An unused area of lawn has been repurposed as a meditation garden. The meandering path of limestone step stones weaves through a birch grove. The matrix planting of carex grasses is interspersed with flowering natives throughout the season. Fall is spectacular with the blooming of aromatic asters.

Hampstead Small Garden

Peter Reader Landscapes

A close up view of the semi-formal bed.
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard partial sun garden in London.

Seattle Cozy Patio

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Landscape Work

Integrity Landscape Services LLC.

Photo of a small transitional backyard partial sun garden in Austin with mulch.

Cooks Hill

MUD Landscape Design

Recycled timber green wall, Photography by Andy Jones
This is an example of a small country courtyard partial sun xeriscape for spring in Newcastle - Maitland with a vertical garden and concrete pavers.

Rustic Creekside Backyard - Cedarburg, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

Stone steppers lead to an irregular lannon stone fire pit area in this creekside backyard in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Westhauser Photography
Photo of a small country backyard partial sun garden for summer in Milwaukee with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

West Coast English Retreat

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard partial sun garden in Other with gravel.

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.

Small outdoor room with a green wall in Kensington

The Garden Builders

Pro Colour Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard partial sun garden for summer in London with a vertical garden and natural stone pavers.

New build garden - Olympic park Stratford

Melanie Hick Garden Design

This blank canvas space in a new build in London's Olympic park had a bespoke transformation without digging down into soil. The entire design sits on a suspended patio above a carpark and includes bespoke features like a pergola, seating, bug hotel, irrigated planters and green climbers. The garden is a haven for a young family who love to bring their natural finds back home after walks.

Living Room and Back Yard Oasis

Patricia B. Warren, AIA Warren Architecture, LLC

The small back yard became an oasis of desert plants.
Photo of a small and desert look backyard partial sun garden in Phoenix with concrete pavers.

Cazenovia Lake House

A J Miller Landscape Architecture PLLC

Soft colourful plantings along the pathway, seasonal interest begins in early spring and the planting is still colourful in late summer.
Small arts and crafts front yard partial sun driveway in New York with a garden path and brick pavers for summer.

Making An Entrance

Architectural Gardens, Inc

As dusk approaches, pathlights and torch lights make the narrow space feel open and alluring. The reflective quality of the pavers and limestone contribute to safe footing. Large, white blooms of hydrangea, alternating side to side along the walk, catch the eye and provide a sense of movement. Mike Crews Photography

Modern Rustic Landscaping

User

Modern walkway design with concrete pavers and La Paz pebbles
Photo of a small modern backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco.

Brownstone Backyard in Jersey City, NJ

Solicito and Son Landscape Contracting

Design ideas for a small traditional backyard partial sun garden in New York with a container garden.

City Garden- Cedar Arbor

Bradford Associates, LLC

A lovely cedar arbor allows the climbing roses to frame the garden entrance.
Design ideas for a small traditional backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Providence with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Modern Landscape

Design ideas for a small modern backyard partial sun garden in Denver with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Mokena Front Landscape

KD Landscape

Containers, bench and stone entrance all work in concert in this front entry garden.
This is an example of a small traditional front yard partial sun garden for summer in Chicago with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Modern Zen Garden Small Space Design

Studio H Landscape Architecture

Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture. Post processing by Isabella Li.
Design ideas for a small contemporary side yard partial sun xeriscape in Orange County with natural stone pavers and a garden path.

London town garden

Arthur Road Landscapes

Jane Shankster/Arthur Road Landscapes
Photo of a small contemporary backyard partial sun garden in London with brick pavers.

Small Partial Sun 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.