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.

Modern meets traditional in Long Ashton

Artisan Landscapes

Finn P Photography
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Other with a vegetable garden and gravel.

Very private backyard enclave

Morgan Howarth Photography

Very private backyard enclave
Contemporary side yard partial sun formal garden in DC Metro with a garden path and natural stone pavers for summer.

Townhouse garden

Neil Jones Design

Using a refined palette of quality materials set within a striking and elegant design, the space provides a restful and sophisticated urban garden for a professional couple to be enjoyed both in the daytime and after dark. The use of corten is complimented by the bold treatment of black in the decking, bespoke screen and pergola.

Sunken Modern Garden

Chris Snook

Photo of a large contemporary formal garden in London with natural stone pavers.

Contemporary Garden

Mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun formal garden in Other with natural stone pavers for summer.

Contemporary Garden Putney

Landscaping Solutions

Designed by Simon Thomas
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard partial sun formal garden for spring in London with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Hampstead Small Garden

Peter Reader Landscapes

The view from the raised seating area across the garden.
Small contemporary backyard formal garden in London with concrete pavers.

Washington Str Remodel

vaso peritos interior design

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

Newton, MA front yard renovation

Sallie Hill Design, Landscape Architect

Newton, MA front yard renovation. - Redesigned, and replanted, steep hillside with plantings and grasses that tolerate shade and partial sun. Added repurposed, reclaimed granite steps for access to lower lawn. - Sallie Hill Design | Landscape Architecture | 339-970-9058 | salliehilldesign.com | photo ©2013 Brian Hill

Resort Style in the backyard

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Large contemporary backyard formal garden in Seattle with mulch and with lawn edging.

Balham

Lis Eriksson Design

View from the first floor entrance into the garden. Storage bench and Vandemoortel clay brick path and gravel to make this garden dog friendly.
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for fall in London with with privacy feature, brick pavers and a wood fence.

Eleganter Stadtgarten

besgen Landschaftsarchitektur

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary side yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Bonn with with lawn edging, natural stone pavers and a metal fence.

Благоустройство участка 20 соток в КП Пестово

Травушка.ру

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

Fallen Leaves

Arbordale Landscaping

Stepping stones in a minimal gravel paved area lead past two lounge chairs to the intimate dining area. The herringbone-patterned limestone patio dissipates into a lush planting bed filled with loose swaths of shade-loving perennials and seasonal bulbs. Beech hedging, and formal clipped evergreens, surround the space and provide privacy, structure and winter interest to the garden. On axis to the main interior living space of the home, the fountain, is the focal point of the garden. A limestone water wall featuring an engraved pattern of fallen Honey Locust leaves nods to the centrally located mature Honey Locust tree that anchors the garden. Water, flowing down the wall, falls a short distance into a pool with a submerged limestone panel. The light noise of the falling water helps soften the sounds of the bustling downtown neighbourhood, creating a tranquil back drop for living and entertaining.

Courtyard House Brighton

Warc Studio Architects

Custom design built in table that spans over a Japanese maple and onto a seat / retaining wall
Photo of a small contemporary courtyard partial sun formal garden for fall in Melbourne with with raised garden bed and natural stone pavers.

Secret Garden, Highbury

Jenny Bloom Garden Design

A small garden at the rear of a Grade II Listed property was extended beyond the original boundary after the client purchased the derelict and overgrown plots beyond. The original lawned garden space was redesigned as a courtyard using reclaimed yorkstone and a more contemporary 'secret garden' was created beyond the wall. A sunny chill out zone was created for the family to relax in, and a productive garden includes fruit trees and raised beds for growing vegetables.

Meadow Garden

West Winds Nursery LLC

A low maintenance, easy care selection of tough perennials offering a long season of interest and flowers. The incentive for this planting space is to hide a long series of septic tank covers. They've completely disappeared under this sea of Willowleaf Amsonia, Salvia, Coneflowers, tall Henry Eilers Rudbeckia, and Prairie Dropseed. Photograph by Katherine Palmer

Contemporary sun lounging area

Zinnia Garden Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard formal garden in Other with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Townhouse garden

Neil Jones Design

Contemporary Formal 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.