Planted dry creek with limestone boulders and river rock provides a beautiful and functional drainage solution along the frontage of a sloping property. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

AFTER - View from the upslope curb side

Metamorphic Design

Plant compositions are designed to spread and grow together to form a mat or carpet like effect
This is an example of a mid-sized modern sloped full sun xeriscape for spring in Vancouver with with rock feature and river rock.

Collombatti Cottage Renovation NSW 2440

The Renovation Broker

Fire pitt down by the dam, sleepers filled with river stone with custom made fire pitt and fallen down tree used for seating. Ginko tree planted ne3xt to area to give shade once grown.

Retaining Wall Renovation with Water Fall - Highlands Ranch, CO

Outside Dreams Landscape Design and Construction

New water feature uniquely designed to coordinate with the new retaining walls.
Inspiration for a sloped xeriscape in Denver with with waterfall and river rock.

Shell Beach Contemporary

Mark Sullivan Fine Custom Homes Inc.

Photo of a contemporary sloped garden in San Luis Obispo with with rock feature and river rock.

Spring Lake Estate

Austin Parnow Landscape Design

Sloped partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with with rock feature and river rock.

Suburban Lakeside Garden

Springer Environmental Services

A stone feature solves an erosion problem where runoff was washing away soil. Natural limestone forms a dry creekbed that channels water into a lower area. Moss and wildflowers decorate the stones, while ferns and shade-loving plants transition the area into the edge of a wood.

Escaliers de jardin avec bassin d'agrément

Chatelain Paysages

Escaliers en pierre naturelle. Terrasse en bois Bassin d'agrément Plantation
Inspiration for a contemporary sloped garden in Other with with waterfall and river rock.

Romantic Hideaway-Stage One

Marilyn's Dreamscapes L.L.C.

The Citrus Orchard was tiered and secured with rocks and boulders from the site and steps were placed in the center to allow easier access. Irrigation was set up.

Detalle foco de iluminación

Hortus Paisajismo

Design ideas for a mid-sized tropical sloped garden for summer in Valencia with river rock and a wood fence.

Dry Creek Bed

J&S Sand and Gravel, LLC.

Various sizes of River Rock used to mitigate temporary drainage issues while creating visual interest as a dry creek bed.
Inspiration for a sloped full sun garden in Dallas with river rock.

Tudor Landscaping, Rancho Santa Fe CA

RJ Landscape Construction

Inspiration for an expansive modern sloped full sun formal garden for summer in San Diego with a garden path and river rock.

Outdoor Stairs Of Boulders

Big Rock Landscaping

Outdoor staircases are required in a slopped yard, but they can be a stunning focal point rather than an eye sore.
Photo of a contemporary sloped garden in Salt Lake City with with rock feature, river rock and a metal fence.

Sandpiper Cabins

Focal Point Landscape Solutions Ltd.

Photo of an expansive traditional sloped partial sun formal garden for fall in Vancouver with with privacy feature and river rock.

Water Feature

Canadian Timberframes Ltd

Water feature at the rear of this 9000 sq ft home.
Photo of a country sloped garden in Denver with with waterfall and river rock.

Kingston Hillside Gardens

The Brooklyn Garden Club Inc.

Nearly completed ' dry creek' constructed to control storm water runoff using a mix of variable sized river rock and a naturalized design model.
This is an example of a country sloped shaded garden in New York with a garden path and river rock.

Glorious Lakeside Perch

LandWorks, Inc.

LandWorks first navigated a most challenging local government approval process because of this home’s placement on a lake, but it was passed by local government and came together beautifully. Our lovely clients trusted our team to deliver on an involved hardscape and landscape project that featured multi-level patios, several stone staircases, an involved water feature, an elaborate drainage infrastructure – not to mention a switchback, severe-incline path from lake pier to terrace. The stunning lakeside property features bluestone paving throughout, an outdoor grill counter, decorative driveway details at the home’s front entry, and lush plantings with tons of spring, summer and fall color. We had a brilliant and experienced crew on the very involved hardscape install and a talented, creative, painstaking crew on the perennial installs.

Planted Dry Creek

Eden Garden Design

Iluminación del olivo

Hortus Paisajismo

Design ideas for a mid-sized tropical sloped garden for summer in Valencia with river rock and a wood fence.

Contemporary Country House

Architecture Republic

Garden - Fire Pit
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary sloped partial sun formal garden for winter in Canberra - Queanbeyan with a fire feature and river rock.

Sloped Garden Design Ideas with River Rock

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.