Inspiring Landscape Solutions by Parveen Dhaliwal

The challenges in this project was to work with the existing 3m level difference in the front yard and keep the existing treelines already in place, with a heavy emphasis on preserving the large gleditsia tree which was protected by local regulations. We designed in an outdoor seating area where the clients can relax in whilst watching the children play. This is further complimented by a grassed area where they can picnic and rest under their beloved gleditsia. Whilst it is a largely cottage garden, this was balanced with introducing some low maintenance evergreen plants. The clients loved edibles so the plant palette also built in some edible groundcovers, shrubs and dwarf fruit trees. The flora selected compliments the existing blue and white cottage weatherboard build elements and colours. The design also squeezed in extra parking and driveway space! When I designed this project I immediately thought of playing with curves which is a design element I love playing with. I love the way the new levels came together along with the retained garden beds and grassed area. I used soft pastels (yellows, pinks) to compliment the blues and purples in the planting palette and love the client's choice of the curved steel arbour and subtle glass detail. One cheeky aspect of the project was surreptitiously building in a plant, felicia, as a soft reference to the little master in the house! As usual I used a heavy contrast with some of the materials chosen to set off the plants nicely whilst also celebrating each material selected.

Creating Space in Glassell Park

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

We built a striking new pergola with a graphic steel-patterned roof to make a covered seating area. Along with creating shade, the roof casts a movie reel of shade patterns throughout the day. Now there is ample space to kick back and relax, watching the sun spread its glow on the surrounding hillside as it makes its slow journey down the horizon towards sunset. An aerodynamic fan keeps the air pleasantly cool and refreshing. At night the backyard comes alive with an ethereal lighting scheme illuminating the space and making it a place you can enjoy well into the night. It’s the perfect place to end the day.

Pergola and Studio

Weeds Garden Design Build LLC

A nice view of the custom steel veggie beds - plenty of chard here! Dry set flagstones are inter-planted with Kurapia ground cover, both low water and low maintenance. This was a great little design-build project for some great clients! We oversaw the construction of the shed, designed and built the pergola, deck, outdoor kitchen, water feature, flagstone patio, as well as installing the plants, irrigation and landscape lighting. So pretty at night!

Amersham Entertaining Garden

Chiltern Garden Design

Elegant dining furniture sets the tone on the main terrace, with contemporary planting enhancing the space. on the upper terraces are spaces for lounging, cooking and eating under cover.

Haramaki residence

Mscape Design

California Eichler home with Japanese inspired landscaping.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard xeriscape in San Francisco with decking.

Caleda Models

Creative Environments

Let us show you what we can do for your outdoor landscape! Give our team a call at (480) 777-9305 or contact us online: https://creativeenvironments.com/contact-us/

San Rafael Eichler Front and Back Yard Remodel

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

The "Gracie Modern Arbors" (by TerraTrellis) offer eye-catching focal points. Three installed to bring interest and needed height over a long pathway ramp with grape vines. Another frames a stairway to the hillside with a flowering Passion vine. The sloped hillsides were revamped to include low-water and low-maintenance plants that include CA natives, flowing grasses, other Mediterranean plants and several succulents.

Brentwood Beauty

Native Edge Landscape

This is an example of a mid-sized modern front yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Austin with natural stone pavers and a metal fence.

Ravenna Bungalow

Hayes Landscape Design Services

Design ideas for a small arts and crafts backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Seattle with a wood fence.

Bay View Vista Residence, Camano Island WA.

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

View to entry standing under the pergola.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern full sun xeriscape for spring in Seattle with concrete pavers and a wood fence.

HACIENDA DE LAS PALMAS

Broward Landscape, Inc.

Tropical landscape surrounding pool area with a fire pit covered by a pergola.
Inspiration for a large tropical backyard partial sun xeriscape in Miami with natural stone pavers.

Fun for the whole family

Kristen Rudger Landscape Design

Jude Parkinson Morgan
Large country backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with decking.

Burbank Project

Roy Altaras Landscape Design and Build

Photo of a country backyard xeriscape in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers.

Santa Cruz Sustainable

K & D Landscaping, Inc.

Residential home in Santa Cruz, CA This stunning front and backyard project was so much fun! The plethora of K&D's scope of work included: smooth finished concrete walls, multiple styles of horizontal redwood fencing, smooth finished concrete stepping stones, bands, steps & pathways, paver patio & driveway, artificial turf, TimberTech stairs & decks, TimberTech custom bench with storage, shower wall with bike washing station, custom concrete fountain, poured-in-place fire pit, pour-in-place half circle bench with sloped back rest, metal pergola, low voltage lighting, planting and irrigation! (*Adorable cat not included)

Contemporary Desert Ridge Oasis

Shearon Design Collective

Inspired by the desire to connect the cozy contemporary interior with the natural desert landscape, this project created an inviting outdoor kitchen and pool area. With split-faced limestone cladding, a gray-toned countertop, and large-format vein-cut limestone pavers, the design seamlessly bridged the indoor and outdoor spaces. Windowed cutouts on the feature wall framed picturesque sunsets, offering an open feel while ensuring privacy. Through innovative design elements and careful material selection, this desert oasis surpassed expectations, providing unforgettable moments of outdoor dining and relaxation in a harmonious and stylish setting.

Mediterranean garden in Los Alto Hills

User

This garden had an historic collection of native California and Mexican fan palms, clustered around a water-needy lawn. We removed the lawn, added a new layer of drought tolerant smaller palms, and an underplanting of mediterranean type shrubs and perennials.

Garden Bird's Eye View

Conscious Environments Inc.

An above ground hot tub in centered in this multi-use garden that features a large outdoor dining space, outdoor kitchen, horizontal wood backdrop w/ built-in TV entertainment center, and modern-industrial patio cover.

Pergola, Dining, & Pilates Studio

Weeds Garden Design Build LLC

Pergola and deck next to prefab shed by Studio Shed, along with outdoor kitchen and custom built steel veggie beds.. This was a great little design-build project for some great clients! We oversaw the construction of the shed, designed and built the pergola, deck, outdoor kitchen, water feature, flagstone patio, as well as installing the plants, irrigation and landscape lighting. So pretty at night!

Belmont drought tolerant Cottage garden

Kristen Rudger Landscape Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco.

Electric Eclectic Tropical

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

Small contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape in Other with concrete pavers.

Pergola Xeriscape 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.