Filling a grotto-like structure above the retaining wall are deer-proof plants and ferns. Susan Irving

In this extensive landscape transformation, Campion Walker took a secluded house nestled above a running stream and turned it into a multi layered masterpiece with five distinct ecological zones. Using an established oak grove as a starting point, the team at Campion Walker sculpted the hillsides into a magnificent wonderland of color, scent and texture. Natural stone, copper, steel, river rock and sustainable Ipe hardwood work in concert with a dynamic mix of California natives, drought tolerant grasses and Mediterranean plants to create a truly breathtaking masterpiece where every detail has been considered, crafted, and reimagined.

Wood Fences

VIKING FENCE CO

Pool House

Pearson Landscape Services

Steel retaining walls and zoysia turf grass

Pool House

Pearson Landscape Services

Formal limestone staircase with natural limestone boulder retaining wall.

Terraced Ocean View Landscape | Santa Barbara CA

Natural Concepts Landscaping Contractors

Set on a steeply sloped hillside, the site's terraced landscape is supported by a series of natural stone retaining walls and a carefully engineered drainage system. Design | Erin Carroll Landscape Architect Photography | Kurt Jordan Photography

Thin Stone Veneer

Creative Masonry & Landscape of Cape Cod

Natural stone walls and stream boulder embankment

Hanselman Landscape and Gardens

Contemporary Front Yard Meadow

Phillips Garden

David J Owen Photography

Masonry

Mary Adams Lines, LLC

Landscape Designs

WaterQuest Landscaping

Design Build: Rancho Santa Fe - Full circle

The Design Build Company

Bedford Equine Compound

Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC

Photos by Barbara Wilson. Bedford equine compound. Mock stone bridge created along the mile long entry drive. Stream channel created with stones to allow runoff from the detention pond on the other side of the bridge flow into an existing wetland and pond downstream. A lovely equine compound was created out of a 35 acre woodland in Bedford Corners. The design team helped the owners create the home of their dreams out of a parcel with dense woodlands, a pond and NY State wetlands. Barbara was part of the team that helped coordinate local and state wetland permits for building a mile long driveway to the future house site thru wetlands and around an existing pond. She facilitated the layout of the horse paddocks, by obtaining tree permits to clear almost 5 acres for the future grazing areas and an outdoor riding ring. She then supervised the entire development of the landscape on the property. Fences were added enclosing the paddocks. A swimming pool and pool house were laid out to allow easy access to the house without blocking views to the adjacent woodlands. A custom spa was carved out of a piece of ledge at one end of the pool. An outdoor kitchen was designed for the pool area patio and another smaller stand-alone grill was provided at the main house. Mature plantings were added surrounding the house, driveway and outbuildings to create a luxuriant setting for the quaint farmhouse styled home. Mature apple trees were planted along the driveway between the barn and the main house to provide fruit for the family. A custom designed bridge and wood railing system was added along the entry drive where a detention pond overflow connected to an existing pond.

Curved Retaining Walls With Upper Patio

The Sculpted Earth

Terraced Retaining Wall of AllenBlock Europa Series with low voltage landscape lighting, new plantings and sitting patio of concrete pavers.

Patios/Retaining Walls

Timberland Outdoor Services

Stone steppers with multi-tiered boulder retaining wall

Modern Landscape

All Natural Landscapes

Frank Spiker

Front entries, sidewalks, paths and steps

Landsburg Landscape Nursery

Rustic Style Wall

katie_shoemaker23

Rustic Style Wall using Techo-Bloc's Borealis wall.

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.