The uneven back yard was graded into ¬upper and lower levels with an industrial style, concrete wall. Linear pavers lead the garden stroller from place to place alongside a rain garden filled with swaying grasses that spans the side yard and culminates at a gracefully arching pomegranate tree, A bubbling boulder water feature murmurs soothing sounds. A large steel and willow-roof pergola creates a shady space to dine in and chaise lounges and chairs bask in the surrounding shade. The transformation was completed with a bold and biodiverse selection of low water, climate appropriate plants that make the space come alive. branches laden with impossibly red blossoms and fruit. The elements of a sustainable habitat garden have been designed into the ¬lush landscape. One hundred percent of rainwater runoff is diverted into the two large raingardens which infiltrate stormwater runoff into the soil. After building up the soil with tons of organic amendments, we added permeable hardscape elements, a water feature, native and climate appropriate plants - including an exceedingly low-water Kurapia lawn - and drip irrigation with a smart timer. With these practices we’ve created a sumptuous wildlife habitat that has become a haven for migratory birds & butterflies.

Hillside stair with custom rail and lighting

BE Landscape Design

Custom built for fire resistance. Board formed concrete seating and patio. Color added to blend into the existing granite hillside. Salt finish adds texture to camouflage into the surroundings. Custom metal pergola and under bench lighting add to the uniqueness of this hilltop hangout.

Modern Meets Boho

BOXHILL

Photography: Gerardine and Jude Vargas

South African Style in Woodside

User

We installed this garden a few years after the major installation. There were small pieces of the evil plant Equisetum in the soil mix, that over time became a pest. We shut off the water and put in a desert garden instead. Problem solved. Caitlin Atkinson

Pond, Downers Grove

Lofton Landscaping Company

Weeping redbud ( centered), Terra cotta shrub rose, golden false cypress, Fire Chief arborvitae. Designed by Carolyn Pipal

Spanish Colonial Revival in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Home Design

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

Historic Georgian

Scott Mehaffey, landscape architect

Rail Fences

Split Rail Fence Co Denver CO

Contemporary Landscape - Dramatic Transformation - San Rafael, CA

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

This San Rafael front landscape has been dramatically updated. Detail of concert pavers surrounded by Mexican pebbles. Black metal edging separates the planting beds and pathway. Colorful succulents, such as these Echeveria 'Imbricata' and other low water plantings are featured throughout. Drawings, Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Masonry Patio, Seat Wall, Fire Pit, Storage

Accent Landscapes

Natural gas fireplaces provide convenient, year round enjoyment. This fire pit is built of manufactured stone with a natural stone cap.

Birdsong Ranch, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Brad Cox, Architect, Inc.

The barn dates from 1898 and was originally the carriage house for an adjacent historic home. The 1965 Airstream Globetrotter serves as a guest house and part-time office. The plant in the foreground is a Cigar plant--a hummingbird favorite.

Winter Decor

Greenhaven Landscapes Inc.

Hannah Goering Photography

Bird Key Modern Bungalow

BORDEN Landscape Design

Photographer: Ryan Gamma

Coolum Beach, QLD

Fluid Design

Contemporary Landscape - Dramatic Transformation - San Rafael, CA

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Plant focus: Lomandra longifolia 'Breeze'. SEE PHOTOS TAKEN AFTER 2 YEARS. This San Rafael front landscape has been dramatically updated with a welcoming concrete pathway entrance, and complimented by a variety of architectural plants, hardy succulents, textural grasses and a majestic, fruitless olive tree. The dramatic transformation is enhanced by a raised corten steel planter at the pathway entrance with gravel and succulents. Two horizontal ipe wood structures provide contemporary accents. New raised concrete planters alongside the new concrete driveway define the property and showcase more colorful succulents. A beautiful gray house paint color and ipe accents complete the remodel. Drawings, Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Farmhouse with Bunk House, Outcrop

Curtis Homes

Ridgefield Modern

Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC

The front facade of the house was planted with decorative boulders, shrubs and grasses to compliment the modern house and provide an Asian feel. The gravel mulch was selected to compliment the color of house designed by Peter Cadoux Architect of Westport, CT. Low maintenance plantings were a requirement for the owner.

Bird Key Contemporary Ranch (in progress)

BORDEN Landscape Design

Custom mailbox with house numbers

Bradford Associates, LLC

A custom mailbox with laser cut house numbers compliments the custom address sign at the front walkway.

Mid-sized Garden Design Ideas for Winter

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.