This small tract home backyard was transformed into a lively breathable garden. A new outdoor living room was created, with silver-grey brazilian slate flooring, and a smooth integral pewter colored concrete wall defining and retaining earth around it. A water feature is the backdrop to this outdoor room extending the flooring material (slate) into the vertical plane covering a wall that houses three playful stainless steel spouts that spill water into a large basin. Koi Fish, Gold fish and water plants bring a new mini ecosystem of life, and provide a focal point and meditational environment. The integral colored concrete wall begins at the main water feature and weaves to the south west corner of the yard where water once again emerges out of a 4” stainless steel channel; reinforcing the notion that this garden backs up against a natural spring. The stainless steel channel also provides children with an opportunity to safely play with water by floating toy boats down the channel. At the north eastern end of the integral colored concrete wall, a warm western red cedar bench extends perpendicular out from the water feature on the outside of the slate patio maximizing seating space in the limited size garden. Natural rusting Cor-ten steel fencing adds a layer of interest throughout the garden softening the 6’ high surrounding fencing and helping to carry the users eye from the ground plane up past the fence lines into the horizon; the cor-ten steel also acts as a ribbon, tie-ing the multiple spaces together in this garden. The plant palette uses grasses and rushes to further establish in the subconscious that a natural water source does exist. Planting was performed outside of the wire fence to connect the new landscape to the existing open space; this was successfully done by using perennials and grasses whose foliage matches that of the native hillside, blurring the boundary line of the garden and aesthetically extending the backyard up into the adjacent open space.

Modern meets traditional in Long Ashton

Artisan Landscapes

Finn P Photography
Photo of a large scandinavian backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Other with a garden path and gravel.

Decks and Patios

MayCreek Landscaping

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Seattle with decking.

Wappingers Falls Poolscape

Randazzo's Landscaping Inc.

Photo of a small traditional backyard full sun formal garden for summer in New York with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Iron Fences

Split Rail Fence Co Denver CO

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Denver with a garden path and mulch.

2nd Generation Decking in Bolton

Krzysztof Leoniewski

K.L
Inspiration for a small modern backyard partial sun formal garden in Manchester with decking.

Family House in North London

VORBILD Architecture

The rear of the property has been completely redone. The rear and side brick facades have been painted white. New aluminium framed doors and windows open the kitchen and dining area onto the garden. The garden has been landscaped with limestone levels, steps and rendered raised planters. A hand made timber slatted fence gives the needed privacy. Photography by Chris Snook

Japanese entrance

Laura Campbell Landscape Design

Laura Campbell
Design ideas for a small asian front yard partial sun formal garden in Manchester with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Modern carpentry - Woodbridge pergola and privacy screen.

Horvath Landscapes

plutadesigns
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Toronto with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

RHOC Interior Design, Kitchen & Gardens | Coto de Caza, CA

Leanne Michael L U X E lifestyle design

For the entry we gave the front door a mini face lift by painting it a dark rich brown to match the interior baseboards and flanked the doorway with a pair of Moroccan clay planters with white azaleas and pair of hand painted art for a little color!

Contemporary Landscape in Kissing Camels

Accent Landscapes

Raised planter beds offer a easy way to grow your own vegetable garden.
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Denver with with raised garden bed and concrete pavers.

Hardscaping

Northwestern Landscape & Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary side yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Seattle with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Japanese Modern

Sacred Space Garden Design Inc

Mid-sized asian backyard full sun formal garden in Orange County with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Modern Garden with a rustic twist

Yorkshire Gardens

Within this garden we wanted to create a space which was not only on numerous levels, but also had various points of interest. This garden is on a slope, but is also very wide. Firstly, we broke up the space by using rustic sleepers to create several raised beds,as well as steps which lead to differennt zones. This helps to give the garden a more traditional, country edge. The sleepers were also used to create a winding path through out the garden, marrying together the various areas. The path leads up to the impressive sunburst pergola and circular stone patio. This is the perfect spot to view the whole garden. At the other end of the garden another pergola sits amougnst a bustling flower bed, and will be used to train vining flowers. Along the back wall of the garden a raised bed is home to a stunning display of wildflower. This plot is not only a fabulous riot of colour and full of rustic charm, but it also attracts a whole host of insects and animals. While wildflowers looks great they are also very low maintenance. Mixed gravel has been used to create a variety of texture. This surface is intermittently dotted with colour with lemon thyme, red hot pokers and foxgloves. Stone has been used to create a warm and welcoming patio area. Flower beds at the front of the garden can be used for veg and other leafy plants. Overall we have created a country style with a very contemporary twist through the use of gravel, modern shape and structural landscaping.

Small Garden of Levels - Altrincham, Cheshire

Greenvision Garden Design

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard formal garden in Other with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Bunce Residence

Personal Touch Landscape

Large tropical front yard partial sun formal garden in Hawaii with mulch.

Southampton Farm

Warren's Nursery

Design ideas for an expansive transitional sloped partial sun formal garden in New York with a container garden and gravel.

A Complete Package

Stockman Stoneworks Inc

Rugged Barcelos Patio Pavers in Oak Blend. Tumbled Maytrx 4pc wall system. Tumbled Maytrx L Columns in Oak Blend.
Inspiration for a country backyard formal garden in Other with concrete pavers.

Alamo House I

CK Landscape

Design ideas for a large mediterranean backyard shaded formal garden for summer in San Francisco with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Wood Fences

Dakota Unlimited

Custom lattice fence designed & installed by Dakota Unlimited.
Inspiration for a large arts and crafts backyard formal garden in Minneapolis.

Brown Formal 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.