Decking level with inside the house - Surbiton

Low light reflecting off the house.
Inspiration for a small contemporary garden in Surrey.

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth. Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Contemporary Fountains and Containers

Birdsall & Co. The Garden Boutique

Self-contained cast stone fountain for a contemporary garden
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard garden in Denver with a water feature.

Center Valley, PA

Chestnut Hill Landscape Contractors

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Philadelphia with brick pavers.

NSW - Wilkinson

SITEDESIGN+STUDIOS

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

Garden Screens Installed

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Screen With Envy "Kaleidoscope" installed freestanding to create privacy. If you’re looking for a fresh take on garden screening this summer, then the Kaleidoscope outdoor garden screen will be perfect for you. Inspired by the pattern work found throughout the sprawling markets of Morocco to Dubai, its Arabic design makes it truly unique and will provide a beautiful addition to your garden. The privacy screen is made of advanced wood composite so will not warp age or fade. We produce these in a number of different patterns. All screens are modular, can be cut down to fit any shape, and can be installed against brickwork, fences or free-standing. £80 including free UK delivery. Visit - https://www.screenwithenvy.co.uk/products/arabesque-medium-garden-screen

Ritherdon

Clara Bee

A small but effective barrel sauna overlooking the planted wall.
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard shaded garden in London with a vertical garden.

Contemporary Landscape

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary front yard full sun garden for summer in Orange County with a water feature and concrete pavers.

A Boulder Alternative

Mary Kirk Menefee, Landscape Designer

The boulder wall also becomes the bones of a lively garden. A mix of evergreens and perennials ensures year-round interest. Design by Mary Kirk Menefee; installation by Merrifield Garden Center. Photo: Mary Kirk Menefee

California poppies glow in the morning sun

Eve's Garden Design

California poppies glow in the morning sun. Photo by Eve Werner
Design ideas for a small contemporary front yard partial sun xeriscape in Sacramento.

Novotny Landscaping LLC Wall/Steps Construction

Novotny Landscaping LLC

Novotny Landscaping LLC installed this retaining wall to replace a failing timber wall. Natural stone Chilton outcroppings were used to make a gentle transition for my customers. Compliments to Sally Michalko the home owner for all these pictures she took while we worked on the project.

Small Garden Design and Build

Richard Walters Garden Design

A small shady back garden area designed for young professionals as a beautiful entertaining area.
Small contemporary backyard shaded formal garden in Other with with privacy feature and concrete pavers.

Maribyrnong (Courtyard)

Inspiring Landscape Solutions by Parveen Dhaliwal

Maribyrnong - concept was based on the owners travels to Japan and liking of Japanese culture and to create something different for their courtyard to be viewed from all vantage points within the house. The decking was cut out to mimic the sandbanks of a river with the stones representing the river.

Synthetic Grass Dublin

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Our Artificial Grass Store supplies the most natural, realistic artificial grass in Ireland. Why not freshen up your garden, commercial business landscape, school/creche or even balcony with artificial grass like the pictures from this Dublin garden.

Synthetic Grass Dublin

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Curving back garden with office and swing

Sprout Up

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard garden for summer in London.

Small Fountains

Mystic Water Gardens

Photo of a small contemporary front yard full sun garden in Los Angeles with gravel.

A Boulder Alternative

Mary Kirk Menefee, Landscape Designer

Boulders set into the slope retain soil as a wall would but with a more interesting shape and texture. Design by Mary Kirk Menefee; installation by Merrifield Garden Center. Photo: Mary Kirk Menefee

Flower Power

Greenwood Design Associates, LLC

Lavender with Gaura 'Siskiyou Pink'. I was invited to do the planting design for this compact hillside project after the hardscape was complete. The home is situated on a corner lot, and a number of very narrow beds and stepped planting arrows wrap the house in a "C" shape. The homeowner was looking for plantings that would be soft and inviting for her children, and welcome birds, bees, and butterflies to the garden. Kelly Greenwood

Fantastic Fall Planters

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary front yard partial sun garden for fall in Chicago with a container garden.

Contemporary 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.