Popular Types of Landscape to Consider for Your Yard

When homeowners want to compliment their property’s architecture, style, and design, there are many different types of landscape they could choose. Putting some time and thought into choosing a design direction at the start can prevent an expensive remodel down the line. It’s also an opportunity to make the outdoor space feel like a beautiful extension of the home.

Within the styles below, there are design additions that work for any property. For instance, water features like ponds or waterfalls are lively additions to any landscape. Likewise, pergolas and gazebos add needed shade to any yard.

Further, all garden styles will follow basic landscape design principles. Focal points and harmonious hardscape, good use of color, and consideration of the home’s architecture all count towards the success of the final product.

A good landscape architect can help with ideas and overall landscape design. There are also DIY friendly landscape projects. But a complete overhaul can be a challenge!

Whether you’re looking at landscaping a front yard or a backyard, get it right the first time. Get going with these seven popular types of landscape below:

Mediterranean
English Cottage
Japanese Garden
French Country
Tropical
Gravel and Rock Gardens
Modern

Here’s a quick look at each to demonstrate what belongs and what doesn’t belong in each of these great landscaping types. Read on for tips on color scheme choice and essential elements. That way, you can start designing your perfect outdoor escape!

Mediterranean

Typically, yards with this style work well because they strike a balance between simplicity and elegance. Design-wise, this type of landscaping draws inspiration from Mediterranean gardens found along the coastal regions of France, Italy, and Spain.

Tiered fountains are mainstays in Mediterranean landscaping. Terra cotta pottery and sculpture inspired mainly by the classical period are also common. But to soften those formal qualities, many Mediterranean-inspired landscapes also include native Mediterranean plants. These include lavender, ornamental grasses, and cypress trees that paint the yard with gentle hues of purple, blue, and green.

English Cottage

English garden and cottage-inspired yards give a sense of fullness and abundance. They are generous in the volume and variety of colorful plants, especially flowers. Irises and lilies are two staples of English Cottage gardens. Continuing, any plant with yellow or gold accents is a welcome addition in this type.

To add a touch of tradition, some English Cottage landscapes feature white heirloom roses. They are more prevalent in the UK than in the US, so they make fantastic additions to an American garden looking for some extra authenticity.

The curb appeal of an English Cottage landscape looks cozy, with narrow rock paths and low-hanging stone archways complemented with roses and vines. The English Cottage vibe should be down-to-earth and relaxing, never over-formal or fussy.

Japanese Garden

Similarly, the idea behind Japanese Garden landscaping is to portray the property as a relaxing, semi-meditative sanctuary. When designed with the right aesthetic in mind, Japanese Gardens meld the essential elements of nature – earth, plants, and water – to instill a sense of well-being like no other.

Winding paths and mossy stepping stones are two distinctly Japanese influences that build a sense of mystery around the property. If moss doesn’t grow, then homeowners can substitute a ground cover plant to give the same effect.

Sweet-scented cherry blossoms are a popular addition, as are Japanese-inspired features like pagoda boxes, stone lanterns, ponds, or bamboo fencing.

French Country

Occasionally confused with English Cottage landscapes, the French Country style aims for a down-to-earth, rustic appeal. The difference is that this style traditionally requires several “rooms” for landscaping.

Unlike other landscaping types, the French Country look leans on wall-climbing vines. Virginia creeper, Boston ivy, and grape vines are at home. Many homeowners also like to include a variety of foliage, including tall and short shrubs.

The idea is to create a sense of symmetry and orderliness, not disarray. A premium is placed on privacy-giving and area-dividing qualities like rubble walls or hedges. The most striking French Country landscapes include cool shades of pink, purple, blue, and white.

Tropical

As one of the most popular landscape types of all time, the Tropical style is arguably the most versatile on this list. Color-wise, homeowners can’t go wrong with bold, vibrant hues. These are easily found among tropical plants. While it’s possible to make front yards look tropical, most homeowners choose their backyards, especially if the property has a swimming pool.

Certainly, palm trees are a must-have feature. But other design options include low-hanging hammocks, brightly colored umbrellas, or container plantings of hibiscus and bromeliads. Fruit trees are another fantastic addition to tropical landscaping.

Gravel and Rock Gardens

These desert landscapes provide a rugged, mountainous appeal to a property that needs something different. When a European-inspired style won’t do, many homeowners opt for the simplicity of gravel and rock, but why?

The best thing about gravel and rock gardens is that they do well at hiding a yard’s imperfections. Slopes and problem areas where plants won’t grow are easily bypassed. Soil does not have to be amended or prepared for plantings, except in strategic areas. They are also wonderfully low maintenance.

Whereas Japanese gardens lend themselves to incorporating smooth rocks, gravel and rock gardens often include irregular, jagged rocks of all sizes, including small boulders. Look to Southwest xeriscaping for inspiration.

Modern

When none of the types above suffice, many homeowners go for the modern style: clean, uncluttered, and minimalist. Modern landscaping only uses colorful foliage sparingly – if at all – leaning on earthen-toned features or wood accents instead. Similarly, the color palette of a modern yard should be natural and neutral without vibrant hues.

The architecture is understated. Usually, it incorporates clean lines and strong angles. Concrete is used in rectangles as stepping stone walkways bordered in dark river rock or expansive patios. Slate, timber, and lawn are often included, too.

Natural Landscapes

Although not included in traditional landscape styles, natural landscapes are growing in popularity. Woodland style yards are an example if native plant landscaping is the goal.

Multiple ideas are borrowed from the natural style and applied to any landscape design. For example, use a variety of native plants. Consider ecological impact and think about sustainability of materials used in the landscape architecture.

What Do They Have in Common?

Regardless of the landscaping style, there are a few things every professional design will bring to the table. Firstly, where there are plants there must be a proper irrigation system.

Hand watering gets old fast. Instead, opt for an automated landscape irrigation system. A drip irrigation system is a popular (and water-wise) way to get the job done. It also protect the landscaping investment and ensures that the plants thrive. After all, no one wants to come home from work to see the new perennials wilting in the Atlanta heat.

Secondly, a seamless outdoor lighting system elevates the entire design. It also makes it possible to enjoy the yard after dark. The right lighting adds dimension and ambience. Further, it increases security at night.

Lastly, attention is paid to the finer details. A completed landscape will utilize attractive groundcovers and hardscape to conceal dirt. Landscape fabric should be used generously to prevent weeds and maintenance down the line. Additionally, attractive landscaping rock or hardscape is installed for the finishing touch.