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Contemporary Garden Ideas and Designs

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Resort Style in the backyard
Resort Style in the backyard
Alderwood Landscape Architecture and ConstructionAlderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction
Large contemporary back formal garden in Seattle with mulch and lawn edging.
Sonoma
Sonoma
Urban BotanicsUrban Botanics
Inspiration for a large contemporary front xeriscape fully shaded garden seating in San Francisco with a rockery and decorative stones.
Cyan Landscapes
Cyan Landscapes
Cyan LandscapesCyan Landscapes
By Casey McCormick
Contemporary front garden steps in Seattle.
Find the right local pro for your project
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Dale Hahn
Dale Hahn
Susie Dowd Markarian, Landscape DesignSusie Dowd Markarian, Landscape Design
Susie Dowd Markarian
Photo of a contemporary back full sun garden for autumn in San Francisco with gravel.
Nature's Beauty
Nature's Beauty
SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + ConstructionSURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction
Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen Photography by: Bob Narod, Photographer LLC
Design ideas for a contemporary sloped garden steps in DC Metro with natural stone paving.
Edmonds Residence
Edmonds Residence
Banyon Tree Design StudioBanyon Tree Design Studio
Back yard renovation: added new landscaping, fire pit, benches, patios, edible gardens, fences, plants
This is an example of a contemporary back garden seating in Seattle.
Washington Property
Washington Property
Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior DesignParadise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design
water features, ponds, garden beds, hardscaping, concrete pavers
Photo of a contemporary garden in Portland with a rockery.
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2013 ALE: The Waverly Residence
2013 ALE: The Waverly Residence
Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery AssociationPennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association
Kalinosky Landscaping Inc. http://www.kalinoskylandscapinginc.com/ Project Entry: The Waverly Residence 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Honorable Mention Project Description: The residence is located in an upscale suburban sub-division in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The home was designed by an architect from California and is decidingly modern and abstract compared to neighboring homes. The architect was direct in his charge that the landscape be bold, colorful and modern, similar to projects he has worked on in California where the climate and culture allows. The owners embraced this concept adding only that privacy was important. Our main challenge was to find ways to provide the desired spirited and colorful landscape utilizing cooler climate plantings, and to push the limits on the abstract hardscape design without alienating the conservative community. We believe we have achieved our goals as both the demanding architect and discerning homeowners are extremely pleased with the results. This modern landscape has also been embraced by the community. Relative to site problems and scope, we had extensive drainage issues and encountered solid rock near or at the surface. We hydro-hammered out layers of rock to allow the installation of several feet of topsoil and an extensive network of drain tiles to evacuate water constantly flowing from springs we encountered. The topsoil was stripped from the site prior to the start of construction and stored on an adjacent lot. We utilized a portable screening plant, processing the topsoil and adding about 1500 tons of additional purchased topsoil. We designed a modern and abstract concrete wall system to separate the public and private spaces in the front of the residence. A people court was designed again utilizing concrete walls to articulate this space and provide a private environment for our clients. This space is viewed and accessed from the bedroom and entry areas of the home. We added a simple water feature of appropriate volume to provide sound, and at night illuminated reflecting qualities to the people court. Extensive screening was utilized to softly cloister the home and screen a large solar array that provides electricity for the home. A lush, almost tropical looking planting was provided for a large sunken area to offer relief to the lower living spaces. A rear terrace was constructed of exposed aggregate concrete. Near this terrace is a bold, modem, concrete water feature and a gas fire pit. The gas fire pit was custom built by a firm in Colorado utilizing hand-hammered metal and heat induced patinas. This terrace overlooks the sloped perennial garden. We finished the rear space with a calm stone arrangement emerging from raked pea gravel dry lake. This viewed from a stone bench we constructed of thermalled bluestone. An extensive highly technical lighting system was installed utilizing bronze fixtures controlled by an array of computer linked touch pads throughout the home. An infinitely controllable irrigation system with over twenty-five zones was installed. This coupled to a dedicated deep drilled well provides stability during dry periods. Specimen trees and shrubs were brought in from nurseries throughout the country. We specified only the finest we could find. This has given the site a feel of maturity while being quite young. Photo Credit: Kalinosky Landscaping Inc.
Grey Residence
Grey Residence
Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape ArchitectureJeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture
Photo of a contemporary front garden steps in San Luis Obispo.
More project photos. Please see us at classicnursery.com for more info
More project photos. Please see us at classicnursery.com for more info
Classic Landscaping + NurseryClassic Landscaping + Nursery
Alan Burke
Design ideas for a contemporary garden in Seattle.
Contemporary Ocean View
Contemporary Ocean View
Central Meridian PhotographyCentral Meridian Photography
© Scott Mayoral
Design ideas for a contemporary courtyard garden in Los Angeles.
Floating Rock Sculpture
Floating Rock Sculpture
Exteriors By Chad RobertExteriors By Chad Robert
Striking sculpture in the front entry court by Woods Davy - http://www.woodsdavy.com/Contact.html. Photo by Michael Woodall
HUF House G
HUF House G
Alexander Huf - M.Sc ArchitektAlexander Huf - M.Sc Architekt
Inspiration for a large contemporary front full sun garden for summer in London with gravel and a garden path.
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Bellevue project
Bellevue project
Sam MillarSam Millar
Photo of a contemporary garden in Seattle.
In- Ground Trampolines
In- Ground Trampolines
Decorative LandscapingDecorative Landscaping
Recent landscaping project with some fun elements- tunnel, custom playhouse, and an In-ground Trampoline from www.trampolinesdownunder.com
This is an example of a contemporary back garden in Salt Lake City.
Suhr-Brown
Suhr-Brown
Bliss Garden Design, LLCBliss Garden Design, LLC
Bliss Garden Design
This is an example of a contemporary back garden for spring in Seattle.
Barnes
Barnes
Nature Designs LandscapingNature Designs Landscaping
Photo of a contemporary garden in San Diego with brick paving and a pond.

Contemporary Garden Ideas and Designs

A beautifully designed contemporary garden is as important as the emphasis we place on the designs of our interiors. After all, our grounds (however modest) frame our homes and contribute to first impressions not only of our houses, but also of the households within. Options for garden designs can be as elaborate or low maintenance as your lifestyle and preferences permit – consider both your aspirations for how it should look and how much time you can invest in garden maintenance. Consulting a gardener or landscape designer will ensure you have a garden that suits your lifestyle, the local climate and soil conditions. But don’t forget that with Houzz your first stop can be collecting images of garden ideas and designs you love in order to inspire your garden plans and potentially share them with a landscape gardening professional.

How do I come up with a contemporary front garden design?

The priority for a front garden is kerb appeal. Begin by considering the area immediately around and leading up to your front door. You may want to opt for front garden designs that blend well with the style of your home – for example, abundant foliage and flowerbeds will perfectly complement a period property, whereas man-made materials, geometric shapes and contrasting textures are great ideas for a contemporary garden design. Even if your front garden is a small space, keep it tidy – if you have more space, make the most of it with garden ideas and features such as a manicured lawn, gravel driveway, water feature or garden fencing. If you don’t have the time or commitment to devote to gardening, then neatly pruned hedges, statement paving, hanging baskets, garden benches and outdoor lighting are all decorative, low maintenance garden ideas for your contemporary front garden design.

How should I design my contemporary back garden?

Back gardens typically offer more space than front garden designs and serve a more recreational purpose, so it’s important to know how you want to spend time in your garden before you design it in order to build in the features that you will enjoy. If you love relaxing in the garden and dining al fresco, think about patios, decking, garden furniture and BBQs. For the more horticulturally-inclined, incorporate flower beds, greenhouses or vegetable garden designs. Your landscape gardening professional can help you install structures such as sheds, pergolas and gazebos that complement your garden design, and artfully-placed garden ideas such as lawn edging and lighting will add definition to your chosen design.

How do I create a low maintenance garden?

The great news is, gardens aren’t exclusively for the green-fingered. Whether you’re not horticulturally-inclined or simply don’t have the time for a bit of landscape gardening, you can still have a contemporary garden design that looks the way you want by making some smart design choices. While many of us favour low maintenance gardens like urban gardens, roof terraces and patio gardens, lovers of greenery don’t need to sacrifice grass for paving slabs. Whatever you want from your garden, there are a variety of gardening solutions that can be built in to make life easier. For example, labour intensive features such as vegetable patches, greenhouses and flower beds can be optimised with an automatic irrigation system. These can be offset with fuss-free garden ideas such as hard landscaping, including gravel, paving or decking, and hard-wearing evergreens that require minimal upkeep. You might even consider replacing your garden fencing with slow growing hedging, which can be maintained less regularly than wooden fence panels. If having a lawn is important, there are different types of grasses in varying degrees of durability and maintenance. You may choose to take a more relaxed approach to your lawn – “wild” garden designs can have great charm if the grasses and flowers are chosen carefully. If you prefer a manicured lawn, it’s a good idea to invest in a “mulching” lawn mower that will recycle clippings and remove the need for cleaning up. Finally, there isn’t a more low maintenance garden lawn than artificial grass which can look highly realistic and keep your garden looking green. Garden ornaments are a great way to add interest to your low maintenance garden design – go for smart garden ideas such as solar garden lights which are both decorative and functional. Find some of the most popular design ideas on Houzz.
Sonoran Retreat
Sonoran Retreat
In2it Studio, LLCIn2it Studio, LLC
Backyard spaces for outdoor lifestyle including pool and multiple use areas for entertaining. Photographs by Richard Ferrero
Contemporary garden in Phoenix with a water feature.
Contemporary Lakeside Patio - Glendale
Contemporary Lakeside Patio - Glendale
Ginkgo Leaf StudioGinkgo Leaf Studio
The dining terrace appears to float out over the water. Westhauser Photography
Medium sized contemporary back full sun garden seating for summer in Milwaukee with natural stone paving.
Santa Monica Canyon Retreat
Santa Monica Canyon Retreat
P2 DesignP2 Design
Nicolas Marques
This is an example of a contemporary back garden in Los Angeles with an outdoor sport court.
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