A stepping stone path with grass joints lead to the lower fire pit circle. Photo credit: Neil Landino
Mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden in New York with a fire feature and gravel for summer.

Privacy Fence installed

The Garden District

The Valero Family wanted a new area where they could have foliage growing and covering an area that faced the neighbors for more privacy and also to enhance the look of their backyard. Privacy fence, new landscaping , palm trees and beach pebbles were installed in this area,

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

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. Galvanized troughs used for vegetables in the side yard. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include 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

Architektonischer Vorgarten

Paus Gartendesign

Photo of a large contemporary front yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Essen with with raised garden bed and concrete pavers.

Custom Mailbox - Mid-Century Open Floor Plan with View Deck

Eco Minded Solutions

Afterglow Echeveria within blue Mexican pebbles paint the foreground on the way to the custom created mailbox to increase curb appeal.
This is an example of a large contemporary front yard full sun xeriscape for summer in San Diego with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Landform Consultants - Project Value £35,000 - £60,000 - Winner

The Association of Professional Landscapers

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Berkshire with decking.

Hochbeet mit Blumen und Weinreben

Garten- und Landschaftsbau Jansen und Arens

Villengarten in Bergisch- Gladbach Entwurf: Studio ASH
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard partial sun garden for summer in Cologne with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Entry Gardens

Garden Gate Landscaping

An understated rambler has it's curb appeal improved with an elegant new front walk and steps. The upgraded plantings add to the charm. © Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc./Charles W. Bowers

Big opportunities for outdoor entertaining in a small yard

Bradford Associates, LLC

If designed carefully, a small yard can be organized into outdoor entertaining spaces for many activities.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun garden for summer in Providence with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Kentfield Contemporary Garden

Avant Garden

English style entry planting photo by Galen Fultz
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary front yard partial sun garden for summer in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and with flowerbed.

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.

Earls Court Oasis

Harry Holding Studio

An inner city oasis with enchanting planting using a tapestry of textures, shades of green and architectural forms to evoke the tropics of Australia. Sensations of mystery inspire a reason to journey through the space to a raised deck where the family can enjoy the last of the evening sun.

Rénovation d'un jardin de Ville à Blagnac

Urbanessence Espaces Verts

Conception, budgétisation et rénovation totale d'un jardin à l'arrière d'une maison dans le centre ville de Blagnac
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard partial sun garden for summer in Toulouse with brick pavers.

Asian Style wood Gate

Derue Designs

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in Other with with a gate and a wood fence.

Appledown contemporary garden

PLT Design

Evening sun lighting up the decking pathway
Photo of a small contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in Oxfordshire with with path and decking.

Wooten Backyard Living

Native Edge Landscape

These homeowners were looking to up their hosting game by modernizing their property to create the ultimate entertainment space. A custom outdoor kitchen was added with a top of the line Delta Heat grill and a special nook for a Big Green Egg. Flagstone was added to create asymmetrical walkways throughout the yard that extended into a ring around the fire pit. Four rectangular trellises were added along the fence and shed, with an all metal pergola located at the back of the pool. This unique structure immediately draws the eye and adds a playful, artistic element to the rest of the space. The use of various sized rocks, gravel, and flagstone give a rough texture that creates a symbiosis with the metalwork. Silver Falls Dichondra creates a beautiful contrast to the rocks and can be found all over the property along with various other grasses, ferns, and agave. A large area of gravel rests on the side of the house, giving the client room to park a recreational vehicle. In front, a privacy fence was added along one of the property lines, leading into a drought resistant, eco-friendly section of yard. This fence, coupled with a giant boulder, doubles as a safety precaution in case drivers miss the turn and run into their lawn. This updated landscaping adds an effortless flow for guests to move from the front yard to the back while creating a very open, welcoming feel to all who enter.

Moderner Garten "MOTIVBILDEND"

Blum & Scherer Gartendesign und Freiraumplanung

Moderner Garten "MOTIVBILDEND" Neugestaltung eines modernen Gartens mit verschiedenen Motivbereichen Ausführung der Gartenplanung Spätsommer 2018 Gartenbilder Juni 2020 https://blum-scherer.de/motivbildend/

Moderner Garten "MOTIVBILDEND"

Blum & Scherer Gartendesign und Freiraumplanung

Very private backyard enclave

Morgan Howarth Photography

Very private backyard enclave waterfall
This is an example of a contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in DC Metro with with waterfall and natural stone pavers.

Our first bbq storage cabinet

Hand Crafted Projects

This is our first contemporary, made to measure bbq storage unit, to order yours go to our website.
Photo of a large contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Other with decking.

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas for Summer

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.