Extensive stack stone walls reclaim a steep slope and made for a visually appealing area that becomes very useable. Photo: The Ardent Gardener Landscape

An estate properties front yard makeover

Melanie Rekola Landscape Design

This lovely estate property boasts a large and focal front entrance and road entry design in balance with the expansive home. The free form driveway inlay breaks up the large front yard drive/ patio space and adds a focal point. Large retained gardens with trees further ground the home. The roadside entry has 2 large address stones and drought tolerant gardens to welcome both residence and visitors alike. This amazing project won 2 "Awards of Excellence" from both Landscape Ontario and Unilock Life in 2010-2011. Landscape design and photopraphy by Melanie Rekola

San Francisco designer showcase

User

Designer event- Annual San Francisco designer showcase. *Design director- Chris Jacobson *Landscape contractor- Garden Route *Metal vine screens on terrace-Greenscreen *Roof planters-Planter Technology *Metallic planters- International Art Properties, Inc *Terrace furniture- Henry Hall Designs *Cast bronze terrace railings- Roger W. Stoller *Bronze gate, hand rail, pelican sculpture- W.J. Sorich Metalsmith *Metal sculpture bench- William Wareham *Photo- Chris Jacobson, GardenArt group

Traditional Landscape

Entrances, Fences & Gates

Maher & Greenwald Fine Gardens

Walnut Creek Hills residence

Catherine L Kauer, Kauerdesign.com

Catherine L Kauer

westlake S house

Gathrid design

Mediterranean Garden

Hawkeye Landscape Design

We began this project with the idea of making a friendly entryway and social area under the Mulberry tree which provides much needed shade in this hot, mountainous area. The 'red fescue' meadow grass has a cooling effect and the agaves reduce the need for excess water and maintenance. The backyard has a covered dining area with a corner lounge and fireplace. The large barbecue offers a cantilevered counter for entertaining. The waterfall into the pool is surrounded with bamboo and plantings that emulate the hillside beyond the property. The permeable paving and mix of Vitex and Olive trees provide shade for smaller seating areas to enjoy the variety of succulents throughout the garden

Zen Contemporary Ranch Home

On Site Landscape

Quarton Garden

Zaremba & Company

Photo by George Dzahristos

Traditional Elegance

Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc.

Since the completion of the home our company has maintained this property. Originally built by a local builder as a speculation home, it was purchased by two busy professionals. Why is this important? Let's just say the clients are particular and like it when things aren't just so. Both have high level careers, travel often and expect their landscape to be pristine. Year after year our company rises to this challenge. When originally installed, the builder wanted larger plant material to provide a full and mature look. The continued growth provides a pruning challenge, especially when the client prefers a clean, neat and "compact" landscape. We continually monitor growth and hand prune accordingly, including yearly winter pruning. The backyard is particularly difficult due to the shade, moisture run-off from neighboring properties. The turf requires constant monitoring and adjustment to the irrigation system. The trees create a mess requiring clean up along with yearly power washing of the stone. While the challenges are many, the fine maintenance has led to happy clients and numerous referrals.

Retaining Wall with Stone Path on Sloped Backyard

Land Art Design, Inc.

Designed and built by Land Art Design, Inc.

Alan Block wall and paver patio

Choice Landscapes LLC

Tenafly Elegant Landscape

CLC Landscape Design

Terraced Dover Haven

a Blade of Grass

View from mid level terrace, back towards picket vegetable garden.

Los Angeles - Eagle Rock

June Scott Design

Celebrating Southern California's mild climate, this hill-top residence was enhanced with an a bubbling water feature, outdoor shower, custom fencing and a Mediterranean plant palette. The fence's design, with its slender vertical lines, draws the eye toward the site's lovely borrowed scenery. An outdoor shower, nestled into a corner of the yard, beckons the homeowners to bath in the open air. Photo by Martin Cox.

Natural Landscape - Dry Creeks

Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction

Dry Creek, with Bridges, Boulders, Natural Landscape elements as erosion solutions.

Lafayette 2

Envision Landscape Studio

Glass Link

Remick Associates Architects + Master Builders

Paul Dyer

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.