Grass steps are the central element in a layered hilside landscape.

English Modernist in Santa Monica

Bosler Earth Design

Scandinavian Farmhouse

Amy Martin Landscape Design

Garden sculpture

HPS Palo Alto, Inc.

Stone walk and garden sculpture. Photo by Steve Spratt, www.homepreservationmanual.com

Contemporary Moorpark

Aurora Outdoors

Chautauqua Garden

Native Edge Landscapes

Narrow Sausalito, CA Landscape Transformed For Outdoor Enjoyment & Usable Space

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

To gain more usable space in this narrow landscape and update the hardscaping and overgrown garden, my design reconfigured the pathway with poured-in-place concrete (cast concrete) pavers accented by Mexican pebbles and a stunning variety of succulents and other site-appropriate plantings that thrive in shade and part sun. We removed the tree to create a patio area large enough to fit a table and chairs for a small group. Non-invasive/clumping Bamboo was added to help screen the patio and provide privacy. Other shade to part-shade plants were included that provide a variety of textures and colors throughout the seasons. Low-voltage lighting was installed for safety and ambiance. Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Backyard Paradise

Dean Bjorkstrand, Inc.

Westpoint Drive Residence 1

Fountainhead Group Consulting Ltd.

Extensive BBQ island wrapping around home kitchen eating nook. The island incorporates a smoker platform with independent storage, a 36" bbq with separate side burner, a bar sink and storage cabinet below, a built-in pull-out garbage drawer, a triple utensil drawer and an inlaid cutting board (out of view to the right of the bbq). At the near end of the island is a low level broad sitting bench with an integral planter from which a wisteria plant has begun it's ascent to the upper level trellis...a second low level planter separates the bbq section of the island from the smoker section. Countertops, wall caps, and the bench are all polished concrete.

Hollywood

Campion Walker Landscapes

Contemporary Entry

a Blade of Grass

Reclaimed granite post with pennisetum, nepeta, and vinca. Photo by Pete Cadieux

Casa Finestrat. Sierra Cortina

Gestec

Etobicoke Outdoor Living Renovation

Big Town Contracting Ltd.

Contemporary Gardens

VisionScapes

This garden is a perfect example of contemporary city design for a small space. Two custom built hardwood planters provide some height and depth to the narrow front yard. While the tile walkway is set on a stable concrete base ensuring safe passage in and out of the home in both summer and winter. The private back yard maximizes space by using a custom built hardwood table as both an architectural piece that defines the fire pit area, and an optional servery for larger dining parties. Photo credit: Jamen Rhodes

Zugang mit begleitenden Gräserfeld

Borgmann Gärtner von Eden

Front yard landscaping in Oakridges

Horvath Landscapes

plutadesigns

CAMBRIDGE

Redmond Design Group Inc.

This design centered around creating a usable space for the kids to practice sports in an otherwise sloped and unusable yard. We designed an Astroturf extension off the driveway which is supported by strong block to create the flat area. The entry to the backyard, also sloped and narrow now has large natural stone steppers, beautiful trees , shrubs and groundcover, leading to a new patio and seat wall with a bubbling fountain.

Cove House

STIMSON

Christian Phillips Photography

Berkley Landscape and Water Feature

Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.

Steve Lambert

Lake Front- Safe side access in a tight spot!

Lynch Landscaping Inc.

Difficult area for access with a safe solution

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas with a Garden Path

Get Inspired by Contemporary 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 contemporary 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 Contemporary Garden for Your Home

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