These homeowners were looking to up their hosting game by modernizing their property to create the ultimate entertainment space. A custom outdoor kitchen was added with a top of the line Delta Heat grill and a special nook for a Big Green Egg. Flagstone was added to create asymmetrical walkways throughout the yard that extended into a ring around the fire pit. Four rectangular trellises were added along the fence and shed, with an all metal pergola located at the back of the pool. This unique structure immediately draws the eye and adds a playful, artistic element to the rest of the space. The use of various sized rocks, gravel, and flagstone give a rough texture that creates a symbiosis with the metalwork. Silver Falls Dichondra creates a beautiful contrast to the rocks and can be found all over the property along with various other grasses, ferns, and agave. A large area of gravel rests on the side of the house, giving the client room to park a recreational vehicle. In front, a privacy fence was added along one of the property lines, leading into a drought resistant, eco-friendly section of yard. This fence, coupled with a giant boulder, doubles as a safety precaution in case drivers miss the turn and run into their lawn. This updated landscaping adds an effortless flow for guests to move from the front yard to the back while creating a very open, welcoming feel to all who enter.

Maine MidCentury Modern

Sustainable Horticultural Environments

Renovation of the interior Asian courtyard landscape surrounding a water feature and Tabebuia tree.
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury courtyard shaded garden for fall in Orlando with with privacy feature and river rock.

Rethinking an old landscape

Twig Landscape Design, LLC

The meandering dry riverbed up close.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard partial sun garden in Chicago with river rock.

Stream Renovation

PetrowGardens Landscape Design

Before we came on site, this stream drained the watershed on coastal Connecticut . We removed the pachysandra that was clogging the waterway, rebuilt the stream bed with large boulders and planted native grasses and perennials.

Golf Course

Blooming Vistas

Gorgeous modern landscape with clean lines and exquisite detail.
Mid-sized modern front yard partial sun garden in Dallas with with rock feature, river rock and a wood fence.

Mid-Century Pool Build

Blue Stone Construction

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury front yard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with river rock.

Simple Mulched Beds

Archer Services

Landscaping doesn't have to be overly involved. This clean, simple look is perfect for this home.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary front yard partial sun formal garden in Houston with with flowerbed and river rock.

Outdoor Pond with Natural Stone Fire Pit

Burkhart Outdoors, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard partial sun garden for summer in Chicago with with rock feature and river rock.

Flagstone Pathway and Dry Stream Bed in Carmel Valley

Landscape Logic

In Carmel Valley, we are wrapping up a fun project that uses natural stones as accents and walking surfaces. The boulders are called Gold Onyx and the flagstone is called Sunset Blonde. Later the succulents will grow and soften the hard edges of the stone. Photos of the finished yard will follow.

Aquascape Pondless Water Feature

Dixon & Company Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized front yard partial sun garden for summer in Charlotte with with waterfall and river rock.

Hinton Avenue Cambridge

Melanie Driver Landscape and Garden Design

After planting. The meandering garden path is broken with porcelain plank paving with shingle in between
Mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape in Cambridgeshire with a garden path and river rock.

Retaining Walls & Planter Boxes

Aria Alfresco

Multiple tiers are created using natural stripstone retaining walls. This allows for practical, level areas that were previously not useful. Multiple levels create areas of interest as the eye travels from tier to tier.

Garden Pond with Waterfall

Daco Stone

Daco Garden waterfall into a pond surrounded by natural stone and boulders
Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Atlanta with with pond and river rock.

Dry Creek Bed

Prestige Landscape & Tree Service LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized backyard full sun garden for fall in Portland with with rock feature, river rock and a wood fence.

Dry Creek Bed

Prestige Landscape & Tree Service LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized front yard full sun garden for fall in Portland with with rock feature, river rock and a wood fence.

Project | Quartz

flaura

Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Other with with fireplace, river rock and a wood fence.

Drought Tolerant Lush Landscape

Treehouse Landscape Design

Design by Taryn Tree
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard full sun xeriscape in Los Angeles with with flowerbed and river rock.

Wooten Backyard Living

Native Edge Landscape

AFTER - Upslope view of completed front yard

Metamorphic Design

Central bench area sets the stage for a main feature element, a horizontal tree
Mid-sized modern front yard full sun xeriscape in Vancouver with river rock for summer.

Prairie Inspired

The Horticulture Consultant & Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional side yard xeriscape in Denver with with path and river rock.

Mid-sized Garden Design Ideas with River Rock

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.