Garden allee path with copper pipe trellis Photo by: Jeffrey Edward Tryon of PDC
Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard shaded formal garden for summer in Philadelphia with gravel.

Arbors

Viking Fence

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard shaded garden for spring in Dallas with concrete pavers.

Halsted House Backyard Koi Pond

Creative Zen, Inc. Landscape Designer & Contractor

Koi pond in between decks. Pergola and decking are redwood. Concrete pillars under the steps for support. There are ample space in between the supporting pillars for koi fish to swim by, provides cover from sunlight and possible predators. Koi pond filtration is located under the wood deck, hidden from sight. The water fall is also a biological filtration (bakki shower). Pond water volume is 5500 gallon. Artificial grass and draught resistant plants were used in this yard.

Northbrook Illinois Shade Garden in June

Van Zelst Inc

Photo by Kirsten Gentry and Terra Jenkins for Van Zelst, Inc.
Expansive asian backyard shaded garden in Chicago with natural stone pavers for summer.

Southcliff

Gardens for Living

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard shaded garden for spring in Charlotte with a garden path and mulch.

Berkeley Home

Charles Debbas Architecture

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard shaded garden in San Francisco.

Tight Site But Big Entertaining

Land2c Landscape Architecture

Land2c A shady sideyard is paved with reused stone and gravel. Generous pots, the client's collection of whimsical ceramic frogs, and a birdbath add interest and form to the narrow area. Beginning groundcovers will fill in densely. The pathway is shared with neighbor. A variety of textured and colorful shady plants fill the area for beauty and interest all year.

Richmond Asian Garden

Northwest Native Landscapes LLC

This compact, urban backyard was in desperate need of privacy. We created a series of outdoor rooms, privacy screens, and lush plantings all with an Asian-inspired design sense. Elements include a covered outdoor lounge room, sun decks, rock gardens, shade garden, evergreen plant screens, and raised boardwalk to connect the various outdoor spaces. The finished space feels like a true backyard oasis.

Kimberlie Ct Project

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Outdoor Living Room and Kitchen in grand Gazebo, Custom wood ceiling w/skylights & infrared heaters, Large bar area with lighting. Grand Fireplace (gas & wood) with wood storage bins. Flagstone flooring extends to dining patio. Kitchen area has wood fired pizza oven. Photos: Bill Burk

Coronado Coastal Contemporary

Gravel To Gold, Inc.

Photo of a small beach style side yard shaded garden in San Diego with with privacy feature, concrete pavers and a wood fence.

Zen garden under stairs

The Japanese Garden

An example of a Japanese garden has lot options. This space only measure 8ft x 4ft (3 square meters) As you can see in the photos, we incorporated a tsukubai (Japanese source) and a karesansui (sand garden) This work was carried in only 3 days !!!

К/П "Екатериновка"

Ландшафтная мастерская "Сад Фантазий"

Design ideas for a traditional shaded formal garden for summer in Moscow with a garden path.

Sunset - Exterior Images

Jax Virtual Tours

Sunset Images
Photo of an eclectic backyard shaded garden in Jacksonville.

Our Work

Pro Curb Decorative Concrete, LLC

Expansive traditional front yard shaded garden in Atlanta with a retaining wall and mulch.

whimsical backyard installation and design

Cascadecopia, LLC

Cedar decorative fence, arbor, and gate on an area used mostly by mother and daughter to access a secret play area below the large rhododendron.
Small side yard shaded garden in Seattle with a garden path.

Decks and Fences

Shane

Design ideas for a large backyard shaded garden in Nashville.

Redwood Shores Zen Retreat

User

Photo of a small asian backyard shaded garden in San Francisco with brick pavers.

South Beach Staycation

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

This full property landscape design and build presented Pro-Land with the opportunity to creatively work with existing grades, while considering the restrictions of an abutting conservation authority. Keeping this in mind we were able to optimize the views of the greenery around the property, while creating a functional outdoor entertainment area. The client wanted a classic design for the front; flagstone walkways to tie in with the colors from the house and an entry wall frames the front door. The goal in the backyard was to create various areas for entertaining, without sacrificing play spaces for their children – the size of the property made accommodating their wishes fairly easy. A sports court, pool with water feature, cabana, and outdoor kitchen ensure these homeowners don’t have to go far for their next vacation.

Exterior Gallery

Passion Painters

Inspiration for a mid-sized backyard shaded garden in Calgary with concrete pavers.

Pergola Details

Summit Landscape and Design

Details of the beautiful wood pergola.
Photo of a large country shaded xeriscape for summer in Austin with with pond and gravel.

Shaded 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.