Inspiration for a large modern backyard garden in Dallas with a water feature and decking.

Our client in Emerson has a beautiful home, perched on a magnificent mountain slope with incredible views. They asked Dreamscapes to design outdoor living spaces for them in order to fully utilize the property. Their wish list included a water feature, a deck for outdoor living, a patio to take in the distant views of the mountains, a place to garden, and a natural and native planting design to fit into the existing southeastern native woodlands and mountain environment. Living on the side of a mountain means bedrock. The design incorporates the natural slope and stone and works with the terrain. A new deck was constructed to extend out from the house, floating over the bedrock where it meets the new pond. From the top of the hill, a waterfall cascades down through the native plantings into the pond below. Natural boulders were used to build seating along the pond’s edge, where you can watch the fish, tend to the aquatic plants, listen to the frogs, and even take a dip to cool off. Two natural flagstone patios were built at two different elevations to sit and enjoy the views of the landscape and the mountains. Both patios are accessible by cut stone crab orchard steps set into the slope. The space at the end of the driveway was a blank canvas and the perfect place to design and build a garden of raised beds, enclosed in a traditional picket fence. It is now filled with vegetables, herbs, and cutting flowers. The local bees and butterflies love it too. And the beautiful landscape takes on a magical look after sunset. Landscape lighting was expertly placed, using a variety of fixture types to enhance the pond, waterfalls, trees and plants, bringing the spaces to life after dark. The homeowners are both multi-talented and wanted a place to incorporate their skills. They create original art, build detailed wood work and plant edible gardens, just to name a few. This new landscape gives them and their family and friends a place to work and play and relax. It has become a haven for people and wildlife alike. Outdoor living at its finest!

Asian Garden

Lanaiscapes

Designed by Brian Cordero LanaiScapes.com
Inspiration for a mid-sized asian side yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Hawaii with a water feature and decking.

Rooms With A View - West Los Angeles

Bosler Earth Design

Front entrance fountain
Mid-sized front yard partial sun xeriscape in Los Angeles with a water feature and decking.

Chelsea 1

EGG GROUP Limited

Daniel Swallow
This is an example of a tropical backyard formal garden in London with a water feature and decking.

Woodland Residence

STIMSON

Photo of a contemporary garden in Boston with a water feature and decking.

Water Features

Urban Gardens, Inc.

Modern backyard garden in Denver with a water feature and decking.

Weessies

Land Mechanics, Inc.

Above ground Jacuzzi and custom deck photo by Bronwyn Miller
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic backyard partial sun garden for summer in Orange County with a water feature and decking.

Evocative white Ginger

Outside InStyle

Tropical Hawaii-inspired plantings flank the new waterfall.
This is an example of a large tropical backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Los Angeles with a water feature and decking.

Hilltop Modern

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

Another view of the jacuzzi and Ipe deck. All that's missing is a cool drink.
Inspiration for a large modern backyard partial sun garden in Los Angeles with a water feature and decking.

Views and Vistas, Hampshire

Acres Wild

Contemporary English Country Garden, Hampshire, UK
Photo of a large country backyard full sun garden for fall in Sussex with a water feature and decking.

Wasser

Bloemen – Landschaftsbau & Gartenpflege

This is an example of a large traditional backyard full sun garden for summer in Dusseldorf with decking and a water feature.

Strathmore

Intrinsic Landscapes

Small contemporary backyard partial sun garden in Melbourne with a water feature and decking.

Melville courtyards

Cultivart Landscape Design

ron tan
Small contemporary courtyard full sun garden in Perth with decking and a water feature.

Wu Wei: Going with the Flow

User

Inspiration for a large asian backyard garden in New York with a water feature and decking.

Romantic country garden

Landscape d.o.o. Slovenia

location . Ljubljana vicinity size . 5000 m2 planning . 2008 completed . 2009 A garden in an open, rural landscape shows several faces and stories. A multileveled wooded garden for summer parties in the cool of the forest. A small lake with floating wooden paths, which embrace sitting areas, a fireplace and an isle, from which one observes all different moods of nature. This garden is a romantic detail of Monets waterlilies, the light falling through the majestic trees, a piece of arcadia. Photo credits: Landscape d.o.o. Slovenija

Pondless Waterfalls Ideas for your Kentucky Landscape

H2O Designs

Pondless Waterfalls allow you to enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. The Pondless Waterfall has made many Kentucky water-lovers who were previously unable to indulge in the sweet sounds of falling water, very happy. It’s a great alternative for those who are trying to get their feet wet, or looking to fit a little bit of paradise into their own backyard. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, then a Pondless Waterfall is perfect you! If you live in Kentucky (KY) Contact us to get started with your Pondless Waterfall design. Photos By H2O Designs Inc. Lexington Kentucky

Penthouse Patio

Rob Spytz Design

Photo of a large contemporary rooftop partial sun garden in Vancouver with a water feature and decking.

Harriet Haven

Mom's Design Build

Tree swing and bistro lights in the oak tree made this area fun to play in. Lighting was a huge part of this project so we hung bistro lights in the tree for that romantic touch. Don't forget the white picket fence for that coastal feel.

South Coogee

Pepo Botanic Design

The aim of this design was to balance the swimming pool both visually and functionally with the house and surrounding outdoor areas. The pool now sits within a lush garden and feels as if it was always meant to be there. This planting design has given its owners a relaxed, sculptural and private outdoor living room. What the client says: The garden now complements the architecture of our home. Pepo has created a beautiful outdoor ambience for us to enjoy. Photo by Brent Winstone

Garden Design Ideas with a Water Feature and Decking

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.