Large traditional backyard full sun formal garden in Philadelphia with a container garden and gravel.

Boulder staircase with disappearing fountain and steel arbor at entrance to back yard
This is an example of a large traditional front yard partial sun formal garden for spring in Austin with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

An East Bay Garden

Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

Frame For A Garden

Garden Structures & More

The subject matter within this framework is the best of the best.
This is an example of a large asian backyard partial sun formal garden for spring in Minneapolis with a garden path and gravel.

High Meadow Contemporary

Caribou Construction Company

This is an example of a large and desert look backyard full sun formal garden in Other with natural stone pavers.

Custom Bird House

The Todd Group

This custom built bird house is more of a resting spot for birds rather than a nesting box. The bird house sits on top of a stone pier that anchors a cedar fence to it. Shrub roses provide lots of color from spring though the summer and fall.

Historic Landscape Design, Wilmette Illinois

Schmechtig Landscapes

Request Free Quote Backyard Landscape Formal Design in Wilmette, IL. using crushed blue stone, flagstone,roses, boxwoods.

Smith

Lankford Associates Landscape Architects

Simple plant beds are used away from the residence to emphasize the architecture. The kitchen courtyard, breezeway and paths align to tie the structures together and shelter the outdoor living spaces under a 50 year old cherry tree. This farmstead is located in the Northwest corner of Washington State. Photos by Ian Gleadle

Architektonischer Vorgarten

Paus Gartendesign

Photo of a large contemporary front yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Essen with with raised garden bed and concrete pavers.

Farm House

Craig Alan Homes, Inc

Large country backyard full sun formal garden in Atlanta with a vegetable garden and mulch for summer.

Garden Pebble Path With Stone Border

Daco Stone

Backyard garden area with stone lined pebble path and Daco Real Stone Veneer wall
Photo of a large country backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Atlanta with with path and river rock.

Contemporary Pool Compliments English Garden Style

Verdant Grounds

Colorful and lush flowers create a magnificent border along the front of the home. We combine both hardy-in-Texas perennials with season color so your landscape is beautiful each season. The beautiful traditional architecture of this home demanded a lush English style garden design. The deep landscape beds accommodate an abundance of color and foliage interested throughout the year. The clean, contemporary pool design complements the more traditional architecture and landscape design. Put it all together and you have a beautiful and lush retreat for relaxing and entertaining in style.

Tuscan Villa

Carawan Architecture

Mark Singer Photography
Large mediterranean backyard formal garden in Los Angeles.

Plant Combinations

TLC Gardens

Design ideas for a large transitional front yard full sun formal garden in Denver with a garden path and mulch.

Backyard Retreat

Daniel Contelmo Architects

This property was developed in the 1950’s with a relatively bare landscape. The rear yard was nothing special, but had some privacy. The owners set out to create mini gardens around the entire house. A koi pond was added first. Over time, plants were added that began creating pockets of spaces that gave each area a room-like feel. With each hole dug, rock was removed from it to install the pond or install a plant. The rock in the ground became the same rock used around the pond and used for stone walls. There is sun, shade, privacy, and the sound of water that stimulates the senses. The latest section of the master plan was to develop a more formal area (seen from the living room) with the diagonal blue stone set into the lawn. A picket fence separates it from a vegetable garden. A new fire pit is nestled among a row of hemlocks and rimmed shrubs. Photo by Daniel Contelmo Jr.

Hummelstown-New England Federal In PA National Award Winner

GoldGlo Landscapes LLC

Clay brick and concrete pavers create a beautiful walkway through a carefully landscaped garden area. This aerial view shows the skillful design and excellent symmetry.

Contemporary Fence in Long Beach

LA FENCE CRAFT

Photo of a large contemporary front yard partial sun formal garden for spring in Los Angeles with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Port Republic Project

Honeysuckle Nursery & Design

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard partial sun formal garden in Baltimore with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Rose Garden

Planters

Photo of a large traditional side yard full sun formal garden for spring in Atlanta with natural stone pavers.

Simply Elegant

Mariani Landscape

Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan
Inspiration for a large modern backyard partial sun formal garden in Chicago with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Large Formal 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.