Seating area with large built-in bench seating and boulder fire pit

Rock outcroppings make a striking background for new lounge areas in this compact Los Angeles hillside garden. Working with the attributes of the site, we added native plants to drape over the stone, and converted hollowed stone planters into a firepit and water feature. New built-in seating and a cozy hammock complete the relaxing space, and dramatic lighting makes it come alive at night. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

Rosedale Modern Courtyard

Native Edge Landscape

This duplex has a very modern aesthetic with focuses on clean lines and metal accents. However, the front courtyard was undeveloped and uninviting. We worked with the client to tie the courtyard and the property together by adding clean, monochromatic details with a heavy focus on texture. The main goal of this project was to add a low-maintenance outdoor living space that was an extension of the home. The small space and harsh sun exposure limited the plant pallet, but we were able to use lush plant material to maximize the space. A monochromatic pallet makes for a perfect backdrop for focal points and key pieces. The circular fire-pit was used to break up the 90 degree angles of the space, and also played off the round pottery.

Ravenna Bungalow

Hayes Landscape Design Services

Design ideas for a small arts and crafts backyard partial sun xeriscape for fall in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a wood fence.

Front + Backyard Design (Colorado)

Tilly | Landscape Design

This customer was looking to add privacy, use less water, include raised bed garden and fire pit...making it all more their style which was a blend between modern and farmhouse.

3D rendering for a landscape project - Cozy small firepit area for a modern home

Vscape - Outdoor Design

3D rendering for a landscape design project in Claremont, CA.
Photo of a small mediterranean front yard partial sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a wood fence.

Taylor Farms Residence

TransArc Design

This is an example of a large backyard full sun xeriscape in Phoenix with a fire feature and gravel.

Rock Landscaping Design Ideas - Austin, TX

YardDoc

YardDoc designed and created multiple rock landscapes for customers in Austin, TX. These drought resistant landscapes liven up your yard with unique designs and individual beauty. While we craft every landscape to the yard and customer, we present examples here to inspire you. Working with the existing trees and plants, we built this landscape to match the wrought iron fence. First, we placed a limestone barrier in a design reminiscent of a lake emptying into a river. Outside the retainer stone, we laid larger, red river rocks. On the inside we placed smaller, black rocks to highlight the rest of our modifications. We built a stone fire pit in the center then crafted stone benches for seating around the campfire. We built a path our of large, flat stones that bring the different colors and textures together. Finally, we placed one last stone that, while decorative, can also be used as an end table, if necessary.

Stylish Digs in Echo Park

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard full sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Orinda Modern Landscape

FDC Design Build

Photo of a mid-sized modern front yard partial sun xeriscape for fall in San Francisco with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Eco Modern

Eco Landscape Design & Build

Innis Casey Photography
Design ideas for a large modern backyard shaded xeriscape in Los Angeles with a fire feature and gravel.

Outdoor Room with a View

C&H Landscaping

Mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape in Denver with a fire feature and natural stone pavers for summer.

Hillside Garden Landscape with Water Features and Beautiful Plantings

Accent Landscapes

This natural gas fire pit built from natural boulders offers year round functionality. The bubbling rock water feature adds to the ambiance, providing the tranquil sound of a natural creek.

Spanish Courtyard

Studio H Landscape Architecture

Studio H Landscape Architecture
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean courtyard partial sun xeriscape in Orange County with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Potrero Hill Lookout

Seed Studio Landscape Design

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
This is an example of a small modern backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with gravel and a fire feature.

Modern Organic Garden

Growsgreen Landscape Design

Growsgreen Landscape Design, photo by Caitlin Atkinson.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

California Natives Meadow

Gardens by Gabriel, Inc.

A quiet path through a California native meadow
This is an example of a mediterranean backyard xeriscape in San Luis Obispo with a fire feature and gravel.

Grace Design Associates

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Uber green earthy contemporary Winner of the Gold Medal and the International Landscaper Designer of The Year for APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers) Winner of Santa Barbara Beautiful Award, Large Family Residence

McKinnon Garden 2.0

Boodle Concepts

Backyard retreat in McKinnon. Garden design & landscaping installation by Boodle Concepts, based in Melbourne and Kyneton, Macedon Ranges. New decking and firepit area is hugged by custom curved bench and various heights of screening for visual interest. #decking #moderngardens #melbournegardens #curvebench #curvedbench #indooroutdoorliving #artificialturf #backyardretreat #backyardoasis #gardendesign #landscapingmelbourne #boodleconcepts #australiandesigners

Apartment 34 Traditional Modern

Growsgreen Landscape Design

I designed the ADU to be tucked back as a vertical element to create a cozy space for the hot tub area and not take over the space vertically if it were in other spots. By having it off to the side, it grounds the garden and becomes a destination as well as recedes rather than dominate the space. It acts as an office space. Keep in mind that you can always do heated flooring if you do a concrete pad or tile as we planned for in this space. Energy efficient and also saves on space. Deck chairs can be brought closer to the hot tub at social events. Modern shed by Eric Enns of Modern Spaces and Sheds.

Commonspace

Hastings Construction Inc

Both apartments have access to the backyard common area which features a small firepit.
Mid-sized modern backyard partial sun xeriscape in Other with a fire feature and gravel for summer.

Xeriscape Design Ideas with a Fire Feature

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.