Stepping stones in a minimal gravel paved area lead past two lounge chairs to the intimate dining area. The herringbone-patterned limestone patio dissipates into a lush planting bed filled with loose swaths of shade-loving perennials and seasonal bulbs. Beech hedging, and formal clipped evergreens, surround the space and provide privacy, structure and winter interest to the garden. On axis to the main interior living space of the home, the fountain, is the focal point of the garden. A limestone water wall featuring an engraved pattern of fallen Honey Locust leaves nods to the centrally located mature Honey Locust tree that anchors the garden. Water, flowing down the wall, falls a short distance into a pool with a submerged limestone panel. The light noise of the falling water helps soften the sounds of the bustling downtown neighbourhood, creating a tranquil back drop for living and entertaining.

Herbal Cutting Garden

Ecoscape Environmental Design

Nothing beats fresh-cut culinary herbs for your cooking creations. Just a few steps off the kitchen patio, this raised herb garden is a good example of permaculture zones. By growing food closer to the place you will use it, chances are you'll be more invested to keep the plants thriving and love the ease of snipping a few sprigs here and there!

E17 Secluded Family Garden

Sarah Kay Garden Design

The pergola will semi shade the patio in the Summer

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

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Night view with low voltage pathway and garden lighting enhance the beauty of this expansive back yard landscape remodel that has been transformed into a relaxing outdoor retreat. The remodel includes 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

Black Bear

Environmental Designs, Inc.

By adding a number of winding and intersecting paths and staircases the finished design allows the user to access almost all parts of the property. Landscape Construction: Environmental Designs, Inc.; Landscape Architecture Design: MARPA

Kensington, CA

Green Alchemy

Fresh concrete with repeating linear cutouts are planted with Elfin Thyme. A staggered path of limestone tiles will frame a forthcoming sculpture. Crushed salt and pepper quartz complete the low maintenance, low water use look.

Rear Garden Terenure

Greenseed Landscapes

Contemporary Front Landscping

Horvath Landscapes

Plutadesigns

Highland Park

The Garden Design Studio

www.seeinseeout.com

Апрелевка

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Edinburgh Ornamental Productive Garden

McQue Gardens

Paul Johnston of Copper Mango

Edinburgh Ornamental Productive Garden

McQue Gardens

Paul Johnston of Copper Mango

Contemporary Landscape and Exterior Remodel in Kentfield, CA

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

This contemporary landscape was completely transformed with bluestone patios, pathways and stairways; stucco covered retaining walls, modern fencing, drought-tolerant trees and other plantings along with low-voltage lighting and other accents. Updates to the home's exterior will be completed Fall of 2016. Photos and Design © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Design.

Small outdoor room with a green wall in Kensington

The Garden Builders

Pro Colour Photography

Cistern Project

Pearson Landscape Services

Zoysia turf grass with limestone retaining wall and cistern. whales tongue agave below

Sullivan Residence

Altera Landscape

Natural limestone paving pads throughout driveway. Entry walkway along left side of front yard leading to residence main entry. LED landscape lighting installed throughout, with recessed up lighting to illuminate garage doors. Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel

Contemporary Courtyard Didsbury Manchester

Outside Rooms Garden Design

Smart contemporary courtyard. K Rend walls and raised planters, Built-in Iroko hardwood seating. Infra-red outdoor heater. Evergreen planting including evergreen olive trees, box balls and ornamental grasses. Slatted timber screening for privacy

Stone Path and Entryway

Linden L.A.N.D. Group

Rebecca Lindenmeyr

Contemporary Custom Home Landscape Renovation

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

'Goldsturm' rudbeckia, 'Ruby Star' echinacea, 'Feuerland' achillea, 'Moonbeam' coreopsis, Baptisia australis, 'Rozanne' geranium, and ornamental grasses make up this colorful planting bed. Westhauser Photography

Gregg Residence

ALA, Artistic Landscape Architecture

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

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.