These incredible gardens will inspire you to get outdoors and get your hands dirty. Whether you have a small space or a sprawling plot, we'll help you make the most of it.
(36 Photos)Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
Red Cover
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
iVillage on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:04PM
The square edges of this built-in pond are a modern contrast to the wild landscape.
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Neatly manicured hedges avoid looking overly formal when used as a border for pretty free-growing blooms.
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Try filling a small patio with several pots of pretty flowers to create your own personal secret garden.
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Allium hollandicum, a lovely lavendar ornamental onion, adds both height and color to this country garden.
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Select plants that vary in height to create visual interest. Here rustic pebbles create a winding pathway.
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This miniature path may not lead anywhere, but it adds an interesting architectural element to this landscape design.
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If you have no need for an open backyard (read: young children or a fetch-loving pooch), consider creating grassy pathways that wind around smaller garden beds.
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Return to a more civilized way of living. Frame a lovely dining patio with a bed of tall-growing blooms. We adore cestrums, tree daisies, and penstemon.
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Flea market finds, like this funky wheelbarrow, make for whimsical planters and are budget-friendly.
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Urban outdoor spaces can be both modern and beautiful. Here, the layered wood planter adds dimension to an otherwise stark area.
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Don't be afraid to mix-and-match fun planting containers. Use your imagination!
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Vibrant climbing bougainvillea are a lovely contrast to a metal gazebo. Gazebo kits can be purchased (we like this one) and can be surprisingly affordable.
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If a large hill occupies most of your outdoor space, fret not. Many of the most beautiful garden picks will thrive in this environment. Plus, they'll help prevent land erosion.
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Use natural elements—in this case tall trees that neatly line the backyard's perimeter—to help keep out nosy neighbors.
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Using one flower en masse can have a dramatic effect in any garden. Here similarly-hued snapdragons take center stage.
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Ornamental sweet potato and willows add color and texture to a multi-season garden.
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Bring the indoors out! A comfortable, pillow-topped bench makes for a relaxing place to read or enjoy a cup of tea. Select pillows that are weather and water resistant (Target has a stellar collection).
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If you live in a hot climate, consider a garden scheme that is native to the region. Here, a wide array of succulents and cacti create a pleasing design.
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Create your own sexy lounging space. Luxe, ultra-comfy white chairs provide the perfect space for entertaining. Hanging yellow curtains help highlight the citrus-hued floral selections.
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If you're lucky enough to have a grand old (and large!) tree in your backyard, make the most of it. This encompassing bench provides plenty of space for a potted garden, while hanging planters add a unique element to this space.
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Make the most of a large backyard by using cut-in planting areas to break up a large grassy space.
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Raised beds are the perfect solution for a garden space with poor drainage or less-than-great soil. Plus, they're relatively easy to build yourself.
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An outdoor staircase becomes a gorgeous focal point once draped with a stunning wisteria vine.
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A dusty vintage bench is given new life when set against a backdrop of hot pink hydrangeas.
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Using varied paving mediums—like natural stone paired with brick—can add depth to a garden path.
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Go all-out girly with a white lattice gazebo, spiral topiaries and pink hydrangeas.
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Look for an arbor with a built-in bench to replicate this look. Creeping Gloxinia comes in a variety of colors and will create a similar aesthetic when grown along the arbor.
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Use flowers in a similar color family to create a dynamic garden. Here, sunny oranges, deep reds and cheery yellows punctuate an otherwise-simple plot.
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Metal garden arches add height, dimension and drama to a garden.
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Potted scarlet geraniums hang on the sprawling white porch and occupy small pots along the garden border. The repetition of this design element helps to unify the two spaces.
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Integrate a dining space with the greater garden by topping the table with natural elements such as these sleek topiaries.
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Water features add serenity to an outdoor space. This simple pond makes for a lovely aquatic garden. Get great ideas for beautiful aquatic plants.
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If you adore roses, consider making them a focal point of your outdoor space. Climbing roses are a beautiful, elegant addition to any garden.
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A stand-out sundial takes center stage in this small casual garden.
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