A tight outdoor space was transformed into a natural backyard oasis. The multi-tiered deck leads onto a natural flagstone pathway with paver edging. The path opens into a circular fire pit tucked into the edge of the garden, enclosed with purple-leafed redbud trees and anchored with a mature fig tree. Dry stacked stone creates the curved bench, which also retains the elevated garden bed that wraps the fire circle. The natural cedar fence encloses the space and the custom gate becomes a garden feature of its own with a stained glass window.

moderne Vorgartengestaltung mit insektenfreundlicher Bepflanzung

Christian Liesen GmbH Garten und Landschaftsbau

bunte und pflegeleichte Staudenpflanzung mit Solitärgehölz und einer Einfassung aus Sichtbeton-Winkelsteinen und -Blockstufen, Hauswurz für die Bepflanzung der schmalen Fugen

A Sense of Place

Designscapes Colorado Inc.

In keeping with the informal qualities of the property, mature trees and a carefully chosen plant palette compose the naturalistic setting.
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard formal garden for summer in Denver with with path and natural stone pavers.

City road Courtyard Garden Revamp

Taryn Ferris Gardens, Horticulture And Design

This intimate space invites you in, with three arched frame mirrors creating the illusion of a space much larger. The evergreen Trachelospermum jasminoides works to hide the high brick walls creating intimacy and the fragrance in the early evening adds to the feeling of an exotic hanging garden.

lake shore access

Landscapes by Tom LLC

Lake home has easy access to the dock and lake. Paver patio is under the upper deck, a raised bed disguises the sell, and a set of steps and landings in the side yard provide easy walking access all around the property. There's even a paver walkway that connects the paver patio to both sets of granite steps at the lake.

Country Manor Pond

FallingWater Scapes

Photo of a large traditional backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Boston with with pond.

Traditional Farmhouse

KGA Studio Architects, PC

This is an example of a large country side yard formal garden for summer in Denver with with raised garden bed.

Our Work

Jslandscaping

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional side yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Baltimore with a garden path and gravel.

Woodland Garden

Chestnut Grove Design Group, Inc.

Photo by http://jessicadelaneyphotography.com/
Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Boston with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Small town garden no lawn

Amanda Shipman

Amanda Shipman
Small traditional courtyard partial sun formal garden in Hertfordshire with a garden path and brick pavers for summer.

Contemporary Beach House

CRCI

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in San Diego with with raised garden bed and concrete pavers.

Gardens

Second Nature Designs

Designing a negative space in the garden creates a Peek-a-boo effect which creates interest to look beyond.
Photo of a traditional backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Boston.

New Canaan

Keith E. Simpson Associates, Inc.

Design ideas for an expansive traditional backyard full sun formal garden for summer in New York with a garden path and mulch.

Lewes Yard Transformation

Ashton Pools By Design

Mid-sized traditional front yard full sun formal garden in Other with a garden path and concrete pavers for summer.

Landscaping and Masonry

Odd Job Landscaping

Photo of a mid-sized traditional side yard partial sun formal garden for summer in New York with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Hilltop Manor

Wesley Stout Associates

Pea Stone Walkway, Parterre, Wood Bench, Fountain, Raised Planters, Vegetable Garden, Tennis Court, Barn
Expansive country backyard full sun formal garden in New York with a water feature and gravel for summer.

Pennsylvania Variegated Irregular Flagstone w/ Mortar Joints on Concrete Base

Art Masonry Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional front yard partial sun formal garden for summer in DC Metro with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Southlands Project

Luxuriant Gardens

Raised Cedar Perennial Herb Beds were constructed on either side of an existing storage shed (close to the kitchen) to reduce bed maintenance (annual lawn edging) and add interest and functionality to a backyard which originally had only a lawn and fence. Note that two young pear trees were also planted along the opposite fence for the same reasons.

G A R D E N - Pacific Northwest

Lore Patterson

Manor House Courtyard garden Clematis | Lore Patterson Bainbridge Island, WA.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional courtyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Seattle with a retaining wall and gravel.

Vinyl Fence

Split Rail Fence Co Denver CO

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Denver with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Formal Garden Design Ideas for Summer

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.