Scott Sandler
This is an example of a large backyard xeriscape in Phoenix with gravel.

Contemporary New Home Landscape - Caledonia

A dry creek bed snakes through the planted area and is functional - taking rainwater from the front yard and funneling it under the driveway. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Idyllic Modern

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Marion Brenner Photography
This is an example of a large contemporary front yard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco.

Luxury Brisbane Home - Japanese Inspired Outdoor Privacy Screens

URBAN METAL

Entry/Walkway - concrete path. Existing colorbond fence has been replaced with beautiful laser cut out door screens in a Japanese-inspired design. Powder coated aluminium.

Country Club I

Blueline, Inc Landscape Contractors

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard full sun garden in Denver with brick pavers.

Scandinavian Farmhouse

Amy Martin Landscape Design

Design ideas for a large contemporary side yard partial sun formal garden for fall in Boston with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Details

Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

Inspiration for a large midcentury front yard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with a container garden and gravel.

Garden sculpture

HPS Palo Alto, Inc.

Stone walk and garden sculpture. Photo by Steve Spratt, www.homepreservationmanual.com
Expansive contemporary front yard partial sun formal garden in San Francisco with a garden path and gravel for summer.

Sammamish Outdoor Living and Backyard Makeover

Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC

Jimmy White Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard garden in Seattle with concrete pavers.

LONDON - Notting Hill

Cityscapers

Nigel Gomme
Photo of a large tropical backyard partial sun formal garden in London with decking and a garden path.

Petaluma Terraced Yard

Manzanita Landscape Construction, Inc.

Custom stone gas fire pit in front of fieldstone wall; Terraced second level with an ornamental gravel seating area.
This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a fire feature and gravel.

contemporary garden with child's play Radlett

FMN Gardens

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard garden in London with natural stone pavers.

Marquette | 2017

Coats Homes

Inspiration for a large contemporary front yard full sun garden in Dallas with a container garden.

Dry Creek Bed | No-Mow Forest Backyard | Inver Grove Heights, MN

Southview Design

Because of the sloping terrain the backyard was always swampy and mushy. Improving the site to enable water to flow through the yard and infiltrate into the ground was a top priority. The drainage issues were put to rest by building a creek bed from real river rocks. Bonus – when the stream bed is dry it adds a Zen element to this already tranquil backyard. Photography by John Wiese

Nashville Estate

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

With a lengthy list of ideas about how to transform their backyard, the clients were excited to see what we could do. Existing features on site needed to be updated and in-cooperated within the design. The view from each angle of the property was already outstanding and we didn't want the design to feel out of place. We had to make the grade changes work to our advantage, each separate space had to have a purpose. The client wanted to use the property for charity events, so a large flat turf area was constructed at the back of the property, perfect for setting up tables, chairs and a stage if needed. It also created the perfect look out point into the back of the property, dropping off into a ravine. A lot of focus throughout the project was the plant selection. With a large amount of garden beds, we wanted to maintain a clean and formal look, while still offering seasonal interest. We did this by edging the beds with boxwoods, adding white hydrangeas throughout the beds for constant colour, and subtle pops of purple and yellow. This along with the already breathtaking natural backdrop of the space, is more than enough to make this project stand out. Photographer: Jason Hartog Photography

Pitkin County Residence

Stan Clauson Associates, Inc.

Photo of a large contemporary front yard partial sun garden in Denver.

Royersford Front Hillside Garden

Donald Pell - Gardens

Karl Miller and Donald Pell
Large sloped full sun garden in Philadelphia with a garden path and gravel for spring.

Concession Western Red Cedar Arbors

Ninzan Studio, LLC

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard partial sun garden in Tampa with a container garden and natural stone pavers.

English Country Garden

Pippa Schofield Garden Design

Formal Stone fountain Pippa Schofield
Design ideas for a large traditional garden in London.

Texas Hill Country Residence

WoodCo

Lauren Keller | Luxury Real Estate Services, LLC
Expansive country backyard full sun garden in Austin with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Large and Expansive Garden Design Ideas

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.