Photo by Cory Mann
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard partial sun garden for summer in Detroit with a retaining wall and mulch.

Landscape, retaining wall, steps and driveway

Manzer's Landscape Design & Development

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard full sun driveway for summer in New York with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Wood Fences

VIKING FENCE CO

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun garden for spring in Austin with a retaining wall.

Woodland Rain Gardens

CARBO Landscape Architecture

Rear garden terraces are framed by forest and lower rain gardens, filled with native birch, willow, fern and iris. Roof drains on the residence and french drains in the lawn terrace fill the space defined by low stone walls. Cypress logs were harvested from nearby river bottoms and milled to create the bridge that connects the terraces. The rain garden extends from forest edge to a large window in the master suite of residence. Photo Credit :Rebecca A O'Neal

Lakeside Walkout and Beach Ravine

Wandsnider Landscape Architects

Inspiration for a large traditional sloped garden for summer in Milwaukee with a retaining wall.

Eastside Residential Retreat

Earth Design, Inc.

Full landscape update front and back with native plantings and large retaining boulder wall.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun xeriscape in Other with a retaining wall, natural stone pavers and a stone fence.

Modern Front Yard Landscaping

Big Rock Landscaping

Adding retaining walls to the sloped front yard of this home adds visual interest and allows for more greenery and dimension.
Design ideas for a traditional front yard garden for summer in Salt Lake City with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Holladay Residence

Clayton Vance Architecture

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional side yard full sun garden in Salt Lake City with a retaining wall and gravel.

Сады Майендорф

IL NATURE ландшафтный дизайн

Photo of a traditional partial sun formal garden for summer in Moscow with a retaining wall.

Clearwater Residence Oakadia Lane

SilverSun Landscapes

Timothy Reed
Mid-sized traditional side yard full sun formal garden in Tampa with a retaining wall and gravel for summer.

Canon Hill Driveway

Pacific Garden Design

With a narrow driveway and leaning concrete retaining walls, parking was a major challenge at this 1938 brick Tudor on Spokane's South Hill. Crumbling concrete stairs added another layer of difficulty, and after a particularly rough winter, the homeowners were ready for a change. The failing concrete walls were replaced with stacked boulders, which created space for a new, wider driveway. Natural stone steps offer access to the backyard, while the new front stairs and sidewalk provide a safe route to the front door. The original iron railings were preserved and modified to be reused with the new stairs.

Hammock Estates - South River Road

The Master's Touch Landscape and Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional front yard full sun garden in Orlando with a retaining wall.

Barri

Landmark Landscaping

Photo of a mid-sized traditional sloped full sun garden in Denver with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Sunken Patio using Retaining Walls to Expand Outdoor Livingroom

Allan Block Retaining Wall and Patio Wall Systems

Allan Block Product supplied by Midland Concrete in a Taupe color. Multi level walls were created to have built in planting area and a built in space for a fire pit - fireplace that isn't in the main patio space.

Stone Curving Steps w Lamp Posts & Walls

THE KING'S MASONS

Formal curving entrance stairs. Natural stone with flagstone capping on the lamp posts and curving retaining walls. We also installed a stone walkway to the front door. The patterning of the stone is exceptional - we have master masons!

Orinda 5

Garden Nest Residential Landscape

Photo By: Jude Parkinson Morgan
Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard garden in San Francisco with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Wood Fences

VIKING FENCE CO

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun garden for spring in Austin with a retaining wall.

Blue Stone Patio and Beautiful Fountain

Riedel Precision Landscaping, Inc.

Photo of a large traditional backyard full sun garden for summer in Other with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Water Features and Ponds

Good Earth Water Gardens

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional front yard full sun formal garden for spring in Kansas City with natural stone pavers and a retaining wall.

Stone Walls & Stonework

Creative Masonry & Landscape of Cape Cod

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun garden in Boston with a retaining wall and mulch.

Traditional Garden Design Ideas with a Retaining Wall

Get Inspired by Traditional 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 traditional 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 Traditional Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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.