Modern gardens use clean lines, open space, and a limited range of materials and plants to create calm, uncluttered outdoor rooms.
They suit urban homes and work well with contemporary architecture.
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Layout
Start with geometry: rectangles, strong axes, and clear zones for dining, lounging, and planting. Align paving and borders with the lines of the house to tie inside and outside together. Large-format paving and few joints feel calm and spacious.
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Materials
- ✿Porcelain or sawn stone paving
- ✿Rendered walls in white, grey, or soft earth tones
- ✿Corten steel planters and edging
- ✿Horizontal slatted timber fencing
- ✿Polished concrete or composite decking
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Planting
Use repeated blocks of a few plants rather than many different varieties. Ornamental grasses, clipped evergreens, multi-stemmed trees, and architectural plants like agaves or phormiums (in mild areas) suit the style. Repetition creates rhythm and unity.
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Lighting and water
Recessed lighting along steps and walls, uplighting on trees, and a simple rill or water blade add drama at night. See our garden lighting guide for options.
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Keep it softened
Too much hard landscaping can feel stark. Balance hard surfaces with generous planting so the garden feels alive and welcoming.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.