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

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree 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

Jordan Park Garden, San Francisco

User

A stacked stone wall borders a raised planter full of creeping charlie and purple morning glory.

Finishing Touches Landscaping

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

Eastside Residential Retreat

Earth Design, Inc.

Full landscape update front and back with native plantings and large retaining boulder wall.

Barndominium

Bellas Landscaping

Mid Century Restored

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

Private conversation space for two is conveniently located near the study.

Stepped retaining walls that follow the natural slope

Metamorphic Design

Alan Block retaining walls provide excellent structural retention of the slope

Backyard escape

City Garden Company

Timber retaining wall with steps

TetraWal

Tiering or terracing a sloping block will instantly expand your plant choices as water and drainage issues are improved. Enhance your new garden zones with shrubs, decorative grasses, fruit trees, flower beds and patio areas.

Highbury House

Studio 30 Architects

A contemporary rear extension and renovation to revitalise the living accommodation of a mid-terraced Victorian dwelling within the Calabria Road Conservation Area. This handsome house in Highbury suffered from its traditionally enclosed layout. The works extended and opened the house to the rear, creating a light, expansive kitchen / dining area with direct connection to the newly upgraded garden.

Back yard slope terrace

Ornamental Gardens by Lisa

This small sloped backyard was terraced for more useable space. Existing Daylilies were planted en masse at the foot of the wall. Plants are predominantly southern California natives. Maintenance of the plants on the terraces is nearly non-existent.

Stone steps made of boulders overfowing with perennials in Bull Valley, IL

Van Zelst Inc

The paved flagstone walkway leads to large outcropping stone steps and terraced walls overflowing with purple perennial geranium, astilbe, and pockets of day lilies to come.

Diverting Regale (Backyard Breakout in a Seattle ECA)

True Scape Design

At grade Composite Aztec Decking using a hidden fasteners so no screws are showing. Block Retaining wall and at grade 24x24 pavers to deck. This is a permitted project in an Environmentally Critical Area of Seattle. Full survey and geotechnical reports were needed as well as changes to the best management practices during install.

Voyage dans la cour / Travelling spaces

User

A combination of natural stone and different paving patterns define separate spaces and create different ambiance yet the ensemble is harmonious, thus the title: Travelling spaces. Serenity is the keyword here. The challenge was immense considering the natural steep slopes and the small space available to carry the beautiful boulders. But the owners expectations were met with brio and they now enjoy their outdoor living for the first time in years.

Wood Fences

VIKING FENCE CO

City Brownstone Garden

A Small Green Space

Photo: Megan Maloy www.meganmaloy.com

Backyard Garden Design Ideas with a Retaining Wall

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.