Tiered boulder retaining wall.

Versa Lok Wall

Sylvan Gardens Landscape Contractors

Natural Stone Steps

KD Landscape

A close-up of the natural stone staircase with John Creech Sedum growing along the edges. Dining space and the grill can be seen on the upper level, left of the staircase. On the right side of the staircase a gas fire pit is also convenient to the back door.

Wood Fences

Dakota Unlimited

Aptos

McTighe Landscaping Inc.

Mid-Century Patio Makeover - Waukesha

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

'Summer Beauty' allium and 'Rozanne' geranium curve around the fire pit circle. Westhauser Photography

Menlo Park

HWH Home and Garden

Daniel Photography Ltd

Private Residence

Ream Design LLC

Lake Zurich Front Yard Landscape Design & Installation

Poul's Landscaping & Nursery, Inc.

Richfield Backyard

Lifestyle Landscaping, Inc.

Salvaged barnstone does double duty as a retainging wall and a perfectly proportioned seating wall for the lower patio.

Kirkland Residence

Noriko Marshall Landscape Architecture

Blacktopping and Pavers

Michael Labriola Inc

NYC Suburb: Family-Friendly Elegance

Julie Moir Messervy Design Studio (JMMDS)

The landscape design for this property in an established New York City suburb marries stately elegance with relaxed outdoor living. The greatest challenge of the site was a considerable grade change over a small area (a third of an acre). We replaced overgrown shrubs and crumbling stonework with a clean hardscape design that clearly defines the flow around the property. A long play lawn in front is linked to a sideyard patio space and natural-gas campfire with broad bluestone block steps. A cozy dining terrace behind the house is hugged by a retaining wall that showcases friendly flowering plants and edibles. Set into the terrace wall is a custom water feature that brings sound and movement to the seating area. Exposed ledge in the backyard provides a fun playspace for adventurous kids, with a rope bridge leading to a playhouse.

Scarsdale Tudor

Design Farm Group

Bluestone steps surrounded by a mix of granite and natural fieldstone retaining walls dry laid and supported by interior mortar. Landscape lighting highlights the newly planted roses and perennials.

Landscaping Photos We Have the Best Clients!

Structure Landscapes

Sam Walton

Cary Bernstein Architect Potrero Residence

Cary Bernstein Architect

Stonework, Patios and Landscaping

Paragon Landscape Management

California Cottage

Tish Landscape Design

A new cottage was situated in back of a historic home in downtown Palo Alto. The task was to incorporate the new cottage to the existing landscape. A poured-in-place patio allows the homeowner and her dogs to have a place to sit in the sun, while a dry stack wall delineates the patio edge. Under a canopy of Redwood trees, water-wise plantings create a lush and inviting space. Photos by- David Easton Architect

5th Ave Front Planting Beds

Stoneworks Paving

Three tiered Roman Pisa retaining wall used as a front planting bed. Sierra grey in color with a charcoal coping.

Fairfax, VA

Imagine Gardens & Landscapes by Beverly Ricci, LLC

A landscape wall provides a pretty solution to a hillside too steep to mow. The terraced area is now a great space for family games.

Transitional Garden Design Ideas with a Retaining Wall

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.