This project combines three main strengths of Smash Design Build: architecture, landscape, and craftsmanship in concise and composed spaces. Lush planting in modern, rusting steel planters surround wooden decks, which feature a Japanese soaking tub.

Bespoke decking rail in Sanctuary Garden Design in London

Earth Designs Garden and Build London and Essex

A deck constructed from Yellow Balau hardwood boards meets you from the conservatory and sits flush with the existing back door. A stainless steel tension wire creates a railing around the decking area, while allowing an unobstructed view through to the garden. The deck steps down to a raised pathway made from paving slab stepping stones in a gravel infill, with a railway sleeper edge.

Foss residence

Open Envelope Studio

Cedar deck with steel facia and planters, cantilevered steps, and crushed limestone in planter.
This is an example of a small traditional front yard partial sun xeriscape in Austin with decking.

Terrasse pour une vue imprenable

Nathalie JEANNE - Conceptrice de jardin

Terrasse avec 2 matériaux. terrasse en dallage sur chape béton en bois composite SILVADEC. Massifs de persistants avec vivaces et graminées.
Design ideas for a small country full sun garden in Other with a garden path and decking.

North London Contemporary Courtyard Garden

Aoba Landscapes

A contemporary fireplace acts the main focal point within this contemporary North London garden. Planting spills over the Limestone paving with steps leading down ton easy to maintain composite deck. Construction: Azara Landscapes Design: Sheila Jack Landscapes Photography: Lisa Linder

Small Garden Oasis

Garden Club London Ltd

Stunning view of the lush garden from the kitchen Garden Club London | Tony Woods
Photo of a small eclectic backyard partial sun garden in London with decking.

Project 2

GardenOlogy Landscape Design

Photo of a small contemporary front yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Austin with decking.

Mount Waverley 2023 rear garden feature

Inspiring Landscape Solutions by Parveen Dhaliwal

Feature trellis shape used in this garden in a number of spots. Perfumed climber to be enjoyed from all adjacent outdoor areas.
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape for spring in Melbourne with a vertical garden, decking and a stone fence.

Knutsford Family Courtyard

Greenvision Garden Design

Recently designed and constructed this small courtyard in Knutsford was completely un-useable for the clients and their young children. The brief when re-designing? “Create a garden that’s nice for the adults and fun for the kids, oh and we need plenty of storage too”. The new garden design features a slide down the new steps and the courtyard was surfaced with soft play surfacing to accommodate the children. Fixed seating, plenty of planters as well as an artificial green wall were all ticked off the adults wish list meaning the whole family were delighted with the end result.

Terrasse jardin de graminées

Terre d'Olivier paysagiste

This is an example of a small modern courtyard full sun garden in Lyon with decking.

Der Garten des Gärtners

Werner Frick - Garten- und Landschaftsbau

Vereint auf kleinstem Raum anspruchsvollen Terrassenbau mit der Ästhetik und Ruhe der fernöstlichen Gartenkunst: „Der Garten des Gärtners“ von Werner Frick .................................................................. Lassen Sie sich inspirieren auf www.frick-winhoering.de

Contemporary London Court Yard

GreenlinesDesign Ltd

Contemporary Court Yarde Garden in Central London. Planted with Living Vertical Wall, Espalier trees and classic cloud topiary. Designed and build by Greenlinesdesign Ltd

A SMALL GARDEN PACKED WITH CHARACTER

Yorkshire Gardens

Here’s another project recently finished by our landscaping team. Although this is a fairly small back garden we have created a visually exciting space with numerous areas of interest. A modest stone patio provides a good sized area for seating or dining. We used a variety of natural stone slabs in various sizes and colours in order to add texture and really brighten the space. Not only does stone look great in gardens, but this natural material is also extremely durable and long lasting. Flower beds have been used to edge the garden and are filled with a Ox-eye daisies, Yarrows and small shrubs to create a colourful surround. Potted plants are lined along the patio and add some greenery to the slatted fence. An asymetric deck leads your eye across the garden with a small pond nestles neatly below. Surrounded by natural stone and beautiful foliage this gives the garden a rustic look. The grey eco deck contrasts with natural materials helping to add a real contemporary edge. Finally the garden is finished with steps leading down to the circular lawn. This garden may be small but it’s definitely packed with plenty of character.

Terrasse pour une vue imprenable

Nathalie JEANNE - Conceptrice de jardin

Terrasse avec 2 matériaux. terrasse en dallage sur chape béton en bois composite SILVADEC. Massifs de persistants avec vivaces et graminées.
Inspiration for a small country front yard full sun garden in Other with a garden path and decking.

Electric Eclectic Tropical

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape in Other with a container garden and decking.

Fleming Street

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Tamara Alvarez
Inspiration for a small tropical side yard partial sun garden in Miami with decking.

Townhouse garden

Neil Jones Design

Using a refined palette of quality materials set within a striking and elegant design, the space provides a restful and sophisticated urban garden for a professional couple to be enjoyed both in the daytime and after dark. The use of corten is complimented by the bold treatment of black in the decking, bespoke screen and pergola.

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.

Romantic coutyard

Silva Landscapes

Roberto silva
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard formal garden in London with a container garden and decking.

Melville courtyards

Cultivart Landscape Design

ron tan
This is an example of a small tropical courtyard full sun garden in Perth with decking and a water feature.

Small Garden Design Ideas with Decking

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.