Photo of a modern garden in Denver with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Modern Landscape

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard partial sun garden for spring in San Diego.

The Wave House

KBC Developments

Modern courtyard garden in Vancouver with a fire feature.

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Garnet Residence

Envision Landscape Studio

This small tract home backyard was transformed into a lively breathable garden. A new outdoor living room was created, with silver-grey brazilian slate flooring, and a smooth integral pewter colored concrete wall defining and retaining earth around it. A water feature is the backdrop to this outdoor room extending the flooring material (slate) into the vertical plane covering a wall that houses three playful stainless steel spouts that spill water into a large basin. Koi Fish, Gold fish and water plants bring a new mini ecosystem of life, and provide a focal point and meditational environment. The integral colored concrete wall begins at the main water feature and weaves to the south west corner of the yard where water once again emerges out of a 4” stainless steel channel; reinforcing the notion that this garden backs up against a natural spring. The stainless steel channel also provides children with an opportunity to safely play with water by floating toy boats down the channel. At the north eastern end of the integral colored concrete wall, a warm western red cedar bench extends perpendicular out from the water feature on the outside of the slate patio maximizing seating space in the limited size garden. Natural rusting Cor-ten steel fencing adds a layer of interest throughout the garden softening the 6’ high surrounding fencing and helping to carry the users eye from the ground plane up past the fence lines into the horizon; the cor-ten steel also acts as a ribbon, tie-ing the multiple spaces together in this garden. The plant palette uses grasses and rushes to further establish in the subconscious that a natural water source does exist. Planting was performed outside of the wire fence to connect the new landscape to the existing open space; this was successfully done by using perennials and grasses whose foliage matches that of the native hillside, blurring the boundary line of the garden and aesthetically extending the backyard up into the adjacent open space.

Outdoor Dining Terrace

Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

Got rid of all the grass, installed some drought tolerant plants, added a water feature and created a raised dining terrace with privacy screens in an otherwise exposed back yard.

East of Market

Lane Williams Architects

Kirkland's East of Market neighborhood is more urban in character than the surrounding communities, encouraging a design that occupies the urban-suburban boundary. Living spaces are tightly organized and vertical, stacked over the garage, with a shifted geometry between floors creating a dynamic form. photo by Lara Swimmer

FreeStanding Stairways

JD Stairs Inc

JD Stairs
Photo of a modern garden in Las Vegas.

walk across water feature

Huettl Landscape Architecture

Inspiration for a modern garden in San Francisco with a retaining wall.

casa Refugio

Adriana Aristizabal

Design ideas for a modern garden in Other with a water feature.

Explanada

A Pleno Sol

Design ideas for a modern garden in Mexico City with a water feature.

Haisa Silver Marble Vein Cut Cladding

Presidio Tile, LLC

Inspiration for a modern garden in Los Angeles with a water feature.

Grounded - Modern Landscape Architecture

Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

Grounded - Modern Landscape Architecture
Design ideas for a modern garden in San Diego with a water feature.

Graham Residence

E. Cobb Architects

Paul Warchol
Inspiration for a modern garden in Seattle with a water feature and decking.

Hoke Residence

2.ink Studio | Landscape Architecture

This is an example of a modern garden in Portland with a water feature.

Outdoor Dining Terrace

Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

Got rid of all the grass, installed some drought tolerant plants, added a water feature and created a raised dining terrace with privacy screens in an otherwise exposed back yard.

Grounded - Modern Landscape Architecture

Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

Grounded - Modern Landscape Architecture
Design ideas for a modern garden in San Diego with a water feature.

East Village Roof Garden

pulltab

Photo: Bilyana Dimitrova
Inspiration for a large modern rooftop full sun garden in New York with a water feature and decking.

Garden Design to New Build Property - Sneyd Park, Bristol

Oasys Property Solutions

The garden comprises of 3 areas; a paved dining/seating area immediately outside the kitchen, a lawned area bounded by flower beds, with a large water feature between. The latter creates a fantastic focal point from the internal living spaces to provide interest throughout the year. To the side of the property is also a decked area, perfect for a hot tub.

Palo Alto Residence

Thuilot Associates

Photo of a modern backyard garden in San Francisco with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Modern Garden Design Ideas

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.

Architectural photography portfolio

Jeff Green Photography

Jeff Green
Photo of a modern courtyard garden in Los Angeles with a water feature.