This small back garden had more than its share of issues to address. From the narrow angled site, to the slope of the ground, lack of privacy, public drains, aging existing retaining walls and deck, underground electrical wiring, and difficult access, it really had it all! The clients wanted a leafy secluded spot, where they could relax, entertain and feel immersed in nature. They also wanted a small productive area for some herbs and fruit trees. A garden shed was required and a means of access through from the front garden, although privacy was to be important. The old deck was removed and replaced with beautiful vitex decking. This new deck connect the rooms of the house and wraps itself around the house, effectively managing the worst of the slope and creating clear symmetry within the angled boundaries. A central retained bed with a feature flowering cherry tree creates a generous boardwalk and makes the decking feel part of the garden. A privacy screen and considered planting increases privacy. A series of oversize platform stairs lead up to the highest part of the garden, which is filled with raised beds for vegetable and herbs and fruit trees. Generous natural schist stepping stones connect the utility area of the garden to the decked area and meander through the vege garden. The planting is designed to be leafy and green with soft white accents through the season. Beautiful feature trees include Prunus Shimidsu Sakura, Cercis Canadensis and Betula jacquemonti. Summer flowering perennials include gaura, verbena bonariensis, alchemilla mollis, anenome japonica and hydrangea. Photos by Dee McQuillan

Details

Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

Large contemporary front yard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with gravel.

Multi-level garden

Simon Orchard Garden Design

Simon Orchard
Photo of a contemporary garden in Hampshire.

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Seattle Cozy Patio

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

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

Catio Spaces

Photo of a traditional garden in Seattle.

Small, low maintenance garden

Yorkshire Gardens

In this project we aimed to create a stylish garden which was both family friendly and low maintenance. Eco decking was used to create a large contemporary decking area. This composite product is slip resistant and is created using 95% recycled materials so is very eco friendly . This product is extremely low maintenance and long lasting. Rendered flower beds were built and complement the sleek and simple lines of the garden. A simplistic planting scheme has been utilised to add colour. A high quality artificial lawn was laid. This product is a great alternative for those looking for a lawn which will look lush all year round and will with stand children and animals playing on it. The slatted fence runs around the perimeter and adds warmth and texture to the space. Overall this garden is simple yet very slick.

Playful Additions

Trillium Enterprises, INC.

Design ideas for a garden in Santa Barbara.

Ladera Ranch Modern Farmhouse

Living Gardens Landscape Design

Our homeowners were looking for a garden where they could sit by the fire, grow vegetable and hear the sound of water. Their home was new construction in a modern farmhouse style. We used gravel and concrete as paving. Board formed concrete firepit keeps it feeling modern. The vegetable beds supply season vegetables and herbs.

Naples, FL - 41 West - Pelican Bay - Custom Home

User

08_328_Carlton_Place
Photo of a mid-sized tropical side yard formal garden in New York with a garden path.

Custom Mercer Island Fence

Chapman Construction, LLC

Large transitional backyard partial sun garden in Seattle with gravel.

Backyard Transformation

Ozio Landscape Architects

This is an example of a large traditional front yard full sun driveway in Atlanta with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Dappled Border

gardenUP®

Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard partial sun formal garden for spring in Boston with a garden path and mulch.

Uptown Outdoor Dining Nook and Kayak/Bike Shed

Field Outdoor Spaces

Bike and kayak open storage shed with corrugated metal roof.
This is an example of an eclectic garden in Minneapolis.

Lakeside Cottage

Landscape Renovations, Inc.

Expansive traditional backyard full sun garden in Minneapolis with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Harbor View Hills 3

Garden Studio

Nicholas Gingold
Inspiration for a country backyard garden in Orange County.

Shangrila - Marin County, CA

BK Interior Design

Hugo guards the entry to the back yard. Guests can either enter the back yard through the gates concealed entrance, or turn right and walk down the paved path to the front door. This space is a main garden feature that displays plant varietals from all over the world.

Low Maintenance Botanical Design at Courtyard Entry

Eden Garden Design

Photographer: Greg Thomas
Design ideas for a large modern front yard full sun xeriscape in Austin with natural stone pavers and a garden path.

Garden Design

Artistry In Plants

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard full sun garden for fall in Raleigh with a garden path.

Village Victorian

Kerry Lewis Landscape Architecture

Front garden, two years after installation.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard full sun formal garden for summer in Boston with brick pavers.

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.

Contemporary Landscape Design for a Narrow Back Yard in Napa, CA

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Napa, CA residence. I designed a triangular-shaped pergola with decorative panels from "Parasoleil" that serves as an artful focal point while providing interesting shade patterns that casts its delightful shadows along fence and patio and bench below, changing its position as the sun moves throughout the day. My design solutions included a contemporary redwood horizontal fence to help screen the view of the hillside along with arbors for vines that help to break up the long narrow space. The landscape design includes angular planting beds, concrete pavers surrounded by gravel and a small lower-water lawn for the family to enjoy. The photos show the just planted low-water plants, vines and olive trees and again after a couple of months. Drawings, Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design