Water feature designed for the middle of the turning circle.
Design ideas for an expansive tropical front yard garden in Sydney.

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.

Less Is More.....Unless It's A Bore

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

The bluestone entry and poured-in-place concrete create strength of line in the front while the plantings softly transition to the back patio space.
Photo of an expansive midcentury side yard partial sun garden for summer in Chicago with natural stone pavers and a garden path.

Cape Cod Home. Garden Path and White Picket Fence

Kimberly Mercurio Landscape Architecture

The entrance to this cape style home has a fenced Perennial Cottage Garden that includes, Boxwood, Japanese Holly, Coreopsis, Catmint, Gaura, and vinca. The bluestone pathway leads from cobble edge peastone driveway to the buildings entry. Nikko Blue Hydrangea border the front lawn. The home has cedar shake shingles which are traditionally used on Cape Cod because they withstand harsh coastal environments.

Windsor Companies

This intimate, interconnected landscape gives these homeowners three spaces that make being outside a joy. Low stucco walls create a courtyard near the front door that has as unique sense of privacy, making it a great place to pause and view the pond below. Under the deck the stucco walls wrap around a patio, creating a perfect place for a cool refuge from hot summer days. A custom-made fountain is integrated into the wall, a bed of lush flowers is woven into the bluestone, and a view to the surrounding landscape is framed by the posts of the deck above. The rear patio is made of large bluestone pieces. Grassy seams between the stone soften the hard surface. Towering evergreens create privacy, drifts of colorful perennials surround the seat walls, and clumps of Aspen trees define the entrance to this enchanting outdoor room.

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.

Casual Elegance in Westchester County, NY

Westover Landscape Design

Like most growing families, this client wanted to lure everyone outside. And when the family went outdoors, they were hoping to find flamboyant color, delicious fragrance, freshly grilled food, fun play-spaces, and comfy entertaining areas waiting. Privacy was an imperative. Seems basic enough. But a heap of challenges stood in the way between what they were given upon arrival and the family's ultimate dreamscape. Primary among the impediments was the fact that the house stands on a busy corner lot. Plus, the breakneck slope was definitely not playground-friendly. Fortunately, Westover Landscape Design rode to the rescue and literally leveled the playing field. Furthermore, flowing from space to space is a thoroughly enjoyable, ever-changing journey given the blossom-filled, year-around-splendiferous gardens that now hug the walkway and stretch out to the property lines. Soft evergreen hedges and billowing flowering shrubs muffle street noise, giving the garden within a sense of embrace. A fully functional (and frequently used) convenient outdoor kitchen/dining area/living room expand the house's floorplan into a relaxing, nature-infused on-site vacationland. Mission accomplished. With the addition of the stunning old-world stone fireplace and pergola, this amazing property is a welcome retreat for year round enjoyment. Mission accomplished. Rob Cardillo for Westover Landscape Design, Inc.

Traditional Courtyard Entry - Great Falls VA

Grow Landscapes

Duy Tran Photography
Design ideas for an expansive traditional front yard partial sun formal garden for spring in DC Metro with concrete pavers.

Colonial Revival

PAGE | DUKE Landscape Architects

John Chiasson
Photo of an expansive traditional backyard garden in Nashville.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

Smalls Landscaping

One-of-a-kind and other very rare plants are around every corner. The view from any angle offers something new and interesting. The property is a constant work in progress as planting beds and landscape installations are in constant ebb and flow.

Modern Tuscan Estate

Perello Design & Build

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

1 Acre in Gilbert & A Complete Landscape Transformation - Lush Outdoor Living

Shearon Design Collective

1 Acre in Gilbert that needed a complete transformation from bad grass and desert plants to this lush dream home in prime Gilbert! Raised planters and hedges surrounding existing trees, new pavers, fire features - fireplace and fire pits, flower beds, new shrubs, trees, landscape lighting, sunken pool dining cabana, swim up bar, tennis court, soccer field, edible garden, iron trellis, private garden, and stunning paver entryways.

Entertaining Backyard Living Space

Outdoor Living Spaces

This is an example of an expansive traditional backyard partial sun formal garden in Minneapolis with brick pavers.

Manor Estate

M-Squared Contracting Inc.

This estate is a transitional home that blends traditional architectural elements with clean-lined furniture and modern finishes. The fine balance of curved and straight lines results in an uncomplicated design that is both comfortable and relaxing while still sophisticated and refined. The red-brick exterior façade showcases windows that assure plenty of light. Once inside, the foyer features a hexagonal wood pattern with marble inlays and brass borders which opens into a bright and spacious interior with sumptuous living spaces. The neutral silvery grey base colour palette is wonderfully punctuated by variations of bold blue, from powder to robin’s egg, marine and royal. The anything but understated kitchen makes a whimsical impression, featuring marble counters and backsplashes, cherry blossom mosaic tiling, powder blue custom cabinetry and metallic finishes of silver, brass, copper and rose gold. The opulent first-floor powder room with gold-tiled mosaic mural is a visual feast.

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.

Unique Gardens

Rosborough Partners Inc.

Blooms still going strong and creating quite the peaceful scene. (Photos by RStarovich)
Design ideas for an expansive eclectic courtyard full sun garden for summer in Chicago.

Spectacular American Country Style Home

Prime Design Tasmania Pty Ltd

Inspiration for an expansive country sloped full sun garden for summer in Hobart with with pond.

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. Low voltage pathway and garden lights provide nighttime ambiance. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Schwenke Project

Custom Stonescaping, LLC

This yard dealt with drainage issues. Two new dry riverbeds were installed, along with extending the gutter and installing a new walkway, stoop, pathway, boulders, stone steps, columns, plantings and mulching.

Front and Back Landscape - Lexington

Moodscapes LLC

terraced backyard, beautiful natives, masonry
Photo of an expansive modern backyard partial sun formal garden in Boston with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Expansive Green 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.