The Japanese Maple and Weeping Hemlock were installed last year. We left the Annebelle Hydrangea and added Azaleas, Spirea, Endless Summer Hydrangea and Hicksii Yew as foundation plants for the winter.

Small town garden no lawn

Amanda Shipman

Amanda Shipman
Small traditional courtyard partial sun formal garden in Hertfordshire with a garden path and brick pavers for summer.

Doylestown Pa

Earth Work Design

A fantastic outdoor entertaining area next to the spring house on this beautiful historic Doylestown property. Boulder walls and steps were used to fix the grade and a bluestone patio makes a great area for a fire pit and entertaining. Nick Pugliese

Raised garden beds and deer fence

Red Cedar Landscapes

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in New York with gravel.

Courtyard Garden

Ivy & Bloom

A tiny outdoor space was made to feel larger by replacing the lawn with paved paths and a courtyard. New steps replaced a sloping path to the front door. This home now has great street appeal and the courtyard provides a pretty flower filled living space throughout the year. There is even a small vegetable box squeezed in.

Casual outdoor dining area next to house with bougainvillea

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.

Westport Cottage

Minglewood, LLC

Cottage Shrub and Perennial Garden
Photo of a small beach style front yard full sun xeriscape for summer in Providence with a garden path.

Low profile Fire feature

Cade Kawamoto, Landworkshop , inc

David Guettler Photography.
This is an example of a small modern front yard full sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Princeton Contemporary

Ronni Hock Garden & Landscape

Photo of a small contemporary backyard full sun garden for spring in Philadelphia with a garden path and gravel.

Cayucos Beach House

Jacklyn Curry Design

(c) 2017 Jacklyn Curry Design
Design ideas for a small beach style side yard partial sun garden in Other with natural stone pavers.

Brooklyn Backyard

Root & Vine Gardens

Brooklyn Backyard Oasis. Blue stone patio, Ceder privacy fence.
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in New York with natural stone pavers.

Dupont Circle Courtyard Garden

Tiger Lily Landscapes, LLC

The owners of this urban rowhouse wanted a fresh look for their front garden, and a design that required minimal upkeep. To screen the view of businesses two doors away we installed wooden trellis panels on the stoop. A gravel-filled planting area minimizes upkeep while tidy evergreen boxwoods frame a lovely small Japanese maple to provide year-round interest. Custom ironwork on the gate and fence, as well as new flagstone paving and steps, provide the finishing touches. Photography © Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.

Landscaping

Ponderosa Landscaping & Stonework

Stephanie Dacey
Inspiration for a small asian backyard garden in Boston.

Operation Neighbor Screen

Southern Landscape

When the neighbor expanded, the small, open courtyard became an extension of the neighbor's driveway. Southern Landscape designed and built a custom privacy trellis to shield the neighbor while creating an intimate retreat off the master bedroom. ,Asian jasmine climbs the trellis, while dianella, foxtail, and little gem magnolia highlight the custom water feature, all of which contributes to the quiet oasis.

Backyard Basketball and Roller Hockey Court in Bedford

Sport Court of Massachusetts

Bedford Custom Backyard Basketball and Roller Hockey Court with rebounder and lighting
Small traditional backyard partial sun outdoor sport court in Boston with concrete pavers.

Condo Front Entry

Starbird Garden Services LLC

Spring blooms in a condo garden entry under a flowering plum tree. The plants in the ground: rhododendron 'Solidarity', Pieris 'Prelude', three cryptomeria japonica 'Little Diamond' small shrubs, chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Blue Surprise' tree, two erica carnea. Plants in pots: large pot, hellebores 'Pink Frost'; medium pot, solid white pansies; small pot, heuchera 'Paris'.

Motorized Iron Framed Gate with Wood Paneling

J & J FENCE

This is an example of a small modern front yard shaded driveway for summer in Los Angeles with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Rain Gardens

User

Proto Design Studio LLC
Design ideas for a small traditional front yard partial sun garden in Other with a water feature.

Druid Hills Atlanta Meditation Garden

Plants Creative Landscapes

Homeowner wanted a space for meditating. The white gravel is calming and represents water. Knox lighting core drilled into bluestone patio highlights the view of the space from her living room.

Inviting Patio with fire feature

Magnolia Landscape and Design Co.

Inspiration for a small traditional backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Minneapolis with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Small 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.