Large and desert look modern backyard partial sun outdoor sport court in Phoenix with decking for summer.

This almost cottage style desert landscape displays an almost seamless transition between existing plantings, transplanted specimens, and new additions to the landscape. Photos by Meagan Hancock

High Meadow Contemporary

Caribou Construction Company

This is an example of a large and desert look backyard full sun formal garden in Other with natural stone pavers.

Living Room and Back Yard Oasis

Patricia B. Warren, AIA Warren Architecture, LLC

The small back yard became an oasis of desert plants.
Photo of a small and desert look backyard partial sun garden in Phoenix with concrete pavers.

Decomposed Granite Patio

Eden Garden Design

Decomposed granite patio/flex space defined with custom steel edging. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

Killer Eighties Swaim

Prideaux Design

Photo of a mid-sized and desert look modern backyard full sun xeriscape in Other with concrete pavers.

Shadow Lake

Showcase Landscape & Irrigation

Large and desert look backyard partial sun xeriscape in Denver with natural stone pavers.

Xeriscape

Native Gardening

Design ideas for a large and desert look backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in Houston with gravel.

Waverly Circle, Buena Park

Solscapes

After removing over 5000 square feet of water-thirsty lawn, we had a new canvas to work with at this residence in Buena Park. Customer wanted low maintenance, without sacrificing beauty. We Installed a small amount of artificial turf for an emerald green contrast to the decomposed granite and the dramatic blue of the century plant cactus.

Sustainable Desert Serenity in Scottsdale

Shearon Design Collective

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

Southwest to Contemporary

TruCare Home Improvement

Yes! It can be done. You can have a completely SW home and yet still have a contemporary back or front yard. We proved it on this project. We added colored concrete, steel planters, irrigation, lighting, steel cabling, stairs, customer railing, artificial grass, IPE (Brazilian Hardwood), drainage, flower beds etc.

FAYNE REMODEL

Robert A. McGraw Architect

Spacious Yard planted with drought tolerant plants for the coastal desert climate. Photo by Jon Encarnacion
This is an example of a large and desert look backyard full sun xeriscape in Orange County.

Artificial Grass Installation & Design

Dream Gardens LLC

This is an example of a large and desert look backyard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with river rock.

Landscape, Environmental Concepts

Environmental Concepts

Mid-sized and desert look traditional backyard full sun xeriscape in Las Vegas with brick pavers for summer.

Paver Patios, Walkways

PLS Landscaping

Inspiration for a desert look and large traditional backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in Other with concrete pavers.

Backyard Retreat in Calabasas, CA

Prime Gardens Inc

Small and desert look contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape in Los Angeles with concrete pavers for spring.

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN TRADITIONAL

Linda Seeger Interior Design

Image Photography
Photo of a desert look mediterranean backyard full sun outdoor sport court in Phoenix.

Sail House

Garza Concepts

Modern Style Spool and BBQ seating area. Synthetic lawn divides the grey smooth finish concrete decking and the circular fire pit.
This is an example of a mid-sized and desert look contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Los Angeles with decking and a stone fence.

Das Wohnzimmer im Garten

Rinn Beton- und Naturstein

Eine Idylle auf der Terrasse. Der Essbereich mit einer wunderschönen Aussicht. Die Pflastersteine ergänzen durch ihre ruhige geradlinige Wirkung das Gestaltungsbild des Gartens.

Sustainable Desert Serenity in Scottsdale

Shearon Design Collective

Desert Look Backyard Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by 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 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 Garden for Your Home

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