93 Premium Japanese Garden Outdoor Design Ideas & Remodeling Photos

August 2, 2018helen.w

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in New York with a fire pit

There is something particularly soothing and deep in the oriental style and especially in the Japanese garden. Perhaps it comes from the philosophical influence of the regions of the East or perhaps from the combination of the way of life and the connection with the nature of the oriental peoples.

All these factors are at the root of the creation of the Japanese garden which with its serene ambience is a magnificent gift for the exterior of all modern homes. Here are some pictures of Zen gardens that may perhaps become an inspiration for your own home garden layout.

Each garden design is unique and has extraordinary special features.

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in New York with a fire pit

Beacon Hill Bliss

Large trendy patio vertical garden photo in New York

TANK 2012 Client photographs

Japanese style landscaping

Japanese style landscaping

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard stone landscaping in Boston for spring.

Pergola in Spring!

Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.

Orange County California Residential Landscape Design

Large minimalist rooftop deck photo in New York

TANK 2012 Client photographs

Deck - large modern rooftop deck idea in New York

TANK 2012 Client photographs

Design ideas for a large modern backyard stone landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Charles McClure, landscape architect

Inspiration for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard stone landscaping in London.

Fulham Garden

Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun side yard stone water fountain landscape in Nashville for summer.

Louisiana Elegance

Large minimalist rooftop deck photo in New York

TANK ROOFTOP – Exterior Views

This is an example of a small asian shade backyard stone water fountain landscape in DC Metro.

Water feature in a small space

This is an example of a large modern drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard concrete paver garden path in San Francisco.

Twin Peaks Modern

Photo of a large modern backyard stone landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Charles McClure, landscape architect

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Example of a mid-sized trendy rooftop deck container garden design in New York

Noho roof garden

Photo of a small contemporary backyard stone landscaping in Cardiff.

May 2014

Make room for kids and grown-ups. A unique design like the combo bench and table shown here can provide a perch for adults sipping wine just as easily as it can play host to toddler tea parties.

Outdoor Room

Example of a small asian backyard stone patio fountain design in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo Woodland Garden

Photo of a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Staggered steppers lead you through the shade garden to the back seating area. Hosta and Japanese Hakone grass were used for their textural harmony.Westhauser Photography

Whitefish Bay – Old World Made New

In addition to the bluestone patio, this landscaping features Hydrangea, Astilbe, Boxwood, Japanese Maple and Japanese Forest Grass among other plantings. Landscape design by John Algozzini, photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Lincoln Park Bluestone

Inspiration for a large modern rooftop deck remodel in New York

TANK 2012 Client photographs

This is an example of a large contemporary shade side yard stone landscaping in Chicago for summer.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

With the goal of enhancing the connection between interior and exterior, backyard and side yard, and natural and man-made features, Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd. drew on nature for inspiration. We worked around one of Oakville’s largest oak trees introducing curved braces and sculpted ends to an organic patio enhanced with wild bed lines tamed by a flagstone mowing strip. The result is a subtle layering of elements where each element effortlessly blends into the next. Linear structures bordered by manicured lawn and carefully planned perennials delineate the start of a dynamic and unbridled space. Pathways casually direct your steps to and from the pool area while the gentle murmur of the waterfall enhances the pervading peace of this outdoor sanctuary.

The Secret Garden (Oakville, ON)

Example of a large zen courtyard gravel patio vertical garden design in Melbourne with a roof extension

Cole

Mid-sized elegant backyard concrete paver and l-shaped lap hot tub photo in Houston

French Country Modern

Copyright Protected by: Lori Brookes Photography

Zelkind Residence

Lagoon-side property in the Bel Marin Keys, Novato, CA. Entertaining and enjoying the views were a primary design goal for this project. The project includes a large camaru deck with built-in seating. The concrete steps and pavers lead down to the water's edge. I included a sunken patio on one side and a beautiful Buddha statue on the other, surrounded by succulents and other low-water, contemporary plantings. I also used Dymondia ground cover to create a natural pathways within the garden.This project was just completed. More photos will be included in Spring when the plantings fill in.Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Landscape Designer, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design.

Modern Water-Side Landscape Remodel – Northern California

Photo of a mid-sized modern partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in Houston.

Modern Landscaping

Large minimalist backyard concrete paver patio fountain photo in Seattle

ipe board walk and three weir fountain

Small mountain style backyard concrete paver patio photo in Portland with a fire pit

Laurelhurst Studio

These photographs were taken of the roof deck (May 2012) by our client and show the wonderful planting and how truly green it is up on a roof in the midst of industrial/commercial Chelsea. There are also a few photos of the clients' adorable cat Jenny within the space.

TANK 2012 Client photographs

Photo of a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Example of a large tuscan courtyard brick patio design in San Francisco

Beneath Starry Skies

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Small 1960s deck photo in Portland

Updating Midcentury Modern

DESIGN: Cathy Carr, APLDPHOTO AND INSTALLATION: Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

Cathy Carr, APLD

One-of-a-kind and other very rare plants are around every corner. The view from any angle offers something new and interesting. The property is a constant work in progress as planting beds and landscape installations are in constant ebb and flow.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

One-of-a-kind and other very rare plants are around every corner. The view from any angle offers something new and interesting. The property is a constant work in progress as planting beds and landscape installations are in constant ebb and flow.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

This is truly a garden walk. With crushed granite as a base and Red Japanese Maples,Campher trees, Artamezea powls castle,Santa Barbara Daisies,Potato Vines,Birch trees,Redwoods,Pigmy Barberry,and Agapantha gigantia. are just a few plants along this garden walk.Landscape architect in Moraga, Ca Landscape design in Moraga, Ca Landscape contractor in Moraga, Ca Swimming pool contractor in Moraga, Ca

Gravel Walk with Crushed Granite

Photo of a large mediterranean shade backyard brick landscaping in San Francisco for summer.

Casa Smith’s California Garden

Patio kitchen - large mediterranean courtyard brick patio kitchen idea in San Francisco with a pergola

Beneath Starry Skies

Design ideas for a large asian side yard landscaping in Melbourne.

Japanese Garden, Malvern

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard water fountain landscape in Chicago.

Highland Park Shade Garden and Patio

Photo of a large mediterranean full sun front yard gravel landscaping in Houston for summer.

Memorial – Spring Valley

Early autumn in Wentworth Falls, NSW AustraliaPhoto Credit; Arthur Lathouris

Lathouris Garden

Photo of a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

The problem this Memorial-Houston homeowner faced was that her sumptuous contemporary home, an austere series of interconnected cubes of various sizes constructed from white stucco, black steel and glass, did not have the proper landscaping frame. It was out of scale. Imagine Robert Motherwell's "Black on White" painting without the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston's generous expanse of white walls surrounding it. It would still be magnificent but somehow...off. Intuitively, the homeowner realized this issue and started interviewing landscape designers. After talking to about 15 different designers, she finally went with one, only to be disappointed with the results. From the across-the-street neighbor, she was then introduced to Exterior Worlds and she hired us to correct the newly-created problems and more fully realize her hopes for the grounds. "It's not unusual for us to come in and deal with a mess. Sometimes a homeowner gets overwhelmed with managing everything. Other times it is like this project where the design misses the mark. Regardless, it is really important to listen for what a prospect or client means and not just what they say," says Jeff Halper, owner of Exterior Worlds. Since the sheer size of the house is so dominating, Exterior Worlds' overall job was to bring the garden up to scale to match the house. Likewise, it was important to stretch the house into the landscape, thereby softening some of its severity. The concept we devised entailed creating an interplay between the landscape and the house by astute placement of the black-and-white colors of the house into the yard using different materials and textures. Strategic plantings of greenery increased the interest, density, height and function of the design.First we installed a pathway of crushed white marble around the perimeter of the house, the white of the path in homage to the house’s white facade. At various intervals, 3/8-inch steel-plated metal strips, painted black to echo the bones of the house, were embedded and crisscrossed in the pathway to turn it into a loose maze. Along this metal bunting, we planted succulents whose other-worldly shapes and mild coloration juxtaposed nicely against the hard-edged steel. These plantings included Gulf Coast muhly, a native grass that produces a pink-purple plume when it blooms in the fall. A side benefit to the use of these plants is that they are low maintenance and hardy in Houston’s summertime heat. Next we brought in trees for scale. Without them, the impressive architecture becomes imposing. We placed them along the front at either corner of the house. For the left side, we found a multi-trunk live oak in a field, transported it to the property and placed it in a custom-made square of the crushed marble at a slight distance from the house. On the right side where the house makes a 90-degree alcove, we planted a mature mesquite tree.To finish off the front entry, we fashioned the black steel into large squares and planted grass to create islands of green, or giant lawn stepping pads. We echoed this look in the back off the master suite by turning concrete pads of black-stained concrete into stepping pads. We kept the foundational plantings of Japanese yews which add green, earthy mass, something the stark architecture needs for further balance. We contoured Japanese boxwoods into small spheres to enhance the play between shapes and textures. In the large, white planters at the front entrance, we repeated the plantings of succulents and Gulf Coast muhly to reinforce symmetry. Then we built an additional planter in the back out of the black metal, filled it with the crushed white marble and planted a Texas vitex, another hardy choice that adds a touch of color with its purple blooms. To finish off the landscaping, we needed to address the ravine behind the house. We built a retaining wall to contain erosion. Aesthetically, we crafted it so that the wall has a sharp upper edge, a modern moti...

Modern Landscaping

Take a walk along your flagstone path to enjoy the vastness of the garden you have created.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

One-of-a-kind and other very rare plants are around every corner. The view from any angle offers something new and interesting. The property is a constant work in progress as planting beds and landscape installations are in constant ebb and flow.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

Sarah Naybour

Chiswick.1.

In addition to the bluestone patio, this landscape features Hydrangea, Astilbe, Boxwood, Japanese Maple and Japanese Forest Grass among other plantings. This job received the coveted ILCA Judges Award in 2010. Landscape design by John Algozzini. Photo is courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Lincoln Park Bluestone

View across the main terrace of patterned Fond du Lac flagstone with clay brick soldier courses. Mixed plantings fill the bed between the terrace and retaining wall. Westhauser Photography

Menomonee Falls – Craftsman Character

Richard Mandelkorn Photography

Lexington Residence

Kim Rooney

three weirs in a fountain

Inspiration for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Inspiration for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

One-of-a-kind and other very rare plants are around every corner. The view from any angle offers something new and interesting. The property is a constant work in progress as planting beds and landscape installations are in constant ebb and flow.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

Example of a small asian backyard stone patio fountain design in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo Woodland Garden

Furniture around the fire pit, ready to enjoy.Westhauser Photography

Menomonee Falls – Craftsman Character

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Outdoor Cabana

Outdoor Cabana

Exterior Worlds was contracted by the Bretches family of West Memorial to assist in a renovation project that was already underway. The family had decided to add on to their house and to have an outdoor kitchen constructed on the property. To enhance these new constructions, the family asked our firm to develop a formal landscaping design that included formal gardens, new vantage points, and a renovated pool that worked to center and unify the aesthetic of the entire back yard.The ultimate goal of the project was to create a clear line of site from every vantage point of the yard. By removing trees in certain places, we were able to create multiple zones of interest that visually complimented each other from a variety of positions. These positions were first mapped out in the landscape master plan, and then connected by a granite gravel walkway that we constructed. Beginning at the entrance to the master bedroom, the walkway stretched along the perimeter of the yard and connected to the outdoor kitchen.Another major keynote of this formal landscaping design plan was the construction of two formal parterre gardens in each of the far corners of the yard. The gardens were identical in size and constitution. Each one was decorated by a row of three limestone urns used as planters for seasonal flowers. The vertical impact of the urns added a Classical touch to the parterre gardens that created a sense of stately appeal counter punctual to the architecture of the house.In order to allow visitors to enjoy this Classic appeal from a variety of focal points, we then added trail benches at key locations along the walkway. Some benches were installed immediately to one side of each garden. Others were placed at strategically chosen intervals along the path that would allow guests to sit down and enjoy a view of the pool, the house, and at least one of the gardens from their particular vantage point.To centralize the aesthetic formality of the formal landscaping design, we also renovated the existing swimming pool. We replaced the old tile and enhanced the coping and water jets that poured into its interior. This allowed the swimming pool to function as a more active landscaping element that better complimented the remodeled look of the home and the new formal gardens. The redesigned path, with benches, tables, and chairs positioned at key points along its thoroughfare, helped reinforced the pool’s role as an aesthetic focal point of formal design that connected the entirety of the property into a more unified presentation of formal curb appeal.To complete our formal landscaping design, we added accents to our various keynotes. Japanese yew hedges were planted behind the gardens for added dimension and appeal. We also placed modern sculptures in strategic points that would aesthetically balance the classic tone of the garden with the newly renovated architecture of the home and the pool. Zoysia grass was added to the edges of the gardens and pathways to soften the hard lines of the parterre gardens and walkway.

Classic Estate Garden

A family in West University contacted us to design a contemporary Houston landscape for them. They live on a double lot, which is large for that neighborhood. They had built a custom home on the property, and they wanted a unique indoor-outdoor living experience that integrated a modern pool into the aesthetic of their home interior.This was made possible by the design of the home itself. The living room can be fully opened to the yard by sliding glass doors. The pool we built is actually a lap swimming pool that measures a full 65 feet in length. Not only is this pool unique in size and design, but it is also unique in how it ties into the home. The patio literally connects the living room to the edge of the water. There is no coping, so you can literally walk across the patio into the water and start your swim in the heated, lighted interior of the pool.Even for guests who do not swim, the proximity of the water to the living room makes the entire pool-patio layout part of the exterior design. This is a common theme in modern pool design.The patio is also notable because it is constructed from stones that fit so tightly together the joints seem to disappear. Although the linear edges of the stones are faintly visible, the surface is one contiguous whole whose linear seamlessness supports both the linearity of the home and the lengthwise expanse of the pool.While the patio design is strictly linear to tie the form of the home to that of the pool, our modern pool is decorated with a running bond pattern of tile work. Running bond is a design pattern that uses staggered stone, brick, or tile layouts to create something of a linear puzzle board effect that captures the eye. We created this pattern to compliment the brick work of the home exterior wall, thus aesthetically tying fine details of the pool to home architecture.At the opposite end of the pool, we built a fountain into the side of the home's perimeter wall. The fountain head is actually square, mirroring the bricks in the wall. Unlike a typical fountain, the water here pours out in a horizontal plane which even more reinforces the theme of the quadrilateral geometry and linear movement of the modern pool.We decorated the front of the home with a custom garden consisting of small ground cover plant species. We had to be very cautious around the trees due to West U’s strict tree preservation policies. In order to avoid damaging tree roots, we had to avoid digging too deep into the earth.The species used in this garden—Japanese Ardesia, foxtail ferns, and dwarf mondo not only avoid disturbing tree roots, but they are low-growth by nature and highly shade resistant. We also built a gravel driveway that provides natural water drainage and preserves the root zone for trees. Concrete pads cross the driveway to give the homeowners a sure-footing for walking to and from their vehicles.

Contemporary Landscape and Pool Lap Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

This is custom built cedar fence with a horizontal slat top. It complements the screen and rustic Japanese feel of the garden.When your space is small, take time to design an appropriate and attractive fence.By Ben Bowen of Ross NW Watergardens, a Portland landscaping firm.

Cedar Fence

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Enjoy this picture taken a year after installation. Notice the growth & fullness of the landscaping. A mix of landscaping helps create color and interest throughout all four seasons.

Creating enclosure and shade with Landscaping in your front yard

Inspiration for a large modern backyard concrete paver patio fountain remodel in Seattle

beautiful concrete work

This is an example of a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Urban Living

Urban Living

Inspiration for a large asian drought-tolerant front yard stone garden path in Melbourne for fall.

Toorak Contemporary Japanese

Because of the client’s love of burgundy leaves, a variety of Japanese Maples and Purple Leaf Beech were used, along with grafted Blue Spruce, Gold Thread Pom Pom, Cream Ball and Fern Spray Gold Cypress to highlight the burgundy leaves. These larger specimens were complimented with the use of Miniature and Dwarf Conifers filling in the nooks and crannies.

Creating enclosure and shade with Landscaping in your front yard

This front garden was designed to reflect the clients' taste in modern design and had to incorporate parking for two cars. The design was based around squares using steel edging and resin bound gravel to give the clean lines required for this functional, contemporary front garden.

fenton roberts garden design

Copyright Protected by: Lori Brookes Photography

Zelking Residence

These are projects we have completed into the Chicago Area

Chicago Roof Decks & Landscaping

A flagstone path leading up to the arched front door has a welcoming effect. Your guests will always feel a friendly hello when they enter your home.

Northwest Indiana Marshall Residence

Life at the beach

Life at the beach

This entry was designed to give color and and create a lasting impact on the viewer as they enter the residence.-- Let us help you put all the concepts that you gather together into a beautiful landscape. We have designers in the office and we are a fully licensed landscape contractor.

Entries

Example of a mid-sized side yard stone patio fountain design in Boston

Asian Viewing Garden

Photo of a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Cleveland.

Japanese Tea House

Inspiration for a small asian shade courtyard gravel landscaping in London for winter.

Marylebone Lightwell

This is an example of a mid-sized asian shade front yard garden path in Miami.

Japanese Garden Front Entrance Stepping Stone Walkway in Manalapan, Florida

This is an example of a large asian shade side yard stone driveway in Other for summer.

Past projects drainage and Oriental Garden

Design ideas for a small craftsman partial sun front yard gravel garden path in San Francisco for spring.

Lafayette Traditional Craftsman Entryway

Exterior Worlds was contracted by the Bretches family of West Memorial to assist in a renovation project that was already underway. The family had decided to add on to their house and to have an outdoor kitchen constructed on the property. To enhance these new constructions, the family asked our firm to develop a formal landscaping design that included formal gardens, new vantage points, and a renovated pool that worked to center and unify the aesthetic of the entire back yard.The ultimate goal of the project was to create a clear line of site from every vantage point of the yard. By removing trees in certain places, we were able to create multiple zones of interest that visually complimented each other from a variety of positions. These positions were first mapped out in the landscape master plan, and then connected by a granite gravel walkway that we constructed. Beginning at the entrance to the master bedroom, the walkway stretched along the perimeter of the yard and connected to the outdoor kitchen.Another major keynote of this formal landscaping design plan was the construction of two formal parterre gardens in each of the far corners of the yard. The gardens were identical in size and constitution. Each one was decorated by a row of three limestone urns used as planters for seasonal flowers. The vertical impact of the urns added a Classical touch to the parterre gardens that created a sense of stately appeal counter punctual to the architecture of the house.In order to allow visitors to enjoy this Classic appeal from a variety of focal points, we then added trail benches at key locations along the walkway. Some benches were installed immediately to one side of each garden. Others were placed at strategically chosen intervals along the path that would allow guests to sit down and enjoy a view of the pool, the house, and at least one of the gardens from their particular vantage point.To centralize the aesthetic formality of the formal landscaping design, we also renovated the existing swimming pool. We replaced the old tile and enhanced the coping and water jets that poured into its interior. This allowed the swimming pool to function as a more active landscaping element that better complimented the remodeled look of the home and the new formal gardens. The redesigned path, with benches, tables, and chairs positioned at key points along its thoroughfare, helped reinforced the pool’s role as an aesthetic focal point of formal design that connected the entirety of the property into a more unified presentation of formal curb appeal.To complete our formal landscaping design, we added accents to our various keynotes. Japanese yew hedges were planted behind the gardens for added dimension and appeal. We also placed modern sculptures in strategic points that would aesthetically balance the classic tone of the garden with the newly renovated architecture of the home and the pool. Zoysia grass was added to the edges of the gardens and pathways to soften the hard lines of the parterre gardens and walkway.

Classic Estate Garden

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant and shade front yard gravel landscaping in Toronto for fall.

Family-Friendly Modern Garden

Aqua blue boulders are strategically placed within a bed of slate chip. Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' provides bright contrast.Westhauser Photography

Bayside – Mid Century Marvelous