This compact, urban backyard was in desperate need of privacy. We created a series of outdoor rooms, privacy screens, and lush plantings all with an Asian-inspired design sense. Elements include a covered outdoor lounge room, sun decks, rock gardens, shade garden, evergreen plant screens, and raised boardwalk to connect the various outdoor spaces. The finished space feels like a true backyard oasis.

The Meadows

Creative Environments

Sammamish Outdoor Living and Backyard Makeover

Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC

Jimmy White Photography

Boardwalk back garden

User

This small back garden had more than its share of issues to address. From the narrow angled site, to the slope of the ground, lack of privacy, public drains, aging existing retaining walls and deck, underground electrical wiring, and difficult access, it really had it all! The clients wanted a leafy secluded spot, where they could relax, entertain and feel immersed in nature. They also wanted a small productive area for some herbs and fruit trees. A garden shed was required and a means of access through from the front garden, although privacy was to be important. The old deck was removed and replaced with beautiful vitex decking. This new deck connect the rooms of the house opening onto the and then wraps itself around the house, effectively managing the worst of the slope and creating clear symmetry within the angled boundaries. A central retained bed with a feature flowering cherry tree creates a generous boardwalk and makes the decking feel part of the garden. A privacy screen and considered planting increases privacy. A series of oversize platform stairs lead up to the highest part of the garden, which in time will be filled with raised beds for vegetable and herbs and dwarf fruit trees. Generous natural schist stepping stones connect the utility area of the garden to the decked area. The planting is designed to be leafy and green with soft white accents through the season. Beautiful feature trees include Prunus Shimidsu Sakura, Cercis Canadensis and Betula jacquemonti. Summer flowering perennials include alchemilla mollis, anenome japonica and hydrangea. Photos by Dee McQuillan

Spa Garden

Charlotte Rowe Garden Design

Charlotte Rowe Garden Design. Sunken Jacuzzi set in limestone paving.

Modern Landscape

Riverside Sanctuary

Salt + Dirt | Outside Design

The home was perched on a massive expanse of lawn that we "right sized" by composing garden beds in correct proportion to the home. The Client wanted beauty, opulence, lushness, and sensual delight. Climbing roses waves their blossoms in air, backlight by river water light. Ornamental grasses spray like whitewater from between romantic garden favorites: peonies, daisies, delphinium, catmints. Each species was selected for its solid performance, be it everblooming blossoms, fragrance, or architectural stature. Repetition, proportion, form and rhythm bring order and ease to the eye, whether something is in flower or not.

Mountain View

Blue Sierra Landscape Construction

Modern landscape with custom IPE deck and in ground spa, drought resistant planting, outdoor lighting

Outdoor Livingroom

Kristen Rudger Landscape Design

Montecito Hedgerow

Montecito Landscape

The fire pit is ready for a cozy evening of stargazing and conversation. Here you can see the raised garden beds full of herbs and flowers and the herbal borders of thyme, sage, lavender, nepeta and teucrium.

Floating deck with LED lighting

Zones Landscaping Auckland Central Kate Ryan

Floating timber steps with boards going in different directions and LED strip lighting underneath

Garden Makeover Using Millboard in Harefield

Karl Harrison Landscapes Ltd

Garden Makeover Using Millboard in Harefield This garden had been used until it couldn’t really be used anymore. The pine decking was falling apart and really wasn’t safe. The clients called Karl in to help make the garden a usable space that could be enjoyed again. Starting by clearing the garden which took 3 eight-yard skips. The team then used an excavator to define the elevation differences. Now the team had space to build a new deck. The client chose Millboard Limed Oak decking because they liked the colour and natural texture. The step on this deck also has a hidden LED strip routed into the underside of the board. This is controlled via a remote that also controls the water feature and various garden spotlights. The team also installed a new fake lawn so George the tortoise has a space to wander around that is separate from the decking area. The clients keep a range of animals in their garden including some rabbits and guinea pigs that dwell in hutches. To help make these hutches more a part of the garden the team moved them to the back left corner. The client used Cranesbill purple geraniums and Athyrium Ferns to help disguise the area.

Hygge [ hoog-uh ]: Cozy and comforting

BE Landscape Design

The instructions were clear, make it cozy and comforting. Incorporate natural materials, don't hurt the environment, use lots of native plants, create shade, attract bees, butterflies and humming birds. BELandscape design, created a backyard that is an escape for this hard working couple. Scroll to the 'Before' photos to fully appreciate this backyard transformation.

Ealing, contemporary family garden

Beaufort & Rampton Landscapes

Jardin terrasse

Jardin Japonais

Un petit jardin japonais dans un écrin de verdure sous la pluie

Rooftop avec potager

Terrasses des Oliviers - Paysagiste Paris

Gwel-An-Mor

Contec SW Ltd

Maison contemporaine et son jardin méditerranéen.

Nathalie JEANNE - Conceptrice de jardin

maison moderne avec ses gros sujets de variétés méditerranéennes.

Chiswick Garden with Outdoor Kitchen

Aoba Landscapes

A large deck with outdoor kitchen and canopy provide the perfect entertaining space in this Chiswick garden, At night the lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere as well as proving a usable space after dark.

Transformation d'un jardin au cœur de Toulouse

Kael Createur de Jardins

Création de jardinières en berlinoises Mise en place d'un gazon synthétique pour permettre le stationnement de la voiture Création d'une terrasse en ipé

Garden Design Ideas with Decomposed Granite and Decking

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.