Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Apartment 34 Traditional Modern

Growsgreen Landscape Design

Overhead shot of the fire pit area and long benches into the dining area. Large palms were craned in with Jason Dewees palm expertise and advice.

Orinda Moder 'Mt. Estate'

Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.

Nice Shade Arbor and deck

Wikiup Woodland

Manzanita Landscape Construction, Inc.

Lovely woodland setting lends for enjoying the wood burning boulder fire pit, surrounded by an ornamental gravel seating area and paths, that meander through the drought tolerant gardens

Nautically Inspired Outdoor Entertaining in Darien

Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.

Shade terrace garden

A J Miller Landscape Architecture PLLC

A recessed seating area surrounded by shade plants and clump bamboo. The sectional faces a copper fire pit and steel sculpture. This area is complete with landscape lighting for the evening.

K+D

AM Landscape Construction Inc.

Parkyns

Weeds Garden Design Build LLC

Detail of the new fire pit and seating area. We also provided design input on the new outdoor furniture. This garden had great bones - it just needed some space planning and a little TLC. We removed an old and not very attractive rose garden to create a new decomposed granite seating area with a custom fire pit and some olive trees. The rest of the garden got a major landscape re-do, with low water plants, lawn area replaced with Kurapia, drip irrigation and LED landscape lighting. The clients are delighted with the new space and what with the lighting and firepit, can really enjoy this gorgeous garden!

Beach House

Jodie Cooper Design

photos courtesy of Oswald Down South

Surfer's Paradise, Hollister Ranch

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Heaven on earth! All Margie could think of while on this site was, "All I need is a tent out here with this view and I'd be happy." The small weekend home on the flank of the rolling grassy coastal plain in Hollister Ranch (near Gaviota, CA) faces breath-taking panoramic views of ocean, islands, coastal plain, foothills and mountains. This place is all about a great outdoor space with just enough house for in case it rains! The pocket sized garden makes a titanic impact bringing a little intimate, livable space to the expansive scenery. Restrained plantings take their cue from the glorious setting. Sweeps of native grasses and succulents dot the garden with olive trees for shade. Dramatic succulents in pots as juxtapose the simple background. The goal was to blend a few practical uses such as wind protected dining and lounging, a hot tub and a fire pit into the nearly undisturbed surroundings. The cedar hot tub is tucked into hillside and surrounded by fieldstone walls and fish-scale flagstone. A small flash-heater provides a warm water shower under an olive next to the tub for de-sanding before plunging into the tub for post-surf warm-up. Meandering gravel paths and lyrical fieldstone "tole work" on the floor plane brings movement to the garden and ties the long narrow space together. The campfire circle (fueled by propane) and lanterns in the trees invite outdoor evening entertainment. Driftwood details - surf rack, stools around the fire pit, posts for hanging lanterns - complete this idyllic surf camp. Cowabunga, dude!

Stone Patio on a Slope

C&H Landscaping

The Sherman Residence

Easy Landscape Plan, LLC

PHOTO TAKEN DURING INSTALLATION WITH DIY BY FAMILY MID-PREGNANCY. AUSTIN, TEXAS DIY WITH THE HELP OF CAREFULLY SELECTED PLANT MATERIALS AND BED LAYOUT BY EASY LANDSCAPE PLAN DESIGN BY: THE EASY LANDSCAPE PLAN TEAM INSTALLATION BY: THE SHERMAN RESIDENCE PHOTO BY: THE SHERMAN RESIDENCE

Beach Mediterranean

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Chris Leschinsky

Deer Grass Court

Shoreline Architecture & Design

Breath taking views were incorporated in this amazing fire pit. The use of the indigenous material is key to the nature and feel. Kevin Meechan

McKinnon Garden 2.0

Boodle Concepts

Backyard retreat in McKinnon. Garden design & landscaping installation by Boodle Concepts, based in Melbourne and Kyneton, Macedon Ranges. Firepit area is hugged by custom curved bench and various heights of screening for visual interest. #decking #moderngardens #melbournegardens #curvebench #curvedbench #indooroutdoorliving #artificialturf #backyardretreat #backyardoasis #gardendesign #landscapingmelbourne #boodleconcepts #australiandesigners

Sonoma Private Residence

Salt Shed Design Build

Water and fire feature

Sitting Area with Fire Pit- Back Yard

Bosler Earth Design

Padaro Lane

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Berkeley Rock Garden

Roxy Designs

Rough Hollow

Powell Landscape Architecture

Xeriscape Design Ideas with a Fire Feature

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.