Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden in Melbourne with a fire feature and gravel.

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.

La Sombra - Steel Vine Screen

Hush House

Detail of the steel vine screen, with dappled sunlight falling into the new entryway deck. The steel frame surrounds the juliet balcony lookout.
Design ideas for a small modern front yard partial sun formal garden for winter in Austin with with privacy feature, decking and a metal fence.

Landscape Water Feature Design & Installation Rochester NY Acorn Ponds

Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls

Landscape Water Feature Design & Installation Rochester NY Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls brought this Rochester (NY) front yard landscape to life with the installation of this stunning custom designed water feature which consists of bubbling urns, waterfalls, led lighting and beautiful aquatic plants. The sound of water running softly through this lovely water feature provides a relaxing sound that inspires relaxation which makes you want to sit down, relax, and enjoy all the simple pleasures life has to offer. Not only are water features lovely, they will make any space look more aesthetically pleasing and are the next best thing to living on a lovely lake or a sparking fish pond. This water feature has bubbling urns which can be installed with multiple sizes in groupings or we can design & install your water feature to have only one gorgeous stand alone urn. We love installing these beautiful urns in pondless waterfalls as well as in streams and fish ponds while adding LED lighting to them. Another cool feature is the addition of FIRE to the top of our fountains which really enhances the whole garden and makes the house stand out from the rest. The owners can sip their morning coffee on the porch and see a myriad of lovely birds and other pretty wildlife stop by for a quick sip of water. It’s a simple pleasure, but it brings a smile to the lives of our Western NY clients in Rochester & Buffalo New York (NY) and we love what we do. Our unique water features are also easy to maintain! Homeowners worry their new custom water feature requires ample work to maintain, but they do not. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls design experts are happy to discuss seasonal care of water features with our clients to ensure they’re being cared for properly, no matter the season. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help you design and install a beautiful water feature to add that peace and tranquility to your outdoor spaces. For large or small projects, there are always solutions to adding a water feature in your garden weather you are thinking about installing a pondless waterfall, one of a kind fish pond, custom water feature or large recreational pond. Acorn works with you from beginning to end so you can have a worry free addition to your backyard.

Asian-Influenced Suburban Sanctuary

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

These clients' small yard had severe drainage issues, making it difficult for their large family to spend time outdoors. We worked with the clients to create several spaces in the small area that flowed together and met the family's needs. The modern-styled furniture spaces divided by flagstone pavers separated the spaces while an array of short plantings, Japanese maples, and Asian lantern decor introduced fluidity.

Pergola

Little Miracles Designs

Contemporary backyard garden in New York with a fire feature and decking.

Seating area with large built-in bench seating and boulder fire pit

June Scott Design

Rock outcroppings make a striking background for new lounge areas in this compact Los Angeles hillside garden. Working with the attributes of the site, we added native plants to drape over the stone, and converted hollowed stone planters into a firepit and water feature. New built-in seating and a cozy hammock complete the relaxing space, and dramatic lighting makes it come alive at night. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

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.

Horizontal Stacked Fence

Crosben Contracting

Photo of a backyard garden in Kansas City with a wood fence and with privacy feature.

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.

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.

AFTER - Greater privacy with improved aesthetic

Metamorphic Design

The taller fence offers much greater privacy from upslope neighbors, and "de-clutters" the corner, making for a far more calming and streamlined view
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard partial sun garden for spring in Vancouver with a wood fence and with privacy feature.

High Desert Fade Residence

Andrew Goodwin Designs

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

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.

3D rendering for a landscape project - Cozy small firepit area for a modern home

Vscape - Outdoor Design

3D rendering for a landscape design project in Claremont, CA.
Photo of a small mediterranean front yard partial sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a wood fence.

Northwest Backyard Sport Park

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

A sports court brings functionality to any space. A little college love was displayed on this family's court and nearby landscaping directed the focus to the court.

Fire Pit Lawn

Project Delivery Group

Fire pit with Oolite stone. Boulders for seating were pulled from the nearby environment. Firepit overlooks the beach and provides sweeping views of the nearby.

Seattle Cottage

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

Small arts and crafts front yard full sun xeriscape in Seattle with with privacy feature and concrete pavers.

LaGrange Landscape

KD Landscape

Bluestone and a fire await the next guests. Landscape design by John Algozzini.
Photo of a large traditional backyard shaded garden for summer in Chicago with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Garden Design Ideas with a Fire Feature and with Privacy Feature

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.