Whole house remodel of a classic Mid-Century style beach bungalow into a modern beach villa. Architect: Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis General Contractor: Allen Construction Photographer: Ciro Coelho

Intimate Courtyard, Pond and Stream

Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International

This small space was once the main parking area for this cottage lakeside home and was radically transformed into an intimate and inviting courtyard. Defined by a hand stacked fieldstone wall, granite stepping stones lead from the entrance of the garden and gradually wind their way over a stream bed and lead to the porch that borders the garden. Although set in a cold weather climate, the client requested that the garden be developed to have a lush tropical feeling yet remain consistent with the general surroundings. This was achieved by using a mixture of large leafed perennials such as Ligularia, Hosta and Petasites (Butterbur) ,along with various groundcovers and other perennials including Ferns, Iris and Japanese Forest Grass. The central feature of the garden is a naturalized meandering stream and pond filled with Koi. The use of water in the garden thematically ties the house and courtyard to the homes’ surrounding, an adjacent lake, and adds movement and tranquil sound to the space. Stepping stones appear to float across the surface of the water allowing the visitor another way to enjoy the space. Scale is essential with even the smallest detail needing to be well executed within such limited space. Photos by: George Dzahristos

Small outdoor fountain.

Alderland - SF Bay Area Pool & Landscape Co.

Small outdoor fountain. Landscape architect in Lafayette, Ca Landscape design in Lafayette, Ca Landscape contractor in Lafayette, Ca Swimming pool contractor in Lafayette, Ca

Less Lawn More Garden

Westover Landscape Design

An eclectic and welcoming alternative to the traditional lawn. Inviting to birds, butterflys and neighbors. More at http://www.WestoverLd.com

Evanston Private Residence

Kim Rooney Design

Landscape by Kim Rooney
Mid-sized traditional backyard full sun formal garden in Chicago with natural stone pavers.

Schmitz Residence

Blessing Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern front yard partial sun formal garden in Portland with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

E17 Secluded Family Garden

Sarah Kay Garden Design

Bespoke oak bench provides a secluded seating area at the back of the garden
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun garden for summer in London with with raised garden bed and natural stone pavers.

Front entries, sidewalks, paths and steps

Landsburg Landscape Nursery

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional front yard garden in Minneapolis with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Color Pots

Tri-Scapes Landscaping

Mid-sized transitional front yard garden in Seattle with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Landscapes

Browne and Associates Custom Landscapes

This Hilltop front yard in the Denver Area was constructed in 2012. The existing "builder" landscape" completely failed at dressing up the front of this deserving house. Clients wanted a clever entryway that was more than a simple walkway. The front planter contains "changeable" features that transition with the seasons. During the holiday season, the brick planter is decorated with a Christmas theme. Design: Ben Browne Browne & Associates Custom Landscapes

Water feature

Magnolia Landscape and Design Co.

Firepit patio with pondless waterfall.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard garden in Minneapolis with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Ann Arbor Estate Project: Fire Table

Zaremba & Company

An intimate conversation area anchors one corner of the outdoor living space. A reclaimed stone plinth fire table serves as a rustic focal point, and a stone retaining wall enhances the sense of cozy seclusion. Crushed stone delights the senses with every footstep. Photo by John Carlson.

The Lodge, Fulham Cemetery (Grand Designs)

Harry Holding Studio

The back garden for an innovative property in Fulham Cemetery - the house featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs in January 2021. The design had to enhance the relationship with the bold, contemporary architecture and open up a dialogue with the wild green space beyond its boundaries. Seen here in spring, this lush space is an immersive journey through a woodland edge planting scheme.

Rustic Backyard Dining Area - Cedarburg, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

Our client's hammock adds color to the backyard. Renn Kuhnen Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard shaded garden in Milwaukee with with privacy feature and natural stone pavers.

Le jardin des 5 sens

Duval&Bossennec - Paysagiste concepteur

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape for spring in Nantes with with privacy feature, natural stone pavers and a wood fence.

Front, back and center

BE Landscape Design

Lounge, daybed, pergola, firepit. Backyard transformed from vacant lot to entertainment central.
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic partial sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with with privacy feature and natural stone pavers.

Front, back and center

BE Landscape Design

Lounge, daybed, pergola, firepit. Backyard transformed from vacant lot to entertainment central.
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic backyard partial sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with with privacy feature and natural stone pavers.

Sunken bocce ball court

Village Landscape Architecture

Attractive existing sycamore tree line provides beautiful branching patterns behind a raised planter with low evergreen screening shrubs. Bluestone paves the steps down to a sunken bocce court that is surrounded by a stucco seat walls with bluestone cap. Lighting under seat wall cap allows use at night time.

Jupiter Beach House - Modern Bali Makeover

Island Time Renovation & Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical side yard partial sun garden for summer in Miami with with privacy feature, natural stone pavers and a wood fence.

Northwest Family Resort

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Outside of Spokane, this formal garden area resides along this large property. Our clients wanted to garden without bending over, so these raised beds were built so the plants and vegetables sit about waist high. The metal fence is threaded tighter on the bottom to keep smaller critters out.

Mid-sized Garden Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

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.