Photo of a large modern sloped full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a retaining wall and gravel.

MODERN BACKYARD REMODEL

Envy Landscape Design Inc.

Mid-sized modern backyard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Contemporary Landscape - Dramatic Transformation - San Rafael, CA

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Close up of a planting bed with succulents, cared grasses, and other architectural plants. Complimented by the gray concrete pavers and Mexican pebbles. This San Rafael front landscape has been dramatically updated with a welcoming concrete pathway entrance, and complimented by a variety of architectural plants, hardy succulents, textural grasses and a majestic, fruitless olive tree. The dramatic transformation is enhanced by a raised corten steel planter at the pathway entrance with gravel and succulents. Two horizontal ipe wood structures provide contemporary accents. New raised concrete planters alongside the new concrete driveway define the property and showcase more colorful succulents. A beautiful gray house paint color and ipe accents complete the remodel. Drawings, Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Transformed Tucson Courtyard

Santa Rita Landscaping, Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized and desert look side yard partial sun xeriscape in Phoenix with brick pavers.

The Lodge, Fulham Cemetery (Grand Designs)

Harry Holding Studio

Planting in the back garden for an innovative property in Fulham Cemetery - the house featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs in January 2021. The design had to enhance the relationship with the bold, contemporary architecture and open up a dialogue with the wild green space beyond its boundaries. Seen here in summer, the planting is a base of evergreen textures punctuated with long flowering perennials.

Seattle Cottage

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

pervious paver pathway leads to patio past purple perennials
Photo of a small arts and crafts front yard full sun xeriscape in Seattle with with privacy feature and concrete pavers.

Taylor Farms Residence

TransArc Design

This is an example of a large backyard full sun xeriscape in Phoenix with a fire feature and gravel.

Berkeley Slope Transformed

Sarah Herman Landscape Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary front yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in San Francisco with decking and a wood fence.

Stylish Digs in Echo Park

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard full sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Succulents in steel planters

austin outdoor design

Photo: David De Gendt
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard partial sun xeriscape in Austin with a container garden and gravel.

Palo Alto Eichler

The Garden Route Company

Richard Radford
Mid-sized midcentury front yard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with gravel.

Low Water Landscape, Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Revolution Landscape

Vibrant Succulents: With thousands of succulents and cacti to choose from, selection is about color, texture, and dimension.
Large side yard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with natural stone pavers and a garden path.

Above The Grade Landscape Project Photos

Above The Grade Landscape

Above The Grade Landscape
Photo of a mid-sized backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in Other with a garden path and gravel.

Modern Long Beach Drought Tolerant Design

California Landscape Construction

Dan Solomon
Mid-sized modern front yard partial sun xeriscape in Los Angeles with a container garden and concrete pavers for summer.

Rustic Crestview Backyard Retreat

Native Edge Landscape

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Wimberly

Oliver Custom Homes

This is an example of a mid-sized front yard full sun xeriscape for summer in Austin with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Mediterranean Garden

Hawkeye Landscape Design

Hawkeye Landscape Design We began this project with the idea of making a friendly entryway and social area under the Mulberry tree which provides much needed shade in this hot, mountainous area. The 'red fescue' meadow grass has a cooling effect and the agaves reduce the need for excess water and maintenance. The backyard has a covered dining area with a corner lounge and fireplace. The large barbecue offers a cantilevered counter for entertaining. The waterfall into the pool is surrounded with bamboo and plantings that emulate the hillside beyond the property. The permeable paving and mix of Vitex and Olive trees provide shade for smaller seating areas to enjoy the variety of succulents throughout the garden

Santa Cruz Craftsman

Wildflower Landscape Design at K&D Landscaping

Custom brick and stone planting bed featuring textural grasses.
Design ideas for a large arts and crafts backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a retaining wall and mulch.

Modern Landscape in Mill Valley

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Newly installed plantings that provide a beautiful variety of colors and textures for year-round appeal. And chosen to soften and enhance the beauty of the horizontal fencing and concrete planters. Architect: Barry Peterson, Studio300A Architecture. Planting Plan Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Santa Fe, NM Residence

Fred Albert Design

The design of the landscape and patio for a residence in Santa Fe, NM. The large rock sculpture at left serves to punctuate the entrance to the courtyard. Large Colorado flagstone is used for the stepping stones and for the patio. Photo Credits: Fred Albert

Brown Xeriscape 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.