This is an example of a large transitional backyard garden in Detroit with a retaining wall.

Proteas & Leucospermums with a stair perch beyond.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard full sun garden for summer in Los Angeles with a retaining wall.

AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

Photo of a mediterranean front yard garden in Los Angeles with a vegetable garden.

Back Yards

Runde's Landscape Contractors, Inc.

Joe Runde
Design ideas for a transitional formal garden in Chicago with a vegetable garden and gravel.

House in Angel

Studio 30 Architects

A comprehensive renovation and extension of a Grade 2 Listed Building within the Cross Street Conservation Area in Islington, London. The extension of this listed property involved sensitive negotiations with the planning authorities to secure a successful outcome. Once secured, this project involved extensive remodelling throughout and the construction of a part two storey extension to the rear to create dramatic living accommodation that spills out into the garden behind. The renovation and terracing of the garden adds to the spatial qualities of the internal and external living space. A master suite in the converted loft completed the works, releasing views across the surrounding London rooftops.

Wood Fences

VIKING FENCE CO

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun garden for spring in Austin with a retaining wall.

Terraced Garden

Belsize Gardens

This is an example of a contemporary garden in Other with a retaining wall and decking.

Blue Stone Patio and Beautiful Fountain

Riedel Precision Landscaping, Inc.

Photo of a large traditional backyard full sun garden for summer in Other with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Curved Retaining Walls View From Upper Patio

The Sculpted Earth

Terraced Retaining Wall of AllenBlock Europa Series with low voltage landscape lighting and new plantings.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Seattle with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Rock Gardens

Colorado Alpines & Wildflower Farm

Colorado Alpines & Wildflower Farm | Edwards, CO | www.thewildflowerfarm.com
Inspiration for a side yard formal garden in Denver with a retaining wall.

Back Yard Landscapes & Outdoor Living

Lifestyle Landscaping, Inc.

A sandstone patio is sized perfecly for a table of four.
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard full sun garden for summer in Cleveland with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Vegetable Terraces with Boulder Retaining Walls

Earth Design, Inc.

The owners of this vegetable garden purchased the undeveloped lot adjacent to their home and developed the sloping area into a collection of raised beds. - Photo by Kevin Bost

Flatirons Terrace

TLC Gardens

Photo of a large traditional front yard garden in Denver with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Curved Retaining Wall

Krugel Cobbles, Inc.

Photos by Linda Oyama Bryan
Design ideas for a small eclectic front yard garden in Chicago with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Eclectic Cape Cod Tudor - Anderson, SC

Chapman Design Group, Inc.

Mark Hoyle
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard partial sun garden in Charlotte with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Vegetable Gardens

Eden Condensed

This vegetable garden of 3 cedar raised beds was part of an over all drought tolerant garden.
This is an example of a small traditional backyard full sun garden for summer in Los Angeles with a vegetable garden and gravel.

Ted's Biodynamic Garden

Ted Carter Inspired Landscapes

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Portland Maine with a vegetable garden and mulch.

Crescent Park, Palo Alto

BAY WEST BUILDERS

This is an example of a traditional garden in San Francisco with a retaining wall.

Private Residence

Ream Design LLC

Mid-sized transitional front yard partial sun garden in Boston with gravel and a retaining wall.

Portola Valley Kitchen Garden

Avant Garden

Another view of extensive kitchen garden for Portola Valley estate. photo by Galen Fultz
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard garden in San Francisco with a vegetable garden.

Garden Design Ideas with a Vegetable Garden and a Retaining Wall

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.