Randomized concrete pavers in a gravel courtyard.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Los Angeles.

Outdoor Design & Plantings

Q Design Group, LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard landscaping in Other.

Metal Hand Rail

Sion Structural and Ornamental

1.5 inch by 1.5 inch steel square tube, Paint Black Semi-Gloss
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel garden path in Los Angeles.

Pond Overhaul - Bedminster, NJ

Fitz's Fish Ponds

Paul Madsen
This is an example of a large rustic backyard stone pond in New York.

Bayside Zen Garden | Bayside, WI

LandCrafters, LLC

The Tea House is a very special place. Draped by the existing mature willow it feels like it has always been here. The Natusume basin to the right is for purification prior to the tea ceremony. The vertical rock was placed to the left to help frame the traditional entrance to the Tea House.

West Coast English Retreat

Verde Fine Gardens

This is an example of a small contemporary partial sun backyard stone landscaping in San Francisco for spring.

Residential Traditional - Paradise Valley

Greey Pickett

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard landscaping in Phoenix for spring.

Zen Walkway

Above The Grade Landscape

Above The Grade Landscape
Design ideas for a mid-sized southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel garden path in Other for summer.

Mid-Centurty Ranch | Backyard View

Greey Pickett

The renovation of this Mid-Century Ranch features the reintroduction of native plant species highlighted with steel planters, steppingstones, a ramada and small fountain. Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Clint Miller Architect General Contractor: Sonora Sunset Construction Landscape Contractor: West Point Landscaping Photography: Steve Thompson

Duckham Cabin

Dan Duckham Architect

"Willow Pond", pedal boat dock and Laurel Knob reflected in pond
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard pond in Other.

Oak Tree Setting With Hillside Views, Landscape Renovation, Northern California

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Homefront Farmers Projects

Homefront Farmers

Split rail or post and rail fencing is a great option when you want to add a touch of rustic charm to your yard. We have a system that incorporates long-lasting cedar fencing, durable, attractive galvanized "cage mesh," below ground pest barrier, and raised beds filled with balanced organic soil. Beautiful, protected, and productive--that's our idea of a great garden.

Rock Landscaping Design Ideas - Austin, TX

YardDoc

YardDoc designed and created multiple rock landscapes for customers in Austin, TX. These drought resistant landscapes liven up your yard with unique designs and individual beauty. While we craft every landscape to the yard and customer, we present examples here to inspire you. In this garden, we worked with the existing trees and hedges. We added ferns and succulents to round out the look. Next, we laid mulch, then placed two planters, one containing a small tree. We created a path using dark river rocks, and large, asymmetrical, flat-topped stones as a walkway through the garden. We created shallow retaining walls of natural stone, along the path, to keep mulch free of rocks and vice versa. Finally, we placed solar lights so this area remains functional and enjoyable at night. Overall, we think this adds a wonderful, fairytale feel to this space, without the commitment to extensive maintenance and care installing a faerie garden entails.

Palo Alto Contemporary Retreat

Boxleaf Design, Inc.

Meg Messina Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized modern shade and drought-tolerant backyard concrete paver landscaping in San Francisco.

Beach Contemporary

Living Gardens Landscape Design

Beach contemporary design featuring custom succulent wall planters, drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, fruit trees and outdoor rooms
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary partial sun backyard brick landscaping in Orange County.

Modern Lake Side Retreat

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Alderwood designers always focus on the details, but in this project, this was especially true. The gorgeous stone and basalt boulder pathway leading to the dock beautifully complimented the simplistic style of the home, while also providing a pop of color with native plantings.

Fire Features

Good Earth Water Gardens

Old barren space where a playground once stood is transformed into a circular patio with a fire pit in the center.
Inspiration for a small contemporary full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Kansas City with a fire pit for fall.

Tudor Revival backyard lakefront landscape design

Earthwise Horticultural Services

Scott Simpson Large scale project began with the natural stone English style garden on the island with a water fountain as a central feature. The backyard was terraced to provide a more even surface for weekend sports with the children. The terracing was framed near the house with a 3 foot deep channel that will hold koi. On one side is a fire pit with amphitheater style seating and the other side opens up for the koi. There is an edible garden and butterfly garden as well. The entrance is punctuated with a large 10 foot diameter fountain. The entire landscape is on automated lighting with underwater lighting as well.

The Belgard Collection

Belgard

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone formal garden in New York with a fire pit for summer.

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.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas & Designs

Having a picturesque backyard to relax in can make the warmer months that much more enjoyable. There are a number of directions you can go, from installing a new patio to planting a garden. If you’re looking for backyard landscaping ideas, browse the photo gallery below and you’re sure to find some inspiration.

Stick Within Your Budget for Your Backyard Landscape Design

Landscaping can be expensive, between the cost of buying new plants and hiring contractors to create your dream garden. Still, if you’re looking for backyard landscaping ideas on a budget, there are a number of ways to keep costs down. You can do some of the work of planting yourself, especially if you have a small backyard. You’ll also want to plant strategically: consider more affordable, low-maintenance and native plants to keep your garden healthy.

Choose the Features that Bring Out the Best in Your Backyard

Features like a pool, fire pit or covered patio can make your backyard feel even more inviting. While you may not have the space or the budget for all of them, pick which ones best suit your yard and lifestyle. While you browse backyard landscaping ideas with a pool, consider whether a rectangular or more natural looking pool would best suit your yard. If you’re looking at landscaping ideas with a fire pit, determine whether you prefer a modern or rustic stone fire pit. For backyards in urban or dense areas, it can be nice to create your own secluded retreat. Privacy fences, dense vines, bushes and trees are all attractive landscaping ideas for privacy.

Let the size and shape of your yard guide your project. If your property is on a slope and you need backyard hill landscaping ideas, consider trees and shrubs that have strong root systems in order to avoid landslides. On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to be taking on a large backyard landscaping project, you might consider adding a pool, or breaking up the space with paved and grassy areas.

Consider the Natural Landscape Around You

While a green lawn remains popular just about anywhere, designing a landscape that matches your home’s natural surroundings can be particularly rewarding. If you’re in need of backyard landscaping ideas for the desert, you might consider a variety of pavers, gravel or rocks to decorate your yard. Installing a patio is an easy solution, as it won’t require much maintenance once it’s done. On the other hand, if you live in a northern climate, creating a landscape design that highlights your lush green yard might make a lot of sense.

If you need backyard gardening ideas for a cold climate, installing a greenhouse can be a great way to protect vegetables from frost. While just about anything can grow well in dryer climates, you may want to steer towards landscapes without grass to save water. Instead, look for examples of backyards with rocks and local shrubs, interspersed with citrus trees for greenery.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a backyard landscaping renovation or are building a designer landscaping from scratch, Houzz has 135,762 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Sion Structural and Ornamental and GEL: Griffin Enright Landscape. Look through landscaping pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a backyard landscaping design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful backyard landscaping photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.