Photo of a mid-sized country backyard partial sun outdoor sport court for summer in San Francisco with gravel.

The clients of this Highgate Garden contacted London Garden Designer in Dec 2011, after seeing some of my work in House and Garden Magazine. They had recently moved into the house and were keen to have the garden ready for summer. The brief was fairly open, although one specific request was for a Garden Lodge to be used as a Gym and art room. This was something that would require planning permission so I set this in motion whilst I got on with designing the rest of the garden. The ground floor of the house opened out onto a deck that was one metre from the lawn level, and felt quite exposed to the surrounding neighbours. The garden also sloped across its width by about 1.5 m, so I needed to incorporate this into the design.

Pools, swimming pools, pool coping, pool deck, pool fountain

Ancient Surfaces

Product: Authentic Thick Limestone Pool Coping elements for pool edge Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' space design as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates in 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a contemporary swimming pool or spa into a traditional Italian Mediterranean pool can be easily achieved by selecting one of our most prized surfaces, 'The Foundation Slabs' pool coping Oolitic planks. The ease and cosines of this outdoor Mediterranean pool and spa experience will evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that on only gets while being surrounded with the pristine beauty of nature. This powerful feeling of unison with all has been known in our early recorded human history thought many primitive civilizations as a way to get people closer to the ultimate truth. A very basic but undisputed truth and that's that we are all connected to the great mother earth and to it's powerful life force that we are all a part of...

Putney

Harry Holding Studio

A contemporary garden for a family in South London. The planting is naturalistic and wildlife friendly, softening the sharp geometry employed in the hard landscaping. Seen here in summer with the echinacea, echinops and kniphofia in full bloom.

Los Altos, CA - Lundy Ln.

M. Designs Architects

An After look of this contemporary style home where the exterior has been completely transformed and made new,
Photo of a large contemporary backyard partial sun garden in San Francisco with decking.

Japanese Tea House

Miriam's River House Designs, LLC

Photo is of Japanese Tea House interior art glass Moon window. All our art glass designs are copyrighted and a book comes with each peice detailing the metaphysical meanings involved. Each design is signed and the pattern is never repeated. Photo credits: Dan Drobnick

A Garden for Every Season

Cottage Gardener, LTD

This project was designed and installed by Cottage Gardener, LTD. These photos highlight our effort to create seasonal interest throughout the entire year.

Oakland Landscape Transformation

Art Garden Design

For this backyard we regarded the entire lot. To maximize the backyard space, we used Redwood boards to created two decks, 1) an upper deck level with the upper unit, with wrapping stairs landing on a paver patio, and 2) a lower deck level with the lower unit and connecting to the main patio. The steep driveway was regraded with drainage and stairs to provide an activity patio with seating and custom built shed. We repurposed about 60 percent of the demoed concrete to build urbanite retaining walls along the Eastern side of the house. A Belgard Paver patio defines the main entertaining space, with stairs that lead to a flagstone patio and spa, small fescue lawn, and perimeter of edible fruit trees.

Weessies

Land Mechanics, Inc.

Cedar fence and planter boxes photo by Bronwyn Miller
Photo of a small eclectic backyard partial sun garden for summer in Orange County with a vertical garden.

Culver City Garden Oasis

BE Landscape Design

Allen Haren
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun formal garden for spring in Los Angeles with gravel.

The Great Canadian Landscaping Company

The Great Canadian Landscaping Company Ltd.

Photo Credit: Chris O'Donohue
Photo of a large contemporary backyard partial sun garden in Vancouver with concrete pavers.

Blending Contemporary Simplicity with Classic Elegance

Elemental Design Group

Small pergola area with outdoor grill and kitchen.
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for spring in San Francisco with concrete pavers and a wood fence.

Fences & Gates - Traditional

California Deck Builders

Fence & Gate clear RedWood Marina Del Ray
Design ideas for a large contemporary front yard partial sun garden for summer in Los Angeles with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Schmeiser Ave

Maximus Development Inc.

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard partial sun garden for fall in Sacramento with mulch.

Epic Outdoor Kitchen

K & D Landscaping, Inc.

Epic Outdoor KitchenThis is one of our most favorite residential projects! There's not much the client didn't think of when designing this incredible outdoor kitchen, just looking at that brick oven pizza has our mouths watering! Complete with cozy vibes, this outdoor space was craftily mastered with: excavation, grading, drainage, gas line, electrical, low voltage lighting, electric heaters, ceiling fan, concrete footings, concrete flatwork, concrete countertops, stucco, sink, faucet, plumbing, pergola, custom metal brackets, stone veneer, fireplace, pizza oven, porcelain plank pavers, cabinets, gas bbq grill, green egg, gas stovetop, bar, chimney, and a television

Terraced San Francisco Backyard

Mediterrasian Landscapes

Design ideas for a small asian backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with brick pavers.

Central District Edible Garden

Board & Vellum

Landscape contracting by Avid Landscape. Carpentry by Contemporary Homestead. Photograph by Tina Witherspoon.
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard partial sun garden in Seattle with natural stone pavers.

Mid Century Modern Fencing Revival

Heath Carpentry

Mid-sized midcentury front yard partial sun garden in Los Angeles with concrete pavers for spring.

Modern Hideout in Bucktown

Chicago Roof Deck & Garden

Photo of a small modern backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Chicago with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Shore Road Backyard Patio

TYDAN Landscape Design Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard partial sun garden for summer in San Diego with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

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.