Small midcentury backyard partial sun xeriscape in Portland with a retaining wall and a wood fence for winter.

The back patio of herringbone brick with bluestone border, surrounded by boxwood and Hydrangea paniculata.
Large traditional backyard partial sun garden in Boston with brick pavers.

Gorgeous Landscaping

Artistry In Plants

Photo of a large country backyard partial sun formal garden in Raleigh with with rock feature and river rock.

Barton Hills Contemporary Curb Appeal

Native Edge Landscape

After this home was completely rebuilt in the established Barton Hills neighborhood, the landscape needed a reboot to match the new modern/contemporary house. To update the style, we replaced the cracked solid driveway with concrete ribbons and gravel that lines up with the garage. We built a retaining to hold back the sloped, problematic front yard. This leveled out a buffer space of plantings near the curb helping to create a welcoming accent for guests. We also introduced a comfortable pathway to transition through the yard into the new courtyard space, balancing out the scale of the house with the landscape.

Granite Boulders, Outdoor Lighting and Plantings

DREAMSCAPES Landscape and Design

Photo of a large sloped partial sun garden in Seattle with with rock feature and mulch.

Bluestone, Boulders, and Japanese-styled "Zen Garden"

Ohana Natural Landscaping LLC

Total rennovation and addition of the front entrance and side walkway. Whole front of house, essentially. Japanese styled Zen Garden, mossy bouldered "islands", bouldered edging along walkways, dry stream, natural bluestone.

James Island New Home

Alpha Home Design & Consulting LLC

Inspiration for a transitional backyard partial sun garden in Charleston with with privacy feature and a wood fence.

Brewerytown Redo

MGH Gardens

This new build homes backyard was completely overhauled. We installed new steps, paving, fencing, planting beds, planters and landscape lighting. The view from inside is nothing short of spectacular! Enjoyment is further extended into the evening with landscape lighting in the beds and a fire feature. We selected inspirational furnishing styles that the homeowner sourced on the road. We installed pavers, stay in the existing fence and sourced raised planters to conceal utility areas and bike storage. The new space allows ample room for dining and lounging.

Backyard Landscape w/ Bluestone Patio & Fire Pit

Harmony Design Northwest

We transformed a soggy, unused lawn terrace and turned it into an inviting, highly versatile patio. Features include a natural bluestone patio and paths, a corten steel gas fire pit and lush landscaping on all levels.

Aquascape Fire Fountain

Magic Garden Dreams

One of our aquascape fire fountains. Can be an incredible add on to any new or pre-existing water feature.
Photo of a small tropical backyard partial sun garden in San Diego with a water feature, a fire feature, a garden path, with pond, with waterfall and river rock.

Modern, Intimate Outdoor Space at Mesa Fire

TLC Gardens

Custom created shade sails provide compression and intimacy. Playful steppers were tested for optimal rhythm and flow.
This is an example of a small modern backyard partial sun garden in Denver with a fire feature.

upper terrace night lighting

Dorthy Pautz Landscape Architect

Path lighting using WAC balance, and accent up lights on Japanese Maple, Phormium and Cordyline Pot provide drama
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard partial sun garden in San Francisco with with raised garden bed and natural stone pavers.

Japanese-Inspired Garden

Holmes Fine Gardens

This early-phase Japanese-inspired garden draws from the Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist philosophies and combines the basic elements of plants, water, and rocks along with simple, clean lines to create a tranquil backyard retreat. Plant material used includes Japanese varieties of trees, shrubs and perennials woven together to create interest throughout each season.

Los Angeles View Home

June Scott Design

Situated above Lake Hollywood, this expansive terrace was part of a masterplan for the property. It is composed of simple, elegantly-balanced elements that link together to offer the clients a range of pastimes to enjoy with friends and family.

Newlands

EVOKE

Small arts and crafts backyard partial sun garden in Denver with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Lawn Removal in Los Altos

Blue Hibiscus Gardens

Contemporary front yard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with with rock feature and river rock.

Hillsborough Estate Garden

Kristen Rudger Landscape Design

Inspiration for an expansive backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with brick pavers.

Asian-Influenced Suburban Sanctuary

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

These clients' small yard had severe drainage issues, making it difficult for their large family to spend time outdoors. We worked with the clients to create several spaces in the small area that flowed together and met the family's needs. The modern-styled furniture spaces divided by flagstone pavers separated the spaces while an array of short plantings, Japanese maples, and Asian lantern decor introduced fluidity.

Huntleigh Outside Art Gallery Landscape Design

Frisella Landscape Group

Contemporary partial sun garden in St Louis with concrete pavers and a stone fence.

Victorian Chelsea

Hartley Botanic

Victorian Chelsea powder coated in Olive Leaf
Traditional partial sun garden in Other with a wood fence.

Partial Sun 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.