Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Social Fire Pit / Table

Sticks and Stones Furniture

The Social fire pit is simplicity at it’s finest. With a modern rectangular shape there is nothing to distract the eye from the pure beauty of the flame. This concrete fire pit is available with a propane, natural gas, or ethanol burner.

Woodland Fire Pit

Eisler Landscapes

This brick fire pit and seat wall are located along a switch back footpath down from the main residence on a steep hillside. Creating a destination greatly increased the owners' use of their property!

Double Staircase Lake Access

Drost Landscape Design Construction & Maintenance

Natural Stone Mountain Landscape

Terry T. King Landscape Architecture

Dry stack rock walls, dry creek stream for spring melt

Urban Retreat

Landscape Plus Ltd

Bedford Park

ACRE landscape architecture + design studio

A lovely yard that started as a long bowling alley of lawn. We wanted to create a more human scale in the lounge area without building too many visual barriers. The overall effect is splashes of woodland across a contemporary canvas.

Lincoln Colonial

Kerry Lewis Landscape Architecture

March 2014 Home Show

Choice Landscapes LLC

Fairview Rd Residence

DabneyCollins

Arbor converted into outdoor kitchen and fireplace

Welcome to Mesa Fire

TLC Gardens

Lively circular steppers invite you into Mesa Fire's outdoor living space

Milton Residence

a Blade of Grass

Photo by Pete Cadieux

Beach House

Jodie Cooper Design

photos courtesy of Oswald Down South

Claremont woodland Garden

Lotus Construction Group

Mark Ashworth

Labyrinth Garden

K. Dakin Design Inc.

Dakin has been working with the owners of this site realize their dream of cultivating a rich and meaningful landscape around their home. Because of their deep engagement with their land and garden, the landscape has guided the entire design process, from architecture to civil engineering to landscape design. All architecture on site is oriented toward the garden, a park-like, multi-use environment that includes a walking labyrinth, restored prairie, a Japanese garden, an orchard, vegetable beds, berry brambles, a croquet lawn and a charred wood outdoor shower. Dakin pays special attention to materials at every turn, selecting an antique sugar bowl for the outdoor fire pit, antique Japanese roof tiles to create blue edging, and stepping stones imported from India. In addition to its diversity of garden types, this permacultural paradise is home to chickens, ducks, and bees. A complex irrigation system was designed to draw alternately from wells and cisterns. Dakin has also had the privilege of creating an arboretum of diverse and rare trees that she based on Olmsted’s design for Central Park. Trees were selected to display a variety of seasonally shifting delights: spring blooms, fall berries, winter branch structure. Mature trees onsite were preserved and sometimes moved to new locations.

Stone Patio on a Slope

C&H Landscaping

Whole Home Renovation - Newton Centre, MA

Cutting Edge Homes Inc.

Photo: Patrick O'Malley

Solana Beach Mediterranean

Living Gardens Landscape Design

Natural Lakeside Project

The Bruce Company

Steven Swenson, Amy Weber

Fire Feature and Walkway

Choice Landscapes LLC

Garden Design Ideas with a Fire Feature and Natural Stone Pavers

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.