During the construction of the addition to this centuries old San Francisco home, our firm was brought in to create a design for the upper and lower outdoor decks, and surrounding garden space. The spiral staircase was the link that allowed for maximum deck space below. The bottom deck was brought lower by taking two broad steps down from the house thus eliminating the need for railing. This was very important to the owners’ desire to feel connected to the surrounding garden. A fire pit, placed off of center, created the focal point for the seating area. A cobalt blue water feature was placed close to the house so it could be enjoyed both from within the house and while sitting on the deck. The many vibrant colored pots placed along the deck edges were planted with a small Meyer Lemon tree, herbs for cooking, and mint for tea, as well as some colorful ornamental grasses and perennials. On the upper rooftop deck, we installed numerous skylights to allow light to the lower addition, and added appropriate native plants and succulents. In the front of the house, we cut in two large street planters and added matching Olive trees, under planted with colorful Mexican Salvia and orange New Zealand Wind Grass.

Some favorite plants and plant combinations

Magical Landscapes, LLC

Malus 'Royal Raindrops' with the fragrant native shrub Fothergilla gardenii in early May

Hellebores

Drake Design Landscape Architecture

Pretty 'n Pink Sweetpeas

Dearborn Designs & Associates

Perennial Sweetpea. Hot pink in the summer! Blooms for weeks.

Rhododendron Within an Urban Woodland

Kimberly Mercurio Landscape Architecture

Rhododendron in Bloom

My Small Garden

IDEAS FOR TINAS 티나의 아이디어

Formal English Garden

Rosborough Partners Inc.

Dreamy garden to let your mind get lost...

Victorian Residence - Weehawken

Magical Landscapes, LLC

Macrophylla hydrangeas adjacent to the house line the driveway leading to the backyard.

What's New & Hot 2016 | Hydrangea Let's Dance Rave

Dearborn Designs & Associates

Hydrangea Let's Dance Rave Rebloomer. Unique flower colour is affected by soil pH. Blooms on old and new wood. Easy. Peasy. Plant.

Victorian Residence - Weehawken

Magical Landscapes, LLC

The bluestone walkway to the rear is enlivened by a purple clematis.

Victorian Purple Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Victorian 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 Victorian 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 Victorian Garden for Your Home

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