Simply gorgeous at tour time, the water positive features at the Retreat go to work during rainy season. Expansive tree canopy slows rainfall. Large shrubs and ground covers help spread it. Rock bands in the driveway catch and redirect it into planted spaces. Bioswales help the garden sink water into the groundwater table. In fall and winter, the copper leaves of a Western Redbud add a pop of seasonal color to an abundance of lush, leafy greenery. Along the right, several native holly leafed cherry shrubs define the property line, providing privacy as they feed the birds.

Hardscaping Projects

Sebastian's Tropical Landscape Design, LLC.

This rock pathway connects the front yard via a side yard pathway to the backyard creating a beautiful aesthetic flow that compliments the homes beauty and curb appeal.

Low-water drycreek garden

Blue Hibiscus Gardens

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional front yard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with with rock feature, river rock and a metal fence.

Solana xeriscape, cameron flagstone, drought tolerant, terrace retaining walls

The Design Build Company

Solana Beach project with architect Damian Baumhover, installation of all exterior landscaping and hardscape by Rob Hill Landscape architect/contractor - Hill's landscapes inc

Vineyard Residence

Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture

William Carson Joyce
Contemporary full sun xeriscape in Santa Barbara with gravel and with rock feature.

016_Statura Residence

RMT Design Group

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape in Orange County with with rock feature and concrete pavers.

Folsom Front & Backyard Makeover

Luxury Outdoor Living, Inc.

The back lawn was replaced with new landscaping, a natural rock waterfall, steps up to a sitting area with new planting throughout the backyard.
Design ideas for a mediterranean backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in Sacramento with with rock feature and natural stone pavers.

The Modern Scandinavian

Fawn Renae Designs

My clients knew their house didn't match their modern Scandinavian style. Located in South Charlotte in an older, well-established community, Sara and Ash had big dreams for their home. During our virtual consultation, I learned a lot about this couple and their style. Ash is a woodworker and business owner; Sara is a realtor so they needed help pulling a vision together to combine their styles. We looked over their Pinterest boards where I began to envision their mid-century, meets modern, meets Scandinavian, meets Japanese garden, meets Monterey style. I told you I love making each exterior unique to each homeowner! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The backyard was top priority for this family of 4 with a big wish-list. Sara and Ash were looking for a she-shed for Sara’s Peleton workouts, a fire pit area to hangout, and a fun and functional space that was golden doodle-friendly. They also envisioned a custom tree house that Ash would create for their 3-year-old, and an artificial soccer field to burn some energy off. I gave them a vision for the back sunroom area that would be converted into the woodworking shop for Ash to spend time perfecting his craft. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This landscape is very low-maintenance with the rock details, evergreens, and ornamental grasses. My favorite feature is the pops of black river rock that contrasts with the white rock

Taylor Farms Residence

TransArc Design

Inspiration for an expansive arts and crafts backyard full sun xeriscape in Phoenix with with rock feature and gravel.

Modern Oakland Vista

Sarah Herman Landscape Design

Formerly unused hillside was transformed into an upper viewing patio to take advantage of the beautiful San Francisco Bay view.
Mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with with rock feature and concrete pavers for summer.

Medicinal Herb Spiral

Symbiotic Landscape, LLC.

This is an example of a small transitional side yard shaded xeriscape in Seattle with with rock feature and river rock.

Красивый дачный дизайн участка 18 соток.

Ландшафтная мастерская Алены Арсеньевой

Ландшафтный дизайн участка 18 соток в стиле Кантри с ландшафтной композицией с элементами рокария и декоративными хвойными подчеркивается мощением из натурального камня. Автор проекта: Алена Арсеньева. Реализация проекта и ведение работ - Владимир Чичмарь

niguel west mid-century modern

Moss Yaw Design studio

minimalist landscape details at exterior concrete patio and stair
This is an example of a small midcentury backyard full sun xeriscape in Orange County with with rock feature and concrete pavers.

Winner $10k Frontyard Makeover!!!

Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.

This client won our $10k Front Yard Makeover and wanted their old front yard stripped away and a dry river bed put in place with a flagstone sitting area and a cedar privacy screen to add some interest. Low maintenance was top priority. We came in and in one day we had the project complete for them!!

Dry Creek Native

Eden's Garden Design

Large stones match the retaining walls
This is an example of a mid-sized front yard xeriscape in Salt Lake City with with rock feature and river rock.

Drought Tolerant Garden

Creative Zen, Inc. Landscape Designer & Contractor

A complete remodeled landscape from grass lawn to a drought resistant garden that incorporates the beauty of low maintenance plants, natural stones and modern look of rustic outdeco fence panels.

Backyard Landscaping, Hardscapes, Xeriscapes, Austin, TX

YardDoc

This picture is another example of Xeriscape landscaping and gardening. This photo shows how we used two different types of river rock to add interest and contrast. Curving designs are always a good choice in landscaping. They mimic nature and gently lead the eye along the entire landscape. The brick edging we installed also helps with this visual aspect. The large rocks serve two purposes. Firstly, they create a dramatic impact. Secondly, they give the landscape a three-dimensional quality. This helps to prevent the landscape from appearing ‘flat.’ The plants of varying heights and widths also help to achieve this.

AFTER - View from the upslope curb side

Metamorphic Design

Plant compositions are designed to spread and grow together to form a mat or carpet like effect
This is an example of a mid-sized modern sloped full sun xeriscape for spring in Vancouver with with rock feature and river rock.

Oak Tree Setting With Hillside Views, Landscape Renovation, Northern California

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

The back areas of this expansive back yard landscape lies beneath several mature oak trees. Lounging chairs positioned to take advantage of the distant hillside views. The landscape has has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Ocean Beach Craftsman Landscape

Arcadian Landscape

Photo of an arts and crafts front yard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with with rock feature and river rock.

Xeriscape Design Ideas with with Rock 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.