The area is so deeply shaded by tree cover, the elevated garden supports shade-loving plants like this Giant Chain Fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) and nearby Alumroot. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Rustic Peastone Patio & Garden - World's End, Hingham

User

The goal of this landscape design and build project was to create a simple patio using peastone with a granite cobble edging. The patio sits adjacent to the residence and is bordered by lawn, vegetable garden beds, and a cairn rock water feature. Designed and built by Skyline Landscapes, LLC.

"Floating Deck"

Salsbury-Schweyer, Inc

Another view of the most important "room" of the house. A "floating" bluestone path leads towards the shade garden. Photo by Salsbury-Schweyer, Inc
Photo of a small contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Cleveland with with pond and natural stone pavers.

Orinda Modern Landscape

FDC Design Build

Mid-sized modern front yard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a retaining wall and concrete pavers for fall.

Birds, Bees & Butterflies

Roxy Designs

Photo: © Jude Parkinson-Morgan
This is an example of a mediterranean backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with concrete pavers.

Small Urban Front Yard

DC Design LLC

In this small front yard we removed the lawn and replaced it with colorful shrubs and perennials.
Design ideas for a small traditional front yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Detroit with a garden path.

Bench seating in foreground with native plants on hillside in background

June Scott Design

Rock outcroppings make a striking background for new lounge areas in this compact Los Angeles hillside garden. Working with the attributes of the site, we added native plants to drape over the stone, and converted hollowed stone planters into a firepit and water feature. New built-in seating and a cozy hammock complete the relaxing space, and dramatic lighting makes it come alive at night. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

Modern Irvine

Studio H Landscape Architecture

A prefabricated concrete fire pit surrounded by built-in bench style seating and pottery with citrus on an ipe wood deck. Low water-use succulents neighbor the deck , planted in the decorative pebble. The shade sail was added at a later time due to the sun reflecting off the windows and burning the artificial grass. In the distance is the built-in barbecue and wood dining table. Studio H Landscape Architecture

Brand New Landscape

User

Campbell Landscape Bay Area's Landscape Design, Custom Construction & Management
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with mulch.

Coronado - 4th Street

Dave Suda Landscape & Irrigation Repairs

This is an example of a small mediterranean front yard partial sun xeriscape in San Diego with natural stone pavers.

Kempton Barkyard Oasis

Thomas Bastis

outdoor dining and entertainment
Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Plentiful sweeps of colorful perennials and foliage plants define the garden

Van Zelst Inc

The front entry plantings that surround the bluestone walkway are lush. Red astilbe, white hydrangea, lady's mantle, and dark red coral bells.
This is an example of a large front yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Chicago with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Landscaping Ideas in Southern California

Arroyo Seco Construction

Design ideas for a small backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Santa Barbara with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Upper Patio With Arborvitae For Separation

The Sculpted Earth

Terraced Retaining Wall of AllenBlock Europa Series with low voltage landscape lighting, new plantings, and sitting patio of concrete patio pavers. Arborvitae in the background provide separation between spaces.

A Gardener's Garden: The Gardens at Soul Safari™

Brett Maloney Landscapes, LLC

The stone bridge approaching the gazebo garden at Soul Safari™. The bridge crosses a decorative water basin that helps collect runoff sediment. If left unchecked this sediment would freely enter the larger pond negatively effecting water quality. Photo by Landscape Artist: Brett D. Maloney.

Galisteo Basin Preserve

Serquis + Associates Landscape Architecture

Mitch Tillison and Solange Serquis
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary courtyard partial sun xeriscape in Albuquerque with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Plantings with water feature

Accent Landscapes

Bright blooming perennials and ornamental grasses bring this small water feature to life, and create an entry to the home that is sure to impress. Photos by Roger Haywood, Seth Soukup, Neil Podoll

Modern Vineyard

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Paul Wolfgang Steimer
This is an example of a large modern backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Luis Obispo with concrete pavers.

Gordon Residence

Open Envelope Studio

OES | pergola, steel-edged Texas basalt and crushed limestone with native plants, and decking
Mid-sized modern backyard partial sun xeriscape in Austin with gravel and a retaining wall.

Playgrounds

Synlawn Toronto

Photo of a large transitional backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Toronto with with outdoor playset.

Partial Sun Xeriscape 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.