Photo of a large contemporary front yard shaded formal garden in Los Angeles with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Photograph taken by Landscaping Solutions This contemporary London garden scheme was designed by Simon Thomas and built by Landscaping Solutions. The design comprises horizontal timber batten screening mounted with up and down lights. There is a central fireplace which also has storage space to the rear. The paving and steps are sawn sandstone incorporating LED strip lights beneath the step treads. The raised planters are painted white and planted out with Box hedging. The rest of the planting comprises Irises, Stipa grasses and Fennel.

Proctor Terrace Backyard

Geared for Growing Landscape Services

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard garden in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

College Crescent

John Davies Landscape

Photo of a contemporary garden in London.

Our Portfolio

SoCal Concepts, Inc.

Mid-sized contemporary front yard shaded garden in Orange County with natural stone pavers.

Fulham Garden 2

Tom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping

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

Contemporary garden

Living Gardens Landscape Design

Contemporary courtyard garden
This is an example of a small contemporary courtyard shaded garden in Orange County with concrete pavers.

Bedford Park

ACRE landscape architecture + design studio

A lovely yard that started as a long bowling alley of lawn. We wanted to create a more human scale in the lounge area without building too many visual barriers. The overall effect is splashes of woodland across a contemporary canvas.

Fire Features

Good Earth Water Gardens

Old barren space where a playground once stood is transformed into a circular patio with a fire pit in the center.
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard full sun garden for fall in Kansas City with concrete pavers and a fire feature.

Stone Walls and Columns

Elan Landscape Development Inc.

Dan Wells
Inspiration for a contemporary front yard partial sun garden in Chicago with a retaining wall and brick pavers.

Cable Railing & Metal Railing

California Deck Builders

This is an example of a large contemporary courtyard full sun garden for summer in Los Angeles with gravel.

Urban Retreat

Kym Rodger Design

A softly flowing water feature and lush landscaping just outside the master bedroom. Photography by Helene Cornell
Design ideas for a contemporary garden in Los Angeles.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

Smalls Landscaping

One-of-a-kind and other very rare plants are around every corner. The view from any angle offers something new and interesting. The property is a constant work in progress as planting beds and landscape installations are in constant ebb and flow.

Los Altos Hills Residence II

dhd damir hurdich design

Inspiration for a contemporary full sun garden in San Francisco with concrete pavers.

Brookfield

Night Owl Landscape Lighting

Contemporary garden in Milwaukee.

Huntleigh Outside Art Gallery Landscape Design

Frisella Landscape Group

Contemporary partial sun garden in St Louis with concrete pavers and a stone fence.

Oak Tree Setting With Hillside Views, Landscape Renovation, Northern California

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Night view with low voltage pathway and garden lighting enhance the beauty of this expansive back yard landscape remodel that has been transformed into a relaxing outdoor retreat. The remodel includes a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Outdoor Living South London by Simon Orchard Gardens

Solus Decor UK Ltd

Simon Orchard Garden Design
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard garden in Surrey with a fire feature and decking.

A Beautiful Water Feature

The Landscape & Garden Company LTD

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard formal garden in Other with a water feature and gravel.

Organic Style - Del Mar Home

House Design Architects

This is an example of a contemporary garden in San Diego.

Contemporary Black 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.