Purchased livestock troughs are a fun, easy and economical alternative for a small vegetable garden. Deer fencing keeps it safe, and cute garden art adds impace. Photo credit: The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Old Short Hills Estate

Cording Landscape Design

Photography by : Marisa Pellegrini

Love-on-the-Rocks

Rusnak Gallant Ltd.

Photos by Josh Leslie

Governors Island Full Landscape Design Project

Belknap Landscape Company

Karen Bobotas

Private Residence - Moorestown, NJ

C. Raymond Davis & Sons

BlackLevel Photography

Cannes Architecte Paysagiste

Atelier Nelumbo Garden Design

Nelumbo Design

Enchanted Garden

Linda McKendry Design

Edible garden, Greenhouse, kitchen garden, vegetable garden Katrina Combs

Edible Urban Oasis

Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect

In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Dutchess County Farmhouse

Ann Brooke Landscape Design

Unpeeled cedar was used to construct this fence, and milled locust boards were used for the raised beds

permeable driveway

Yardworks, Inc.

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

Meghan Himschoot

St. Croix Retreat: Dry Stacked Retaining Walls

Keenan & Sveiven, Inc.

Dry stacked artisan stone garden walls which link the various outdoor rooms on the estate.

Cliffmore

The Garden Design Company

Lance Kelly

Stone Retaining Walls and Sitting Walls

English Stone

Stone Retaining Walls

English Stone

5 Stone blend retaining wall in St. Louis Park Minnesota by English Stone.

Weston Pool Terrace

a Blade of Grass

View of fieldstone retaining walls and bluestone steps from lower yard.

Alan Block wall and paver patio

Choice Landscapes LLC

Ponds

Meadows Farms

Garden Design Ideas with a Vegetable Garden and 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.