This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape in Los Angeles with concrete pavers.

Traditional Style Fire Feature - the Prescott Fire Pit - using Techo-Bloc's Prescott wall & Piedimonte cap.
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard garden in New York with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Gold Medal show garden 2012 M.I.F.G.S. The Conversation Garden

Paal Grant Designs In Landscaping

Paal Grant
This is an example of a contemporary backyard garden in Melbourne with a fire feature and decking.

Formal Shade Garden - Spring in South Border

The Crafted Garden

Shade perennial border in spring using spring-blooming plants that will give way to maturing summer species. Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', Camassia, Columbine. Design, execution, photo - Susan Irving

Washington Str Remodel

vaso peritos interior design

Small contemporary backyard formal garden in San Francisco with a container garden.

Lawn Replacements with property views

Céladon Designs, Inc.

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape for spring in Santa Barbara with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Metal Hand Rail

Sion Structural and Ornamental

1.5 inch by 1.5 inch steel square tube, Paint Black Semi-Gloss
Mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape in Los Angeles with a garden path and gravel.

Playground

Green Acres Landscaping & Aquascapes

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in Other with gravel.

Contemporary Vail Landscape

Ceres+ Landscape Architecture

© 2011 Gibeon Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard garden in Denver with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Lisa Wilcox Deyo Landscape Architecture, LLC

Lisa Wilcox Deyo Landscape Architecture

Melissa Clark Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard shaded garden in DC Metro.

Garden Design, Calton Avenue, 6

Kate Eyre Garden Design

Marek Troszczynski
Mid-sized contemporary backyard garden in London with natural stone pavers.

Tropical Garden in Northwood

Garden Arts

Denise Cadwallader
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in London with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

old mail rd goes contemporary

ECO

This is an example of a contemporary backyard formal garden in Toronto with gravel.

Lakewood Backyard with Artificial Grass

PlushGrass Custom Synthetic Turf

Artificial grass requires no mowing, watering, or fertilizing. Dog urine won't stain or discolor the artificial grass. Clean ups on artificial grass are easier than on natural grass. If you're tired of re-sodding year after year due to your dogs then consider an artificial grass dog run from PlushGrass. Additionally, your dog(s) won't track dust or mud into the house with an artificial lawn or dog run area.

John and Sarah's backyard renovation

Landscape East & West

Stephen Cridland
Photo of a contemporary backyard garden in Portland with concrete pavers.

Woodview Place

Bergez & Associates Design Studio

Dance studio with raised vegetable beds outside of its store front windows.
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary backyard full sun garden in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Franklin

William Howard Studio

Contemporary backyard partial sun garden in Los Angeles with a retaining wall and gravel.

Fulham Garden

Tom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden in London with natural stone pavers.

Gabion Wall Terrace

Miller Landscape Architecture

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard partial sun garden in San Francisco with a retaining wall.

Bronte - Pool + Garden

GOODMANORS Pool + Garden

Photo of a contemporary backyard garden in Sydney.

Contemporary Backyard Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Contemporary 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 contemporary 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 Contemporary Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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.