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  1. Garden & Outdoor
  2. Garden
  3. Speciality: Desert Look

Contemporary Garden with a Desert Look Ideas and Designs

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Dramatic Streetscape Planting
Dramatic Streetscape Planting
Eden Garden DesignEden Garden Design
Striking Texas native botanical design with local river rock top dressing. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/
White Wing
White Wing
Kendle Design CollaborativeKendle Design Collaborative
Inspiration for a large contemporary courtyard xeriscape full sun garden in Phoenix with a desert look.
Contemporary Landscape
Contemporary Landscape
This is an example of a small contemporary courtyard full sun garden for summer in Los Angeles with gravel and a desert look.
Conscious Stream Scape 2 Year Update - Silverlake
Conscious Stream Scape 2 Year Update - Silverlake
Ketti Kupper Conscious Life DesignKetti Kupper Conscious Life Design
Photo by Ketti Kupper
Inspiration for a small contemporary front xeriscape full sun garden in Los Angeles with a desert look.
Sustainable Desert Serenity in Scottsdale
Sustainable Desert Serenity in Scottsdale
Shearon Design CollectiveShearon Design Collective
This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.
Southwest to Contemporary
Southwest to Contemporary
TruCare Home ImprovementTruCare Home Improvement
Yes! It can be done. You can have a completely SW home and yet still have a contemporary back or front yard. We proved it on this project. We added colored concrete, steel planters, irrigation, lighting, steel cabling, stairs, customer railing, artificial grass, IPE (Brazilian Hardwood), drainage, flower beds etc.
Backyard Retreat in Calabasas, CA
Backyard Retreat in Calabasas, CA
Prime Gardens IncPrime Gardens Inc
Small contemporary back xeriscape partial sun garden for spring in Los Angeles with a desert look and concrete paving.
Wooten Backyard Living
Wooten Backyard Living
Native Edge LandscapeNative Edge Landscape
These homeowners were looking to up their hosting game by modernizing their property to create the ultimate entertainment space. A custom outdoor kitchen was added with a top of the line Delta Heat grill and a special nook for a Big Green Egg. Flagstone was added to create asymmetrical walkways throughout the yard that extended into a ring around the fire pit. Four rectangular trellises were added along the fence and shed, with an all metal pergola located at the back of the pool. This unique structure immediately draws the eye and adds a playful, artistic element to the rest of the space. The use of various sized rocks, gravel, and flagstone give a rough texture that creates a symbiosis with the metalwork. Silver Falls Dichondra creates a beautiful contrast to the rocks and can be found all over the property along with various other grasses, ferns, and agave. A large area of gravel rests on the side of the house, giving the client room to park a recreational vehicle. In front, a privacy fence was added along one of the property lines, leading into a drought resistant, eco-friendly section of yard. This fence, coupled with a giant boulder, doubles as a safety precaution in case drivers miss the turn and run into their lawn. This updated landscaping adds an effortless flow for guests to move from the front yard to the back while creating a very open, welcoming feel to all who enter.
Sail House
Sail House
Garza ConceptsGarza Concepts
Modern Style Spool and BBQ seating area. Synthetic lawn divides the grey smooth finish concrete decking and the circular fire pit.
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back formal full sun garden for summer in Los Angeles with a desert look, decking and a stone fence.
Moreland Residence
Moreland Residence
UserUser
Design ideas for a contemporary back xeriscape garden in Phoenix with a desert look.
Feldbaum residence
Feldbaum residence
Palm Dreams Watershapes and LandscapesPalm Dreams Watershapes and Landscapes
Creating this landscape, we brought in tons of soil, creating raised berms in order to plant on a very rocky mountain base. Using specimen boulders, Agaves and Yuccas and combining them with drought tolerant perennials adds a wonderful combination of softness and color.
Key
Key
Banyon Tree Design StudioBanyon Tree Design Studio
Urban landscape masterplan and installation. We created continuity of color, texture, and form starting at the street and front yard, and reaching to the rear yard and alleyway. Contemporary and naturalistic plantings blur the lines of rigidity and formality of this modern garden, while the structure of hardscaping holds the composition together year-round.
Redlands Mesa
Redlands Mesa
Sunshine GardensSunshine Gardens
Photo of a contemporary partial sun garden in Other with a desert look.
North Scottsdale - Rancho Terrasina
North Scottsdale - Rancho Terrasina
Merit LandworksMerit Landworks
Medium sized contemporary front xeriscape full sun garden in Phoenix with a desert look and concrete paving.
Interface
Interface
Sweet Smiling LandscapesSweet Smiling Landscapes
Design ideas for a large contemporary driveway full sun garden in Santa Barbara with a desert look, gravel and a wood fence.
Key
Key
Banyon Tree Design StudioBanyon Tree Design Studio
Urban landscape masterplan and installation. We created continuity of color, texture, and form starting at the street and front yard, and reaching to the rear yard and alleyway. Contemporary and naturalistic plantings blur the lines of rigidity and formality of this modern garden, while the structure of hardscaping holds the composition together year-round.
Xerigardens
Xerigardens
Greenbee Landscape, Inc.Greenbee Landscape, Inc.
These are some of our design and build landscapes with sustainable, eco-friendly design practices in mind. Many of these were Cash for Grass rebate customers or Waterwise Conversion programs where money was awarded through local water districts and agencies.
Feldbaum residence
Feldbaum residence
Palm Dreams Watershapes and LandscapesPalm Dreams Watershapes and Landscapes
Entry way to the front door with Travertine pavers
Photo of a large contemporary courtyard xeriscape full sun garden in Other with a desert look and decking.
West Springs
West Springs
Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.
Our client had already used Twisted Rock previously for a different project and we were blessed enough to have them utilize our services again!! They wanted another clean-looking, low maintenance yard that was functional with great curb appeal that would not take a bunch of time to maintain. We utilized natural rock, concrete edging, and aggregate as well as created a fire pit patio for cozy family nights under the stars....
Desert Modern
Desert Modern
SIEVERS CONSTRUCTION & GENERAL CONTRACTINGSIEVERS CONSTRUCTION & GENERAL CONTRACTING
This cohesive family-friendly design makes maximum use of outdoor space for multiple objectives- hardscaping for dining and lounging, lawn area for playtime, and raised garden beds with integrated seating and pergolas for utilitarian use, architectural interest and privacy screening.

Contemporary Garden with a Desert Look 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.
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