We were fortunate enough to be hired by the Dallas Arboretum to build four Kid's Cottages in conjunction with the "Small Houses of Great Artists" exhibit, a prelude to the coming Chihuly Glass Exhibit in early May. Here are the results...

Rain Garden spillway - newly installed

Plan-it Earth Design

Garden for the Disconnected Downspout. Photo by Amy Whitworth, Installation by Mike Gagnon www.creativetouchlandscaping.com

Mediterranean Classic

Tommy Chambers Interiors, Inc.

Photography by David Phelps Photography. Hidden behind gates stands this 1935 Mediterranean home in the Hollywood Hills West. The multi-purpose grounds feature an outdoor loggia for entertaining, spa, pool and private terraced gardens with hillside city views. Completely modernized and renovated with special attention to architectural integrity. Carefully selected antiques and custom furnishings set the stage for tasteful casual California living. Interior Designer Tommy Chambers Architect Kevin Oreck Landscape Designer Laurie Lewis Contractor Jeff Vance of IDGroup

Mountain Lodge

Wagner Hodgson

Situated on a 100 acre site, this landscape for a private residence draws it's inspiration from the classic mountain lodges of the northeast. Rich sweeping drifts of native perennials, grasses and shrubs create a relaxed, elegant composition that ground the home and define a variety of spaces for family gathering, entertaining and quiet reflection. Large caliper trees were planted to compliment the surrounding mature trees, providing a sense of permanence and timelessness. An existing pond was augmented and expanded for swimming with a 'diving rock' hand selected and perched at one end. The south-facing terrace is defined by large slabs of stone and a grand outdoor fireplace that gives way to views of the neighboring ski trails. Photo Credit: Westphalen Photography

The waterfall garden

Laughing Waters, Inc

The idea of this project was to create a special environment that stimulates all senses in the human body, an environment that is vibrant and most importantly interactive for all ages. We began by searching for the right materials to create a specific feeling of time and space. Placement of the water feature was designed by studying how the customer used their home. The waterfalls and streams connect separate outdoor spaces and accommodate for all views outdoors and indoors. A sense of mystery is designed into every detail in this water feature. The layout of the ponds play accordingly with the sun for excellent reflections, and each rock formation has time designed into it. The environment is inviting, and interactive. Each person that walks out to explore the environment has his or her curiosity rewarded by discovering plant life, trickling streams, and several waterfalls only to be discovered by the inquisitive explorer. Photos by: Linda Oyama Bryan

Exterior

Laidlaw Schultz architects

Luxurious Mediterranean outdoor living

Luciole Design Inc.

A fireplace, counter and gas grill surround a covered patio next to a pool. A spa and large fountain bring moving water to the landscape. Photo: Mike Heacox / Luciole Design Inc.

MESA Landscape Architects

MESA Landscape Architects, Inc

Full Pool and Spa with Tree Lighting

James Martin Associates

Request Free QuoteWayfinding can be a pleasurable event with proper night lighting. Destinations such as dining areas and spas can delight as a discovery. Our client wanted their spaces to be suggested in the evening, with pathways of soft lighting hinting the way. Photographs by Linda Oyama Bryan

DIY Front Yard Makeover

Josh and Malissa McCulloch

DIY front landscaping with pondless waterfall. A mixture of perennial and annual flowers keep the flowerbed looking lush all summer and is an inexpensive way to add curb appeal (tip: install a drip line for the hanging baskets - much easier than hand watering!) The black adironack style front porch swing that we built serves as the perfect place to sip lemonade and enjoy the blooms!

Yarrow Garden

Paul Moon Design

Sunol Landscape

Huettl Landscape Architecture

Modern Landscape

Rodeo Estate Tuscan Landscape

Studio H Landscape Architecture

Peaceful Spa-inspired Retreat

Peery Homes

Lancaster area walk/entry way

Cobblestone Landscape LLC

Mid-Century Modern

Josh Blumer :: AB design studio, inc.

1950’s mid century modern hillside home. full restoration | addition | modernization. board formed concrete | clear wood finishes | mid-mod style. Photography ©Ciro Coelho/ArchitecturalPhoto.com

A Garden for Every Season

Cottage Gardener, LTD

This project was designed and installed by Cottage Gardener, LTD. These photos highlight our effort to create seasonal interest throughout the entire year.

French: Hathaway

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Luxury estate property set on expansive creekside lot with stately motorcourt entry, front fountain spacious pool, outdoor cabana, koi pond, spa and expansive gardens and lawn.

West Coast English Retreat

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

Garden Design Ideas with a Water Feature and with Fireplace

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.