The first step of fire defense involves addressing the home's structure, as most homes ignite when embers access the interior of the home or build on the home's dry, flammable materials. The owners have taken a few key steps to address their home's vulnerabilities. They have also engaged the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains to get a free assessment of the home's vulnerabilities as well as its "Zone 0," the first 5 feet around the home. Right now, a deep brick drive at the front of the home provides safe space for fire fighters to work should they need to defend the home.

Mahogany Island #4

Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.

Our client contracted us to design and build a functional and interesting water front project that had to be family friendly!! They wanted a cozy fire pit area that also contained a 3 piece natural rock bubbler. They also wanted a spa area with lounger space for sunbathing as well as a beach area for sandcastles and beach toy storage. No expense was spared with a custom pergola, natural rock retaining and steps as well as landscape lighting and well placed trees and shrubs. Concrete edge and aggregate beds make for a low maintenance dream yard!!

Poway Decomposed Granite

A+ Landscapes

Agoura Hills Exterior Landscape Refresh

SoCal Canyon Builders

Decomposed granite, drought tolerant planting, olive trees, retaining wall, gravel

Priddis Acreage #6

Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.

Our clients hired us to create a landscape for their new acreage that stays true to the native setting. We utilized natural rock, large southern Alberta native trees and plantings, with rock slabs for steps down the walkout sides of the home. The new asphalt driveway will be going in now that the landscaping is complete.

Cherrywood Charmer - Native & Adaptive Plantings

Native Edge Landscape

Landscaping spaces in the front and backyard were replanted with native & adaptive plants to tolerate the harsh Texas climate.

Front Yard Desert Style

The Yard Company

Orange County - Anaheim Hills

GCLA Landscape Design

Mediterranean garden in Los Alto Hills

User

This garden had an historic collection of native California and Mexican fan palms, clustered around a water-needy lawn. We removed the lawn, added a new layer of drought tolerant smaller palms, and an underplanting of mediterranean type shrubs and perennials.

Cash for Grass!

Greenbee Landscape, Inc.

We transform thirsty unnatractive lawns into colorful, interesting presentations of your property. Even better, the inner beauty of our work is that you will work less, fertilize less, water less, worry less and pay less every month for your beautiful new landscape.

Side Garden / Heritage Oak at Dusk

Charles Di Piazza Architecture

A generous garden is sheltered by a Heritage Live Oak Tree, and forms a close relationship with an adjacent Landscape also designed by Charles Di Piazza Architects.

Cash for Grass!

Greenbee Landscape, Inc.

Cash for Grass!

Greenbee Landscape, Inc.

Front yard landscape design and installation

DRC Landscaping LLC

Hardscape

Kristen Rudger Landscape Design

Irvington Mediterranean Ecstasy

Abbaté Designs

The clients wanted a landscape that matches the Spanish Colonial Revival style of this NE Portland Home. The copper-clad fence serves as a dramatic backdrop for a complete redo of the landscape, bringing new garden features and Mediterranean plants that could thrive in the PNW.

First home

Coy Land Techs

An elegant design with a very little maintenance needed. This front yard was constructed for todays busy adults.

First home

Coy Land Techs

Coy Land Techs handled everything from design to construction on this back yard that once an empty lot and is now a backyard retreat.

Lounge

Alan Dunn Landscape Design

View of lounge from dining

Heritage Pointe 5

Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.

Some photos of the project once complete and grown in for 2 seasons. Looks darn amazing!!!

Desert Look Garden Design Ideas with Decomposed Granite

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.