Most landscape lighting today is low voltage, and for good reason. Unlike 120-volt systems, it's safer to work with and less costly to install. And though low-voltage lights receive one-tenth the power, thanks to a step-down transformer, meaning that we can achieve any effect you want, from moonlight shining from a canopy of trees to a subtle glow that washes across a low wall. More than just picking the right hardware, a pleasing lighting scheme is also about artistry.

Richards Residence

Foch Family Landscape Architecture

This landscape of this transitional dwelling aims to compliment the architecture while providing an outdoor space for high end living and entertainment. The outdoor kitchen, hot tub, tiered gardens, living and dining areas as well as a formal lawn provide ample space for enjoyment year round. Photographs courtesy of The Richards Group.

Sweeping Twin Lakes WI Retaining Wall

Van Zelst Inc

Perennials and small shrubs are kept low to let the impressive stonework take center stage. Photo by Terra Jenkins & Kirsten Gentry.

New York

Gogoleyed LLC

Fire

SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction

Surrounds Inc.

LED Landscape lighting shines on the entry courtyard. It is surrounded by the canopies of illuminated Crape Myrtles. The limestone paving contains various finishes and highlights the stone block water features adding a sound element to the arrival destination.

Arlington Landscape project

Boss Landscape Design

Stream waterfall system

Garden Dialogues: Saratoga, CA

The Cultural Landscape Foundation

Saturday May 16, 10:30am to 12:00pm | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Register: https://tclf.org/event/garden-dialogues-northern-california-2015 Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photos by Lauren Devon

Decorative Concrete Finishes

Weatherill & Associates

City View Garden - Bernal Heights

The Garden Route Company

Rich Radford

GreenGOLd

Add Curves to your Landscape

NS Landscapes

Circular patio with coordinating walkway and planting beds.

Private Residence-Ocean Bluff

Stepstone, Inc.

Lepere Studio

West Village Garden

Little Miracles Designs

West Village Garden with pergola, dining area, retractable shade system, outdoor kitchen, decorative fireplace.

Highland Residence

Utah Landscaping

Outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Overhead trellis defines the space and frames in the views.

A smaller backyard can still have expansive feel with the right landscaping. Desert stone, river rock, and a petit grass pond combine with distinctive patio squares to add extra interest to this backyard. Sail Shades are a perfect way to increase shade while providing an extra element of design.

Transitional Brown Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Transitional 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 transitional 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 Transitional Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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.