Transitional Garden Design Ideas with a Water Feature

River's Edge

SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction

Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen
Inspiration for a transitional backyard garden in DC Metro with a water feature.

Natural Pool with Travertine Deck & Stone Retaining Wall

Landesign of VA, Inc.

This stone wall creates a wonderful accent for the pool. It was necessary to hold the earth back to allow the construction of this vinyl lined pool. The stone used throughout the project make it seem right at home as you look across the pool into the woods.

Ralph Duesing Transitional on Meadowbrook

M. M. Moore Construction Company, Inc.

Some say that Ralph Duesing has created a new architectural style in designing this home. Located in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, this white stucco and lueders limestone mansion is clad with massive slabs of limestone and beautifully crafted stucco and features a negative edge all tile pool and spa surrounded by a lush landscape. The home was constructed by the iconic Dallas builder Randy Clowdus and the landscape was designed and constructed by M. M. Moore Construction

Summer Livin'

AJ's Landscaping & Outdoor Construction

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard partial sun formal garden in San Francisco with a water feature and mulch.

pavers

Costa Del Sol Landscape Construction & Pavers

Photo of a large transitional backyard partial sun garden in San Diego with a water feature and brick pavers.

Residential Services

Lawns of Dallas

Large transitional backyard partial sun formal garden in Dallas with a water feature.

Townhouse Gardens

Garden Gate Landscaping

Charles W. Bowers/Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.
This is an example of a small transitional backyard partial sun garden for summer in DC Metro with a water feature and brick pavers.

Contempary Transitional Yard

Karen Aitken and Associates

Transitional backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a water feature and decomposed granite for summer.

CDL Landscape

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard garden in Los Angeles with a water feature.

Oasis Garden

Barbara Hilty Landscape Design LLC

Barbara Hilty, APLD
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard shaded garden for spring in Portland with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Woodland Garden

D.I.G. Landscape

Inspiration for a transitional backyard garden for spring in Charleston with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

No-mow Front Yard

Wild Craft Permaculture

Mark Wolfe Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard full sun driveway for summer in Toronto with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

WINDSOR PARKWAY

DDLA Design Landscape Architecture

Located in University Park, Texas, this residence provided a dramatic pool and garden renovation creating a transitional outdoor space with clean lines and sophisticated design details. The project included a pool renovation adding new tile and fountain jets, along with formalized landscape plantings around the perimeter and new concrete step pads for outdoor seating & entertainment. The rear garden terminates with a decorative wall fountain feature with brick detailing to match the house. The project is enhanced at night with decorative lanterns, landscape lighting and sting lights overhanging the entire garden.

Handcrafted Bubbling Rock Fountains

Blue Thumb

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard partial sun garden for spring in Other with a water feature.

Concrete and Paver Stones

Summer Sun Landscape

Large transitional backyard partial sun garden in San Francisco with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Mendota Marvelous

MH3 Design Group

Photo of a large transitional backyard full sun garden for summer in Minneapolis with a water feature and a metal fence.

Bayou Peninsula

McDugald-Steele

LED Landscape lighting shines on the entry courtyard. It is surrounded by the canopies of illuminated Crape Myrtles. The limestone paving contains various finishes and highlights the stone block water features adding a sound element to the arrival destination.

Custom Pool Design

Fratantoni Design / Residential Architects

This backyard oasis has a custom pool design and outdoor fountains.
Photo of an expansive transitional backyard formal garden in Phoenix with a water feature and brick pavers.

Stream WaterFall

OutdoorScapes Inc.

Stream waterfall system
Mid-sized transitional full sun garden in Chicago with a water feature and gravel for summer.

Cool House Tour 2013

Botanical Concerns LLC

Natural stone disappearing fountain.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional front yard partial sun garden in Austin with a water feature and gravel.

Transitional Garden Design Ideas with a Water Feature

Get Inspired by Transitional 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 transitional 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 Transitional Garden for Your Home

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