This propery is situated on the south side of Centre Island at the edge of an oak and ash woodlands. orignally, it was three properties having one house and various out buildings. topographically, it more or less continually sloped to the water. Our task was to creat a series of terraces that were to house various functions such as the main house and forecourt, cottage, boat house and utility barns. The immediate landscape around the main house was largely masonry terraces and flower gardens. The outer landscape was comprised of heavily planted trails and intimate open spaces for the client to preamble through. As the site was largely an oak and ash woods infested with Norway maple and japanese honey suckle we essentially started with tall trees and open ground. Our planting intent was to introduce a variety of understory tree and a heavy shrub and herbaceous layer with an emphisis on planting native material. As a result the feel of the property is one of graciousness with a challenge to explore.

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

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. 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

Miami Beach Residence 2

Overmyer Architects

Landscape Photo Credit: Maxwell Mackenzie
This is an example of an expansive mediterranean side yard garden in Miami with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Nashville Estate

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

With a lengthy list of ideas about how to transform their backyard, the clients were excited to see what we could do. Existing features on site needed to be updated and in-cooperated within the design. The view from each angle of the property was already outstanding and we didn't want the design to feel out of place. We had to make the grade changes work to our advantage, each separate space had to have a purpose. The client wanted to use the property for charity events, so a large flat turf area was constructed at the back of the property, perfect for setting up tables, chairs and a stage if needed. It also created the perfect look out point into the back of the property, dropping off into a ravine. A lot of focus throughout the project was the plant selection. With a large amount of garden beds, we wanted to maintain a clean and formal look, while still offering seasonal interest. We did this by edging the beds with boxwoods, adding white hydrangeas throughout the beds for constant colour, and subtle pops of purple and yellow. This along with the already breathtaking natural backdrop of the space, is more than enough to make this project stand out. Photographer: Jason Hartog Photography

A Garden for Every Season

Cottage Gardener, LTD

This project was designed and installed by Cottage Gardener, LTD. These photos highlight our effort to create seasonal interest throughout the entire year.

Burlington Retreat

Linden L.A.N.D. Group

Rebecca Lindenmeyr
This is an example of an expansive country backyard full sun formal garden in Burlington with a garden path.

Eclectic Estate

Zeterre Landscape Architecture

Design ideas for an expansive traditional backyard shaded garden in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Modern Tuscan Estate

Perello Design & Build

Daniel Gonzalez
Photo of an expansive traditional driveway for spring in New York with gravel.

Stockbridge Residence

Verdance Landscape Architecture

A cedar-framed bocce court nestled within the oak-friendly garden provides genteel recreation along the Mediterranean journey.
This is an example of an expansive mediterranean backyard partial sun outdoor sport court for summer in San Francisco with with outdoor playset, gravel and a wood fence.

Preston Hollow

Integrated Home Improvement

This client wanted a custom wrought iron fence so that dogs and children alike couldn't access a dangerous ditch area of their backyard. The end result was a 100' + long, winding wrought iron fence that split the enormous backyard in two with a diagonal streak. This little piece of wrought iron innovation also included three gates with access to an outdoor patio, and entrances and exits to the other side of the backyard.

Evergreen Mountain Retreat

Designscapes Colorado Inc.

Photo of an expansive country backyard full sun garden for summer in Denver with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Contemporary Retreat

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Landscape Channels Stormwater into a Rain Garden

Southview Design

Inviting front entry garden channels stormwater into a retention swale to protect the lake from fertilizer runoff.
Expansive country front yard partial sun formal garden in Minneapolis with a garden path and brick pavers for summer.

Alpine Watershed Approach

Botaniscapes by Tracey

Beautiful Ceanothus 'Carmel Creeper' in lieu of lawn.
Design ideas for an expansive traditional front yard full sun driveway in San Diego with mulch.

Modern Botanical Garden | Bench Seating

Greey Pickett

The stunning modern architecture of this Paradise Valley residence is highlighted by pocket gardens and showcases unique specimen cactus in desert botanical garden style. Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett

Asbury Park, NJ Landscape Design & Installation for Renovated Lakeside Home

Landscape Aesthetics, Inc

Natural bluestone slab steps provide comfortable access to the lake which borders this beach residence in NJ. The boulder retaining wall provides visual interest and is complimented by the plantings including a rose garden.

Passive House; Active Garden

Groundswell Designs

Hillary Dutton
This is an example of an expansive contemporary front yard xeriscape in Providence.

Windermere Garden

Britton Shepard Landscapes

Front garden pathway with layered plantings and heritage trees for full-season interest.
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary side yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Seattle.

LotusLand South aka Sycamore Canyon Landscape

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Very inviting walkway with Flagstone, Gravel and Stepstone Pavers. We found this amazing iron gate at an estate sale!
Photo of an expansive country front yard partial sun formal garden in Santa Barbara with a garden path and gravel.

Flowering Dogwood Trees in Parking Strip

Seattle Tree Services & Consulting

This is an example of an expansive midcentury front yard partial sun xeriscape for spring in Seattle with a garden path and mulch.

Expansive 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.