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Sunken Garden Courtyard featuring recessed design, terraced walls, sheltered space - garden design ideas and inspiration

An enclosed outdoor space that serves as a private sanctuary within the property

Last Updated: November 28, 2025
3 min read

Key Sunken Garden Courtyard Design Elements

Sunken Garden design brings recessed beauty, terraced walls, and dimensional interest to your courtyard. This garden style creates an enclosed garden retreat that perfectly balances aesthetics with functionality.

Plant Palette: Cascading plants, terraced plantings, varied heights
Hardscape Materials: Natural stone, pavers, quality outdoor furniture
Style Features: recessed garden design, terraced retaining walls, sheltered microclimate
Essential Courtyard Elements: enclosed space, intimate setting, central focal point, surrounded by walls or buildings
Color Scheme: Cool Slate, Warm Stone, Emerald Green
Maintenance Level: Moderate

How to Achieve the Sunken Garden Courtyard Look

1

Start with Structure

Begin with hardscape elements like Natural stone. This creates the bones of your sunken garden courtyard before adding plants.

2

Choose Plants Wisely

Select cascading plants that thrive in your climate. Sunken Garden design emphasizes quality over quantity.

3

Layer Your Design

Create depth by layering plants at different heights. Start with groundcovers, add mid-height perennials, and anchor with taller specimens appropriate for your courtyard.

4

Consider Seasons

Plan for year-round interest by selecting plants with different bloom times and evergreen structure. Sunken Garden gardens should look beautiful in every season.

5

Add Finishing Touches

Complete your courtyard with lighting, seating, and decorative elements that enhance usability and ambiance.

Sunken Garden Courtyard Inspiration

Sunken Garden garden design has become a popular landscape style and has become increasingly popular for courtyard spaces. This style emphasizes Recessed Design and Terraced Walls. When designing your sunken garden courtyard, focus on creating harmonious plant combinations, thoughtful hardscape placement, and attention to detail while respecting the functional needs of your courtyard.

**Perfect for**: Courtyard spaces seeking sunken garden character

**Works well with**: complementary garden styles and modern outdoor living spaces

**Best climate**: adaptable to most climates

**Water needs**: Moderate

Sunken Garden Courtyard Budget Guide

Budget-Friendly

$1,500 - $4,000

Essential plants, basic hardscape, DIY installation. Focus on native plants and repurposed materials.

Mid-Range

$4,000 - $12,000

Quality plants and materials, professional design, partial DIY. Includes irrigation system and good hardscape.

Luxury

$12,000 - $30,000+

Premium plants, custom hardscape, full professional installation. Includes lighting, water features, and premium materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sunken Garden Courtyard Landscape Ideas & Photos (2025) | StagePro AI | StagePro AI