Traditional garden in New York with a fire feature.

The large waterfall not only is a beautiful element, it is functional as well, providing fresh circulated water for the animals, and standing guard over a custom tortoise cave built beneath it's boulders. Photos by Meagan Hancock

Graham/Buffalo Hope Lodge

The Cousins

The Hope Lodge at Buffalo, NY was in desperate need of a tranquil, uplifting outdoor space for their guests. A long narrow space led to a paver-lined walkway, dotted with plenty of spaces to relax. Adirondack chairs, a wooden swing, a fire pit, and a zen garden round out the space and make it a perfect place for guests and their families to catch up or rest after treatment.

Sample work

Cutting Edge Landscape Design

This is an example of a small traditional backyard garden in Los Angeles with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Coan Waterfront Remodel, Camano Island WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

View of house from beach. Scott Lankford, Landscape Architect. From the street, a round rock pathway leads to a small seating area next to the water with a small fire pit. Low maintenance, drought resistant and salt tolerant plantings were used in mass and clumps. This garden has become the focus of the neighborhood with many visitors stopping and enjoying what has become a neighborhood landmarkArchitect.

Flowers in Space

MARPA DESIGN STUDIO

Inspiration for a country garden in Denver with a fire feature.

Gardens by Lazar Landscape

Lazar Landscape Design and Construction

Create multiple spaces for your outdoor entertaining. A portable firepit on one level with a dining area above. Photos by Ron Atik for Lazar Landscape

Remarkable Gardens

This is an example of a large and australian native contemporary sloped full sun garden in Los Angeles with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Modern Landscape

Design ideas for a modern garden in San Francisco with a fire feature.

Mediterranean: Euclid

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Completed in 2013, this stunning Italianate Mediterranean Villa is located in Highland Park, Texas and stands out in an already distinct architectural neighborhood. This project was designed and installed by Harold Leidner Landscape Architects. The expansive property features a lush landscaping, front motor court with travertine pavers and a luxury pool and spa. The pool area was designed to have a private resort feel to allow for entertaining. In addition to the spacious loggia and cabana spaces, the owner also wanted to have shade protection near the water, so a custom designed pavilion was built on the end of the pool to provide a shaded destination with cushion lounges that extend out into the water, flanked by fountains and adjacent to a fire bowl feature with a classic fire place surround. A truly elegant outdoor space for parties and entertaining with a sophisticated, modern flavor.

Water Features

AquaLife Ponds Inc.

This is an example of a large traditional backyard full sun garden in Orange County with with pond and mulch.

Rosedale Modern Courtyard

Native Edge Landscape

This duplex has a very modern aesthetic with focuses on clean lines and metal accents. However, the front courtyard was undeveloped and uninviting. We worked with the client to tie the courtyard and the property together by adding clean, monochromatic details with a heavy focus on texture. The main goal of this project was to add a low-maintenance outdoor living space that was an extension of the home. The small space and harsh sun exposure limited the plant pallet, but we were able to use lush plant material to maximize the space. A monochromatic pallet makes for a perfect backdrop for focal points and key pieces. The circular fire-pit was used to break up the 90 degree angles of the space, and also played off the round pottery.

Ravenna Bungalow

Hayes Landscape Design Services

Design ideas for a small arts and crafts backyard partial sun xeriscape for fall in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a wood fence.

Mid-Century Modern Sacramento Home

Benning Design Construction

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury front yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Sacramento with with pond and river rock.

Garden Path

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

Outdoor kitchen with pergola.
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard full sun garden for summer in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a wood fence.

High Desert Fade Residence

Andrew Goodwin Designs

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary front yard garden in San Luis Obispo with a fire feature.

Medina Outdoor Entertaining

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

This outdoor living space is a Pacific Northwest masterpiece. The homeowners requested an expansive entertainment area with easy viewing of the kids' playground. The covered structure blends with the existing style of the home and our crews created a natural space for the swim spa.

Gold Run Exteriors

Riverwood Homes of Colorado

Design ideas for a large mediterranean front yard xeriscape in Denver with with pond and river rock.

Modern, Intimate Outdoor Space at Mesa Fire

TLC Gardens

Custom created shade sails provide compression and intimacy. Playful steppers were tested for optimal rhythm and flow.
This is an example of a small modern backyard partial sun garden in Denver with a fire feature.

Front + Backyard Design (Colorado)

Tilly | Landscape Design

This customer was looking to add privacy, use less water, include raised bed garden and fire pit...making it all more their style which was a blend between modern and farmhouse.

Garden Design Ideas with a Fire Feature and with Pond

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.