Photo:Kazushi HIRANO
Photo of an asian shaded garden in Other with gravel.

Taos Projects

Taos Landscaping

This is an example of a front yard full sun xeriscape for summer in Albuquerque with a garden path and gravel.

Mill Stone Water Feature in Ann Arbor, MI

Poseidon Ponds & Landscaping

We turned this old mill stone into a water feature and bird bath for one of our customers. We placed it just outside their living room window so they can enjoy the noise of the water and watch the birds play in the water.

Asian Inspired Koi Pond

ReLush Landscape Architecture & Construction

Mid-sized asian backyard partial sun garden in New Orleans with with pond and gravel.

Steel Privacy Walls Create Outdoor Room

Eden Garden Design

Steel privacy screens planted with scented star jasmine vines create the border of the 'pond room' on the side of the home. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

Southern Blvd Project

Mother Earth Landscaping

Mid-sized arts and crafts front yard partial sun xeriscape in Newark with gravel and a garden path.

Japanese Garden: pea stone walk and gardens.

Andrew Zema's Landscaping, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard formal garden in San Diego with a water feature and gravel.

Jewel Tones on a Steep Slope

Rock Paper Clippers

Gravel steps keep the feel casual.
This is an example of a large contemporary sloped full sun formal garden in San Francisco with mulch.

Central Orange County

Tech Ambassadors

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden in Orange County with a fire feature and gravel.

Trex Seclusions Composite Fencing

J & J FENCE

Design ideas for a large transitional side yard partial sun driveway for summer in Los Angeles with mulch and a wood fence.

Stamford Shade Garden & Pool

Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC

Annuals and perennials in shade garden at entry court.
Photo of a large mediterranean front yard partial sun formal garden for spring in New York with gravel and a garden path.

Flagstone Path Lined in Thyme

Regenesis Ecological Design

Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) creates an excellent ground cover between the flagstone pavers in this unique garden pathway.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern front yard full sun xeriscape for summer in Other with a garden path and mulch.

Traditional Landscape with Patio, Water Feature

Accent Landscapes

Using cobble to create dry creek beds is an attractive and effective drainage solution.
Design ideas for a large traditional front yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Denver with mulch.

Paleface Ranch

Van Wicklen Design

Large country backyard full sun formal garden in Austin with a container garden and mulch.

Past Landscape Projects

Alpine Construction and Design Ltd.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden in Calgary with a water feature and gravel.

Calabasas Home

Terra Seco Gardens

west side of driveway with decomposed granite (DG) area for trash-can roll out Julie J
Photo of a mid-sized front yard full sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with mulch.

Wire fencing

Gardenalia Property Services, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard partial sun formal garden in Other with a vegetable garden and gravel.

Jackson Project

Belle Terre Landscapes

Mid-sized mediterranean front yard full sun garden in San Diego with a garden path and mulch for summer.

Fairfield Beach

Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC

Photo by Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC A small residential, seaside property located on Fairfield Beach, Fairfield was renovated by the new owners and adapted for their active family. Barbara was the landscape architect in charge of all of the landscape elements upgrades. She designed new bluestone curving paths to access the front and side doors and designed new landscape lighting to enhance the walks. The existing trees were saved and she designed new shade and salt-tolerant plantings which were added to provide seasonal color and interest while respecting the existing plantings. Along the beach front additional native beach grasses were added to stabilize the dunes while removing some invasive plantings. This work will be phased over the next few years in an effort to keep the sand stable. Beach roses were incorporated into a hollow in the dunes. A small lawn area was renovated and the surrounding Black Pines pruned to provide a small play area and respite from the sun. Beautiful reblooming hydrangeas line the edge of the gravel driveway. Rounded beach stones were used instead of mulch in the island planting along the edge of the adjacent road planted with Miscanthus, Mugo pine and yucca. Barbara designed a custom kayak rack, custom garbage enclosure, a new layout of the existing wooden deck to facilitate access to the side doors, and detailed how to renovate the front door into only an emergency access with new railings and steps. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised the installation of all elements for the new landscape the project. The interiors were designed by Jack Montgomery Design of Greenwich, CT and NYC . Tree work was completed by Bartlett Tree Experts. Freddy’s Landscape Company of Fairfield, CT installed the new plantings, installed all the new masonry work and provides landscape maintenance services. JT Low Voltage and Electric installed the landscape lighting.

Sherman Oaks Landscape

Zucker Design Associates, Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary front yard partial sun garden in Los Angeles with a water feature and mulch.

Garden Design Ideas with Gravel and Mulch

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.