emptying into a channel that meanders through the narrow back garden at ground level, ending finally in a boulder fountain. Devised to minimize root disturbance for the tall existing pines on the property, the continuous Corten steel structure is supported by concrete tubes rather than a foundation that would have required extensive excavation. Architect: Wolf Architects, Inc. General Contractor: GF Rhode Construction, Inc. Landscape Contractor: Robert Hanss, Inc. Steel Fabrication: Wovensteel and Richard Duca Water Systems: Pond Creations by Sean Photo by Susan Teare.
Steamboat Storm Meadow Drive Mountain/Asian Fusion
Steamboat Storm Meadow Drive Mountain/Asian Fusion
Trilogy PartnersTrilogy Partners
Japanese Garden with Hot Springs outdoor soaking tub. Landscape Design by Chad Guinn. Photo Roger Wade Photography The Rocky Regions best and boldest example of Western - Mountain - Asian fusion. Featured in Architectural Digest May 2010
Contemporary courtyard
Contemporary courtyard
SeedOnceSown LtdSeedOnceSown Ltd
This striking modern house had an unloved outdoor space with a large overhanging tree and dominant brick wall. We rejuvenated with new paving, porcelain cladding and a few choice plants for a contemporary look to complement the house. The addition of a living wall completes the transformation
Asian-Influenced Suburban Sanctuary
Asian-Influenced Suburban Sanctuary
Alderwood Landscape Architecture and ConstructionAlderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction
These clients' small yard had severe drainage issues, making it difficult for their large family to spend time outdoors. We worked with the clients to create several spaces in the small area that flowed together and met the family's needs. The modern-styled furniture spaces divided by flagstone pavers separated the spaces while an array of short plantings, Japanese maples, and Asian lantern decor introduced fluidity.
Very private backyard enclave
Very private backyard enclave
Morgan Howarth PhotographyMorgan Howarth Photography
Very private backyard enclave waterfall with fire pit and screened in patio
Contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden in DC Metro with with waterfall and natural stone pavers for summer.
Wilmington Court - Antique Gazebo
Wilmington Court - Antique Gazebo
Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLCPaul N. Brow, Architect, LLC
Antique teak gazebo nestled into the trees at the rear of the garden through an opening in the low, perimeter brick garden wall.
Mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun formal garden in Houston with natural stone pavers.
2018 Projects
2018 Projects
SuperscapesSuperscapes
Mid-sized country backyard partial sun xeriscape in Oklahoma City with natural stone pavers for fall.

Backyard Garden Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

1