Photo of a large backyard full sun xeriscape in Phoenix with a fire feature and brick pavers.

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
Small modern backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a fire feature and gravel.

Unique Custom Firepits

ARNOLD Masonry & Landscape

Inspiration for a country backyard full sun garden in Atlanta with a fire feature and gravel.

Pend Oreille Patio

Pacific Garden Design

Despite their location just outside downtown, the homeowners have an expansive backyard abutting Lake Pend Oreille. They enjoy the space, but needed a spot to gather lakeside. A patio with natural flagstone pavers is accented with sculptural boulders and seat rocks. A gas fire pit and custom shade sail create a comfortable space for chilly nights and sunny days, maximizing the homeowners' use of the space.

Outdoor Man Cave

O'Brien Landscape

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard shaded garden in Chicago with a fire feature and brick pavers.

Contemporary Garden Putney

Landscaping Solutions

Photograph taken by Landscaping Solutions This contemporary London garden scheme was designed by Simon Thomas and built by Landscaping Solutions. The design comprises horizontal timber batten screening mounted with up and down lights. There is a central fireplace which also has storage space to the rear. The paving and steps are sawn sandstone incorporating LED strip lights beneath the step treads. The raised planters are painted white and planted out with Box hedging. The rest of the planting comprises Irises, Stipa grasses and Fennel.

The Conversation Garden

Paal Grant Designs In Landscaping

Paal Grant
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard garden in Melbourne with a fire feature.

Homefront Farmers Projects

Homefront Farmers

A good garden keeps the critters out while allowing easy access when you want to go grab a few cherry tomatoes or head of lettuce. All of our gardens are fully enclosed with attractive fencing and have at least one gate for convenient entrance. Other great features include raised beds filled with nutrient rich organic soil, weed-controlled isles covered with quality pea gravel, and all-natural (untreated) lumber.

Williams Residence- Highland Utah

Platinum Landscape & Pools

This fire pit, surround by large salt and pepper granite boulders, is surrounded by decomposed granite gravel which sits on top of weed fabric and is compacted tight.

Lemont Fire Pit

KD Landscape

The primary patio space narrows into a walkway connecting to the fire pit. The planting beds on both side help define and separate the spaces. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Bedford Park

ACRE landscape architecture + design studio

A lovely yard that started as a long bowling alley of lawn. We wanted to create a more human scale in the lounge area without building too many visual barriers. The overall effect is splashes of woodland across a contemporary canvas.

Old Town Berthoud project

J & S Landscape

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard full sun formal garden for spring in Denver with a vegetable garden and gravel.

Fire pits

The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Built in fire pit is made from two types of stone, red sandstone cap, and Brown Dog sides. Gaps in the stone allow for good airflow. Blond and red sandstone make up the patio. Surrounding boulders create intimacy. Sited to allow stellar views. Stone by BT Stone masonry. Design by The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design.

Fire Features

Good Earth Water Gardens

Old barren space where a playground once stood is transformed into a circular patio with a fire pit in the center.
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard full sun garden for fall in Kansas City with concrete pavers and a fire feature.

Patios & Walkways

Hoy Landscaping Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun garden with natural stone pavers and a fire feature.

Portager Garden

McCullough's Landscape & Nursery

Nick McCullough
Inspiration for a transitional backyard full sun garden in Columbus with a vegetable garden and gravel.

Raised Bed Vegetable Gardens

User

Raised cedar beds along the Sakonnet River, surrounded by in-ground planting beds, enclosed by a perennial border. A blueberry hedge buffers coastal breezes, while a gravel sitting area offers water views from within the garden. Jeremy Brodeur

Garden Residence

Ambler Design

For this garden residence in Stowe, Ambler Design, helped to conceive the home owner's every desire in the quest for the perfect garden. Once an underused sloped area of the front lawn, step stone pathways now connect the existing entry terraces to the yard and garden. A small terrace with garden gate provides a seating area to rest beneath the timber trellis.

Garvey Residence

Dennis' 7 Dees Landscaping

Maxwell Monty Photo & Video
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern side yard full sun driveway in Portland with a vegetable garden and brick pavers.

Edible Urban Oasis

Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect

In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Garden Design Ideas with a Vegetable Garden and 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.