Residential home in Santa Cruz, CA This stunning front and backyard project was so much fun! The plethora of K&D's scope of work included: smooth finished concrete walls, multiple styles of horizontal redwood fencing, smooth finished concrete stepping stones, bands, steps & pathways, paver patio & driveway, artificial turf, TimberTech stairs & decks, TimberTech custom bench with storage, shower wall with bike washing station, custom concrete fountain, poured-in-place fire pit, pour-in-place half circle bench with sloped back rest, metal pergola, low voltage lighting, planting and irrigation! (*Adorable cat not included)

San Juan Capistrano ||||

Altera Landscape

Landscape Architect: V3 Studio Berzunza / Photography: Jeri Koegel
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary side yard partial sun garden for summer in Orange County with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Decomposed Granite Walkway to Lawn Area

Eden Garden Design

A thoughtful lawn area of 'Cavalier' zoysia grass, buffered from the street by a stand of Big muhly grass (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri). Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

Leaside Eclectic Garden

Arbordale Landscaping

We turned this pedestrian Leaside backyard upside down! We added a stone patio complete with a firepit and lounge area which is covered by giant umbrella. A custom rough hewn beam pergola was painted black to contrast the custom stainless steel shoes and connector plates and placed over the new dining area and custom buffet. The buffet has a Corten steel decorative panel behind with white plexiglass and lighting for a dramatic dining experience. Horizontal fencing surrounds the backyard and the style carries through to both gates. Natural stone steppingstones and borders add contrast and frame the different sections of the yard. Playful informal plantings give the garden a sense of whimsy. The back porch was created for barbecuing with glass railings to not disturb the view from inside the home and contains a large storage space underneath.

Old Locke Renovation

Fiorentino Group Architects

Rob Karosis
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Boston with a fire feature and gravel.

Patio Overview

LandArt

Overview of Credit Valley random flagstone patio, natural gas fire feature, natural stepping stones, and surrounding gardens.
Mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun garden in Other with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Traditional Fire Pit - Cedarburg

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The fire pit area is surrounded by long blooming perennials and ornamental grasses, while a backdrop of upright junipers provides privacy from the subdivision walking path. Westhauser Photography

Blue Heron Bliss Fireball

Studio Vlock

Fireball in the garden Oyster Pond is one of Falmouth's treasured natural resources adjacent to Vineyard Sound on Cape Cod. The owners commissioned two pieces, a 40" Fireball and a Screen Play. The Blue Heron Bliss Fireball captures the magnificent life of Oyster Pond – herons, dragonflies, lotus flowers, frogs and lily pads. The Fireball sits comfortably on the front lawn, punctuating the abundant garden of limelight hydrangeas and beautiful purple and yellow flowers. Just steps from the water and the main house, the imagery of this Fireball connects family and friends to this magical place.

Fire PIts

Great Goats Landscaping, Inc.

Inspiration for a large country backyard full sun garden for summer in Minneapolis with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Compact & Contemporary | Dining Area

Beyond Landscaping

This Toronto backyard may be small in space but it's big on style. We created two defined living spaces - a dining area on a raised square cut flagstone patio and a sunken living area with a fire table that will add style to any evening ambiance. This space is a perfect extension of the house. It's not only big on style but function as well and makes it perfect for this young family of five. There is a cozy bbq area with bench height stone wall and lounge area for mom or dad, long stretch of grass perfect for throwing the football and dining for the whole family (even the little ones!) When design in small spaces, creating defined rooms and keeping the unity between them can make the space feel larger and much more functional.

Ranch on Virginia AVE I Phoenix, AZ

Syltebo Wight Homes & Jon Syltebo Painting Company

Mike Small Photography
Expansive transitional backyard full sun garden in Phoenix with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Ealing, contemporary family garden

Beaufort & Rampton Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in London with a fire feature, decking and a wood fence.

Amazing Berkeley Back Yard

Sarah Herman Landscape Design

You can read more about the project through this Houzz Feature link: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/hillside-yard-offers-scenic-views-and-space-for-contemplation-stsetivw-vs~131483772

Pacific Heights

The Foxy Garden

Mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Orinda Modern Outdoor Greatroom

Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern side yard partial sun garden in San Francisco with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

The Secret Garden (Oakville, ON)

Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd.

With the goal of enhancing the connection between interior and exterior, backyard and side yard, and natural and man-made features, Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd. drew on nature for inspiration. We worked around one of Oakville’s largest oak trees introducing curved braces and sculpted ends to an organic patio enhanced with wild bed lines tamed by a flagstone mowing strip. The result is a subtle layering of elements where each element effortlessly blends into the next. Linear structures bordered by manicured lawn and carefully planned perennials delineate the start of a dynamic and unbridled space. Pathways casually direct your steps to and from the pool area while the gentle murmur of the waterfall enhances the pervading peace of this outdoor sanctuary.

North West Design Award Winner 2010

Kim Rooney Design

Landscape by Kim Rooney Seattle outdoor Fire Pits + Fire Places
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard full sun formal garden in Seattle with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

York Street Residence

WestStandard

Xeriscape landscaping showing artificial grass and custom modern water feature. Photo Credit: John Payne, johnpaynestudios.com
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard full sun garden in Denver with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Backyard Fire Pit with Pergola and Swing

Ted Lare Design Build

Ted Lare Design Build
Mid-sized traditional backyard full sun formal garden in Other with a fire feature and natural stone pavers for summer.

Full renovation project in Los Angeles. Mulholland/Laural

Eden Builders

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary rooftop garden in Los Angeles with a fire feature.

Garden Design Ideas with a Fire 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.