To anchor a modern house, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners, Campion Walker brought in a mature oak grove that at first frames the home and then invites the visitor to explore the grounds including an intimate culinary garden and stone fruit orchard. The neglected hillside on the back of the property once overgrown with ivy was transformed into a California native oak woodland, with under-planting of ceanothus and manzanitas. We used recycled water to create a dramatic water feature cut directly into the limestone entranceway framed by a cacti and succulent garden.

The Lachman Residence

Studio H2O

Design ideas for a large modern front yard full sun driveway for summer in Los Angeles with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Western Exposure

TLC Gardens

David Winger
Large modern front yard full sun formal garden in Denver with concrete pavers and with rock feature for summer.

Modern Lines

Designscapes Colorado Inc.

As you enter through the front door, you can see straight through the house into the backyard. Photographed by David Lauer Photography
This is an example of a modern front yard xeriscape for summer in Denver with a garden path.

Modern Front Landscaping Project, Elmhurst, IL.

Ross and Jack's Landscaping Inc.

Photo of a small modern front yard full sun formal garden for summer in Chicago with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Family Garden in Putney

Ruth Willmott Associates

Ruth Willmott
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard partial sun garden for summer in London.

OC Landscape Project

OC WEST Landscape

Modern landscape with simple and clean pool
This is an example of a large modern backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in Orange County with concrete pavers.

Mid-Century Vibe Front Yard - Bayside

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

Planting beds of slate chip add a "zen" feel while complementing the colors and style of the home. Ribbons of beach pebbles in a coordinating color carry the linear theme throughout. Westhauser Photography

Santa Cruz Sustainable

K & D Landscaping, Inc.

Residential home in Santa Cruz, CA This stunning front and backyard project was so much fun! The plethora of K&D's scope of work included: smooth finished concrete walls, multiple styles of horizontal redwood fencing, smooth finished concrete stepping stones, bands, steps & pathways, paver patio & driveway, artificial turf, TimberTech stairs & decks, TimberTech custom bench with storage, shower wall with bike washing station, custom concrete fountain, poured-in-place fire pit, pour-in-place half circle bench with sloped back rest, metal pergola, low voltage lighting, planting and irrigation! (*Adorable cat not included)

Stadgartenlounge

besgen Landschaftsarchitektur

Design ideas for a small modern side yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Cologne with a container garden, decking and a wood fence.

River Rock Creek

Ranchers by Design Custom Homes Ltd.

River rock landscaping creek
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Vancouver with with pond and natural stone pavers.

Pearl Ave

Landscape-Fusion

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Tampa with concrete pavers.

West Seattle Modern Living

Orion Rockscapes

This is an example of a modern front yard full sun garden for summer in Seattle with concrete pavers and a garden path.

Shade garden

A J Miller Landscape Architecture PLLC

The garden space faces North so gets morning sun then mostly in the shade. In the summer especially it is lovely to sit here have breakfast and later in the day under the large Sugar Maple a cool spot to relax and grill. I am asked all the time are there any shade plants to use! as you can see the garden is constantly changing from spring bulbs and spring flowers to summer and fall color. The gravel terrace provides a simple and affordable surface and very European.

Sculpture House Oakland

Dodie Shoemaker

California living indoor outdoor modern yard
Photo of a small modern backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in San Francisco with a water feature and concrete pavers.

OC Landscape Project

OC WEST Landscape

Modern landscape with simple and clean pool
Large modern backyard full sun xeriscape in Orange County with concrete pavers for summer.

Marie Khouri Planted

SG Design

Tammyanne Matthew
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Vancouver with a container garden and concrete pavers.

Brooklyn Backyard

Root & Vine Gardens

Brooklyn Backyard Oasis. Blue stone patio, Ceder privacy fence.
Inspiration for a small modern backyard full sun formal garden for summer in New York with natural stone pavers.

Drumcondra

The House Architects

Contemporary bi-fold design with sunny landscape garden patio.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Dublin with a container garden and natural stone pavers.

Concrete Planter with Succulents

Ian Moore Design

Ian Moore
Photo of a small modern backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in San Francisco with gravel.

Modern Garden Design Ideas for Summer

Get Inspired by Modern 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 modern 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 Modern Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a modern 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 modern 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 modern 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.