Mountain Retreat | Old Rail Lane

Barclay Butera Interiors

An East Bay Garden

Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

Window view from Japanese-style home

Hanselman Landscape and Gardens

Array of Anigozanthos

Gardens by Gabriel, Inc.

Anigozanthos create a Mediterranean screen around natural stone fire pit in the company of senecio, agave, sticks on fire Euphorbia

gardenUP Garden Designs

gardenUP®

The Bluffs

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

ceramic pots, grasses, gravel path, outdoor furniture, succulents, tuscan

Landscape Work

Integrity Landscape Services LLC.

Romantic suburban garden

Jane Harries Garden Designs

The new lawn makes the garden seem bigger and deeper. It's a shallow garden with a point to the left, now concealed by trees and the swing seat. New planting contrasts purples, greys and greens. Jane Harries

Paths and Walkways

Oliver Nurseries

Central District Edible Garden

Board & Vellum

Landscape contracting by Avid Landscape. Carpentry by Contemporary Homestead. Photograph by Meghan Montgomery.

Fire pits and Fireplaces

GreenScapes Landscape Architects and Contractors

Driveway, Front Yard and Backyard Landscaping

Neave Group Outdoor Solutions

MILL VALLEY MODERN GARDEN

BRADANINI & ASSOCIATES

POTS & HORIZONTAL BOARD FENCE, BRADANINI

French Provincial Country Home

Mockler Taylor Architects

Vegetable and flower cutting garden at rear of Pool House.

Midcentury Landscape

Custom Metal Fencing

Great Lakes Metal Fabrication

Custom wrought iron fencing, wavy contemporary metal panels, steel privacy screen for neighbors, decorative metal fencing design.

To read more about this project, click here or start at the Great Lakes Metal Fabrication metal railing page

Planter and Path

B. Jane Gardens

Enclosed vegetable garden

Landsburg Landscape Nursery

Boorkman Residence

Chris Corbett Design

Garden Arbor and Fence

Garden Design Ideas with Gravel and Mulch

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.