Photo of a contemporary garden in San Francisco with a water feature.

Juban Residence

Makaira Landscape

makairalandscape
Photo of a contemporary courtyard garden in New Orleans with a water feature.

Rancho Alamar

Lane Goodkind Landscape Architect

A mere year before this photo this area was a dead zone filled with Eucalyptus trees. The Eucs were cut down and milled locally for the entry gate, tree fort and site furnishings. The pond is at the end of an arroyo previously filled with trash and other ranch debris. Once we installed check dams and native riparian vegetation the pond magically stayed filled year round - even without a liner or much rainfall. Andri Beauchamp phtography

Water Features

Wallace Landscape Associates

Mid-sized traditional courtyard partial sun formal garden in Philadelphia with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Stone and Stream

Braun Landscape

Photo by Gary Braun. This garden was created on a hillside with no level areas. With the use of retaining walls, and stone work, several patios and a pond were established.

AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

Mediterranean garden in Los Angeles with a water feature.

Orange County California Residential Landscape Design

Lee Ann Marienthal Gardens

Phot credit~ Jeri Keogel
Photo of a large traditional backyard partial sun formal garden in Orange County with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Parks Residence

Huettl Landscape Architecture

Design ideas for a contemporary garden in San Francisco with a water feature.

Beaverton Cabana and Pool

C&R Remodeling

A large but pedestrian back yard became a glamorous playground for grown-ups. The vision started with a motion pool and cabana. As the design progressed, it grew to encompass the entire yard area. The Cabana is designed to embrace entertaining, with an interior living space, kitchenette, and an open-air covered hearth area. These environments seamlessly integrate and visually connect to the new garden. The Cabana also functions as a private Guest House, and takes advantage of the beautiful spring and summer weather, while providing a protected area in the cold and wet winter months. Sustainable materials are used throughout and features include an open hearth area with fireplace, an interior living space with kitchenette and bathroom suite, a spa tub and exercise pool. Terry Poe Photography

Private Residence / Saint Simons Island, GA

The Robert K. Higgins Company

Thomas Thaddues Truett Architect
Inspiration for a mediterranean courtyard garden in Wilmington with a water feature.

Atherton, CA

Michael Callan Landscape Architect

Photo of a traditional garden in San Francisco with a water feature.

The Secret Garden

Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes

Rolling Stone Landscapes
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard garden in Sydney with a water feature.

Jeter

User

Terri Glanger
Expansive contemporary backyard full sun garden in Dallas with a water feature and natural stone pavers for spring.

Lovers Point

Woolly Blue

Design ideas for a contemporary garden in Other with a water feature.

Old Florida River House

Pullman West

Inspiration for an eclectic garden in Orlando with brick pavers and a water feature.

River Hills 2

Wade Weissmann Architecture

Photos by Wolfgang Weissmann
Design ideas for a traditional garden in Milwaukee with a water feature.

MESA Landscape Architects

MESA Landscape Architects, Inc

This is an example of a traditional garden in Little Rock with a water feature.

Gravel Courtyad - Water fall - Slab stone steps - privacy screens

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Gravel Courtyard - Water fall - Slab stone steps - privacy screens - boulder settings - step-over walkway - Front entry
Inspiration for a traditional front yard garden in Portland with a water feature.

Avila Valley Estate

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Inspiration for a mediterranean courtyard garden in San Luis Obispo with a water feature.

Carindale

Utopia Landscape Design

photo Tony Quinn-Jones
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard garden in Brisbane with a water feature.

Garden Design Ideas with a Water 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.