Photo of a mid-sized and desert look side yard partial sun xeriscape in Phoenix with brick pavers.

Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture. Post processing by Isabella Li.
Photo of a small contemporary side yard partial sun xeriscape in Orange County with a garden path and decking.

Piedmont Bed Designs

CHS Superior Landscaping

Garden bed that wraps around side of house with natural stone and plantings with brick edging.
This is an example of a large modern side yard full sun xeriscape for summer in Other with with lawn edging and river rock.

PLANTING

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

Whether your landscape style is formal, Mediterranean, modern or eclectic, what really brings it to life are the plants! Sun and shade plantings, drought-tolerant gardens, and exciting container combinations work in harmony with hardscape to create the perfect look for each of our clients based on their own unique style. If time has taken its toll on your garden, we can give you a fresh new look.

The Swiss Army Jewel Box

Ian Moore Design

Each of the materials was chosen for a balance of richness and simplicity. The Kebony decking continues the rich color tone set by the oiled Cedar shingle and traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban siding on the rear facade of the house. The California Gold Slate for the rear yard patio adds additional texture and depth to the ground plane. The powder-coated metal railings enclose the deck and partition the dog run and bike parking area from the main rear yard. The eclectic plant mix blends California natives with other Mediterranean plants for a variety of color, texture and seasonality.

Stone West Country Estate

Gravel To Gold, Inc.

South African native plants light up the sunset garden
Inspiration for an expansive side yard full sun xeriscape for summer in San Diego with with path and natural stone pavers.

Boorkman Residence

Chris Corbett Design

Gravel Side Yard Path
This is an example of a mid-sized modern side yard partial sun xeriscape in Sacramento with a retaining wall and gravel.

Stylish Digs in Echo Park

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

The strategic placement of Mexican River Rock borrows from Japanese gardens.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern side yard partial sun xeriscape for winter in Los Angeles with a container garden and gravel.

Drought-Ready Rain Garden

FormLA Landscaping

The IdealMow lawn alternative handles more than rain. It thrives in the high, dry heat of Sierra Madre summers and needs little supplemental water. The bridge traversing this bioswale divides a native edible garden with Catalina Cherry hedge from a wildlife garden with San Miguel Island Buckwheat.

Low Water Landscape, Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Revolution Landscape

Vibrant Succulents: With thousands of succulents and cacti to choose from, selection is about color, texture, and dimension.
Large side yard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with natural stone pavers and a garden path.

Rock Features with Trees & Shrubs

SOLKOR | Creating Stunning Outdoor Living Spaces

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional side yard full sun xeriscape for summer in Calgary with a garden path and mulch.

Custom seating area with fire pit on deck

June Scott Design

This garden was designed to celebrate panoramic views of the San Gabriel mountains. Horizontal bands of slate tile from the interior of the mid-century home wrap around the house’s perimeter and extend to the rear pool area, inviting the family outdoors. With a pool framed by mature trees, a sunken seating area, fruit trees, and a modest lawn for a young family, the landscape provides a wide range of opportunities for play, entertaining and relaxation.

Buena Vista Landscape

Natural Concepts Landscaping Contractors

NCL partnered with Pat Brodie Landscape Design to create a modern Mediterranean landscape that references both classic Santa Barbara mission style–custom tile and iron work–and the American Riviera–blue and white color scheme and large, lounge-worthy, pergola-covered stone patios. Landscape Design | Pat Brodie Landscape Design Images | Kurt Jordan Photography

North Park Eclectic Landscape

Revolution Landscape

Colored concrete pathway with drought tolerant plantings and dry riverbed.
Design ideas for a small side yard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Rancho San Diego Mediterranean Garden

Beaudry Garden Design

John Beaudry
Photo of a large mediterranean side yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in San Diego with a garden path and gravel.

Grace Design Associates

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Art Walk *Sustainable Sites Gold Rated Project
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean side yard xeriscape in Santa Barbara.

Privacy from the street

Plan-it Earth Design

A long trellis with arbor provides privacy for the sunken path around the house. People walking on the sidewalk would be able to see right into the house without it. Large round boulders create a natural retaining wall around this corner property Design by Amy Whitworth Photo by Amy Whitworth

Travertine patio

Stephen Read Landscape Design

Mid-sized modern side yard full sun xeriscape in Other with a garden path, gravel and a wood fence for fall.

Hardscaping Projects

Sebastian's Tropical Landscape Design, LLC.

This rock pathway connects the front yard via a side yard pathway to the backyard creating a beautiful aesthetic flow that compliments the homes beauty and curb appeal.

Small Garden Rooms, Hamptons, NY

Hotbotany

Beautiful view outside the kitchen window and pathway to backyard. Shades of green foliage and flowers give an peaceful moment.
Inspiration for a small contemporary side yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in New York with gravel.

Side Yard 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.