Laurel

California Turf and Landscaping

A Creek Dream

Gurley's Azalea Garden

Clifton E. Gurley III

Bluestone Naperville

KD Landscape

Walking past the pergola, the dining space is visible off in the distance. Eyebrow beds with Pachysandra and Polygonatum soften the column bases.

Potomac Kitchen Garden and Outdoor Living Area

Landscape Projects, Inc.

Large boulder steps facilitate circulation in the back yard, with drift roses and hakone grass plalying off each other. The kitchen garden area is to the right. Designed by H. Paul Davis Landscape Architects. ©Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.

Contemporary English Garden

Robinson Environmental Design

Primavera Landscape Portfolio

Primavera Landscaping, Inc.

Le Petit Chalet

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC

A durable, meaningful design heals a devastated residential property bordering Acadia National Park and Somes Sound on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Comprehensive stormwater management strategies shape new landforms, resulting in elegant grading and thoughtful drainage solutions. Native plant colonies stabilize the site, regenerate habitat, and reveal wildlife patterns. Exquisitely crafted new masonry, built from an authentic palette of local reclaimed materials, gives the garden a unified, established feel. Lichen-encrusted stone retaining walls define edges, thresholds, and overlooks, and thick slabs of salvaged granite embedded in the earth provide gathering terraces and pathways. With balance restored, brilliant seasonal drama unfolds.

Earls Court Oasis

Harry Holding Studio

An inner city oasis with enchanting planting using a tapestry of textures, shades of green and architectural forms to evoke the tropics of Australia. Sensations of mystery inspire a reason to journey through the space to a raised deck where the family can enjoy the last of the evening sun.

Richmond Asian Garden

Northwest Native Landscapes LLC

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.

Sidewalk/front fence and gate

Dorthy Pautz Landscape Architect

The design for the new custom stepped redwood fence and gate incorporated a narrow trellis top for Akebia vines. The horizontal slats are expressed with a modern reveal but there are no gaps, for privacy. The topiary trees are Majestic Beauty Hawthorns, which will quickly bulk up in height and spread and create even more privacy from neighboring houses. The narrow sidewalk planter has Liriope, Biokovo Geraniums and Ajuga

Finished Concrete

Aztec Decorative Concrete

Modern Woodland

Blue Ribbon Lady Landscaping

Two mid-century modern front yards

Luciole Design Inc.

This detail shows the path to the front door, with concrete pads, ipe steps and landing and smooth plaster screen/seat wall. The steps are lit, along with main elements of the landscape. photo Mike Heacox / Luciole Design

Bluestone Naperville

KD Landscape

Dusk provides even more enchantment as the landscape lighting performs "magic after hours". Lighting design by Kevin Manning.

Traditional Landscape

Milton Residence

a Blade of Grass

Photo by Pete Cadieux

Craftsman Shade Garden - Cedarburg

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

'Annabelle' hydrangea line the hillside, while helping to brighten the shade. Westhauser Photography

Lake Magic

Christine Karnofsky Garden Design & Consulting

Shade garden, lakefront garden, lawn

Eco Modern

Eco Landscape Design & Build

Innis Casey Photography

Shaded Garden Design Ideas

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.