skip to main content
Photos
Photos
Kitchen & DiningKitchenModular Kitchen Dining RoomHome Bar
LivingLiving RoomHome TheaterHome Office Staircase
Bed & BathBedroomNurseryKid's RoomBathroom
OutdoorGardenPatioTerrace & BalconyCourtyard
More RoomsPuja Room Wardrobe ExteriorSwimming PoolView All
Find Professionals
  • DESIGN & RENOVATION
  • HOME IMPROVEMENT
  • Architects & Building Designers
  • Interior Designers & Decorators
  • Civil Engineers & Contractors
  • Design-Build Firms
  • Kitchen & Bath Designers
  • Landscape Architects & Contractors
  • Home Builders & Construction Companies
  • Photographers
  • Specialty Contractors
  • Furniture & Accessories
  • Flooring & Carpet
  • Tile, Stone & Countertop
  • Bedding & Bath
View All ProsView All Services
Stories
Stories From Houzz
Houzz ToursKitchen GuidesBathroom Guides Bedroom Guides Decorating Guides Outdoors Architecture
Houzz Discussions
Design DilemmaBefore & After PollsHome Decorating KitchensLiving RoomsBedrooms Dining RoomsExterior Lighting PaintBuilding a Home
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Advice
HOUZZ DISCUSSIONS
Design DilemmaBefore & After PollsHome Decorating KitchensLiving Rooms
Bedrooms Dining RoomsExterior Lighting PaintBuilding a Home
Sign In
Join as a Pro
History of Houzz
Houzz Logo Print

Backyard

ndk4
ndk4
Photo
Photo
Photo

. The Hillside Retreat Significant changes in elevation are often considered a design challenge in gardens, yet they can be used to advantage when you're designing a secret retreat. Tuck a bench against the face of the hillside so it will be seen only when someone is exploring the winding path. Ideally, the hillside and plantings will conceal the bench when it's viewed from above. Place the bench so it hugs the hillside safely while allowing enough room to pass by with ease. A view of a lower garden or an open vista adds to the experience of discovery.

Q

Photo

3. The Arbor Refuge An arbor may seem like an unlikely choice for a secret garden, but you can make it more secluded by shrouding the structure with attractive vines and by planting shrubs and grasses to the side. Camouflage furniture by selecting finishes and colors that blend in with the surroundings, such as wood tones and soft greens.

Q

Photo
Photo
Related Photo Topics
    Dormer WindowLiving Room LightingBedroom Lighting DesignBedroom Glass DoorAmerican Patios
  • India
    © 2026 Houzz Inc.
    • COMPANY

    • About Houzz
    • In the News
    • Press Info
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Terms & Privacy
    • Copyright & Trademark
    • EXPLORE HOUZZ

    • Buttons & Badges
    • Mobile Apps
    • For Professionals
    • Review Professionals
    • Suggested Professionals
    • CONNECT WITH US

    • TwitterXCircleX
    • Facebook
    • RSS