Why do some backyards feel so cramped? What transforms an entryway from bland and unimpressive to inviting and visually interesting? With the right landscape design ideas, any yard can be improved.
The landscaping design choices made by the homeowner have a huge impact on the overall appearance of the yard. Here are a few ideas to transform ho-hum spaces into comfortable, eye-catching masterpieces!
Front Yards
Well-designed front yard landscaping increases curb appeal, won’t require much maintenance, and makes a stunning entryway for the home. It’s also the first area guests see when they come to visit.
A sprawling lawn with crisp edging and boxwoods to separate it from flower beds is one of the more classic landscape design ideas, but not always practical for busy DIY homeowners. For low-maintenance front yards, colorful gravel and rockscapes can save a lot of time and work.
A dry creek bed running along the driveway or meandering through flowerbeds is also a gorgeous choice. Native plants and low groundcovers add beautiful contrast to the hardscape and rockwork.
Add pops of greenery beside the front door as a focal point. Potted plants on the porch or a small flowerbed in front of it can makeover an entry and add personality. Additional decorating ideas include adding a wreath, chairs, and seasonal accents to the front porch.
Backyards
Backyards are for relaxing, playing, and generally escaping from the demands of daily life. An expansive lawn is perfect for kids, pets, and anyone who likes space to move around. It requires maintenance such as mowing, edging, and aeration to keep it lush and green, but the results are well worth the effort.
For entertaining and outdoor living, consider a patio installation. This can be as simple as a paver patio with comfortable outdoor furniture or covered space with nearby firepit and mood lighting. Pergolas are a nice way to create entertaining space detached from the house, and a water feature adds interest.
Backyard landscaping plants can be anything from a few simple bushes or small, colorful flower beds, to a lush backyard garden. Regardless of the chosen style, a few tall shrubs or decorative trees around the edge add a nice touch of landscaping for privacy.
Backyards are sometimes tricky to landscape. Most homeowners have multiple goals for the outdoor space, and a small backyard presents real challenges. Fortunately, landscape architects can be hired for garden design ideas and overall vision.
Side Yards
Side yards often become a semi-forgotten space where the garbage cans and accumulated odds and ends are stored. However, they can be instrumental in maximizing outdoor living space, particularly when the backyard is small.
Instead of taking up space in the backyard with a vegetable garden, grow it in the side yard. What if the property has a narrow side yard? It’s still possible to grow a sizable garden with vertical gardening techniques. Place planters and containers along the fence or the side of the house to make good use of the space.
One of our favorite landscape design ideas is to use a stepping stone path through the side yard to connect the front and the back, making the yard feel larger overall. The space to either side of the path functions as small gardens, and the isolated area is an opportunity to experiment with different garden styles.
Sloped Yards
Sloped yards are often regarded as a challenge but can be a great opportunity under the eye of a skilled designer. Build terraced flower beds into the slope or even a natural stone waterfall with a tranquil koi pond at its base.
Another idea is to level a portion of the slope to create more flat space. Stabilize the slope with a stunning rock retaining wall. Plant a colorful garden on top, perhaps with trailing plants, to add color and visual interest.
Note: It’s important to be aware of water drainage during the design process. Incorrect drainage will make the yard a nightmare to maintain.
Small Yards
Small yards present the obvious space challenge, however, the right landscaping will make it feel cozy and welcoming rather than cramped. Plus, maintenance takes less time in small yards, which is perfect for busy folks.
Choose patio and garden furniture with a slim profile. Large furniture can easily overpower a small yard. Add container plants to the patio and use vertical gardening techniques to maximize the use of the available space.
Sidewalk Gardens
Some neighborhoods have an awkward gap between the street curb and the sidewalk. Many homeowners leave this area as grass, gravel, or even weeds, but the right landscaping in this space adds some extra zing to the property’s curb appeal.
Flowers and small shrubs are great landscape design ideas for adding a splash of color to a sidewalk garden, but homeowners should choose wisely to avoid unnecessary maintenance. Perennials can be a good choice, but don’t forget they only bloom for a few months. Extend the growing season by planting a few bulbs that bloom in early spring interspersed with plants that bloom in autumn.
Looking for Ideas Customized to Your Space?
Our landscaping professionals at Atlanta Turf & Tree have 35 years of combined experience turning Atlanta-area yards into works of living, lasting art. Contact our landscaping services experts to get going on your next project.
