Back landscaping ideas

44 Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Inspire You

Peg Aloi

Peg Aloi is a professional gardener covering plants in various contexts, from recipes to heirloom orchard fruits. Her area of interest is the folklore of plants and herbs. She's worked as a garden designer for public housing, individual homes, and businesses, and gives workshops on various gardening topics.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 08/31/22

Reviewed by

Kathleen Miller

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Your backyard landscaping should be an extension of what's going on inside your home. Often, regardless of your indoor style, your backyard ends up looking more colorful, casual, and fun. The possibilities are only limited by the terrain, your design skills, and your do-it-yourself landscaping know-how.

You can always hire a landscape designer or architect to help your outdoor space realize its potential. A skilled professional can guide you through the process of figuring out a style, deciding who will be using the yard, creating zones of activity, choosing materials and plants, and recommending builders and contractors for everything from swimming pools to outdoor structures to installing irrigation.

Explore 44 ideas that show you how to transform a backyard into your favorite space.

The Best Landscape Design Software

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Privacy and Comfort

@ann. living / Instagram

This cozy yet spacious seating area has plenty of privacy thanks to privacy fencing and some well-placed perennial grasses that also help absorb noise. The sturdy practical table and benches provide a casual dining space, and the seating area with couch is a perfect place for an afternoon nap or evening gathering.
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No Patio, No Problem

@s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram

There's no need to go to the trouble of installing a patio or other flooring. In fair weather, with a level lawn area, just arrange some comfy chairs (wicker with cushions give this a romantic, cozy feel), add some ambient lighting, some large candle holders, and you have a perfectly lovely seating area with impromptu charm. There's plenty of waterproof wicker options, and if rain threatens, just store the cushions and blankets indoors.
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Easy Landscaping

@ann.living / Instagram

Landscaping need not be complicated or fussy. This simple design allows an interesting border to the lawn area with simple wooden posts laid in as borders. The gray fencing, gravel, lighting fixtures and planters accent the gray tones in the tree bark, and easy plants like clumping grasses and evergreen shrubs provide interest all season.
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Retaining Walls Around Patios

KG Designs

If your yard has steep levels or hills you may want to consider a retaining wall. This one has two levels around the seating area, with the lower one providing a space for seasonal plantings and a built in fireplace. The look comes together with a dramatic round metal pergola that supports the beautiful white wisteria vine (a plant that needs a strong structure away from the house, as its growth can become invasive over time). This pergola adds an airy, open feel to the solid retaining wall, balancing the angular walls with circular lines.
The Best Pergola Kits to Elevate Your Backyard Experience
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Paths for Strolling

KG Designs

This concrete path allows plenty of room for walking or placing a chair to linger over the nearby vista. Planting perennials that bloom from spring through autumn makes this walkway a welcoming destination through three seasons.
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Cafe Society

@s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram

So much can be done with a few well-chosen furnishings. This charming alcove is the perfect spot for breakfast or afternoon tea. The all-weather rug transforms the stone patio beneath it, creating the feel of a small outdoor room, and the filigree metal table and chairs are accented by other metal decor and various objects (clay pots, baskets) made of natural materials in an attractive neutral palette, which complements the unpainted wooden fence. The eclectic look is whimsical yet classy.
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Defining Space with Structure

Finding Lovely

With a large backyard space, structural elements are key to defining the space and giving it a shape. This yard is flanked by mature trees on its edge, and so a variety of smaller levels and contrasting shapes creates a pleasing and functional design. The garden shed with fenced in area is the focal point (and the fence is useful for wandering toddlers or pets when you're working!). The flagstone path provides graceful curves and the white stone carries on the color theme of the white fence posts and white painted trim on the shed. Finally, the curved shapes of the flower beds also define the walkway's connection to the larger property.
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Garden Theme

@sunnygardentime / Instagram

Sometimes you can tell where a gardener lives! This backyard is all about celebrating gardening, with many potted plants, vines with colorful flowers growing over fences and sheds, and comfy green chairs strategically placed to rest and enjoy the view of your accomplishments after a busy morning of gardening.
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Open Air Fencing

Finding Lovely

Fences can be necessary and useful structures, but they need not always be opaque or thick for privacy. This open air fence allows plenty of sight lines throughout the garden, including views of the raised beds through the fence. The curved arbor over the gate could hold climbing roses or other vines. The strong structure of the fence, incorporated with the flagstone path, solidifies the location as a central focal point by the shed, and yet the whole area looks airy and inviting.
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Pavers: Go Big!

Design by Mindy Gayer / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

Installing a patio with pavers can be a lot of work and requires decisions about preparing the space, leveling, gravel or sand, etc. These large pavers simplify the logistics a bit, and the ground cover growing between them softens the look and breaks up the large expanses of white in this design. There are lots of options for ground cover too, including grasses, creeping sedum, and creeping thyme.
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Sunken Patio

@ladylandscape / Instagram

This seating area centers around a fire dish but the round structure could as easily be a table or water feature. The real star here is the sturdy rock wall surround built of natural granite blocks, and stairs leading down to the flagstone patio, creating a sunken room effect, with plenty of lush plantings at ground and wall level to add a dose of nature and privacy.
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Easy Desert Borders

@beartrapgarden / Instagram

This desert backyard is a series of garden beds and walkways. Gravel is used for a tidy, attractive look and moisture retention in times of drought. The gravel works on the walkway and in beds as an alternative to wood mulches. If the ground covers spill over the edge of the border into the path, hey, the more the merrier! The native plantings and many succulents provide a lush, colorful yet easy-going approach to having a large-scale yet simple garden plan.
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Stone Steps Lead the Way

@falkner_gardens / Instagram / Photograph by Jean Allsop /Birmingham Home & Garden (cover)

The stone stairs and walls make a dramatic entry point for the sprawling lawn and a shady seating destination beneath mature trees. (This furry friend agrees, a shady spot with some cool grass on a hot day is a welcome treat!) The large stone planters are naturally aged by moss and weather, and the abundant flowers include plenty of low maintenance hosta. The large pavers are an easy way to create a patio or walkway below the raised level and leaving some grass in between creates a casual yet intentional look.
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Sustainable Design

@beartrapgarden / Instagram

Nearly every design element in this beautiful off-grid desert property is intended to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. From the native plants to the moisture-retaining gravel to the rain barrels and clever use of found objects, this appealing landscape design shows respect for the planet and a resourceful sensibility.
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Cool Pool

@ladylandscape / Instagram

Pools are great for cooling down in hot weather, but what about cooling down when you're not in the water? A shady pavilion and terraced gardens alongside the stairs make this pool feature a comfortable and beautiful place to beat the heat. The cool-warm color palette of perennials is eye-catching and invokes both sun and water.
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Lawn as Patio

Marie Flanigan Interiors

This modern and minimal design features a level lawn area the same shape as the pool, flanked by a simple bed with young birch trees. The simple lines are accented by the clean lines of the furniture chosen. The limited palette of white and brown with touches of deep green is anchored by the perennial beds with low-growing shrubs.
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Fireside Chats

Design by Mindy Gayer / Photo by Lane Dittoe

For homeowners who like to entertain, having more than one outdoor area for socializing can be a great way to maximize space. This design emphasizes seating areas over garden beds or plantings, with multiple levels and wide concrete stairs tying them all together. The sleek design of all three areas is minimal yet comfortable, with Adirondack chairs around the firepit area and comfortable seating on the lower patio, and a slightly more formal dining area on the upper level.
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Pergolas and Arbors

@ladylandscape / Instagram

The installation of a pergola or arbor can create an attractive and functional focal point for your garden. They can frame an entry way to a seating area or other destination, and also add shade to a sunny spot. This one has a trumpet vine, a beautiful but somewhat invasive flower that can be trained to behave itself if it has a strong structure to climb on. The cozy seating area on the wooden deck is surrounded by easy care hedges and perennials, and the large pavers offer some flexibility when designing walkways.
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Defining Space with Containers

@beartrapgarden / Instagram

Using containers is an easy way to create height and depth of space throughout your garden areas without too much effort. This desert garden has a variety of succulents and native plants in a variety of shapes, from creeping and curvy to tall and spiky, and the containers can be moved around at will to change the look. Graceful wire fence pieces create an open air look and protect the beds from wandering pets.
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Fire Dish Vista

@ladylandscape / Instagram

A wood-burning metal fire dish is a simple solution if you don't want to fuss with propane, gas or installing a fire pit. Plus, a fire feature creates the basis for an instant seating area! The open air feeling here allows a wide view of the gorgeous backdrops of mature trees and forest in the distance, and enjoying sunsets as day turns to night. The black and white Adirondack chairs look sharp against the gray flagstone patio, and the perennial tufts of grass help define the space.
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Outdoor Open Air "Room"

Design by Kendall Wilkinson Design / Photo by Paul Dyer

The willow structure creating the roof lets sunlight through but also creates abundant shade over this open-air patio room. This is essentially a pavilion with permeable roof over a deck that creates dramatic play of light and shadow and provides a cozy seating area in sunny weather. Using waterproof furniture and cushions protects in case some rain gets through.
The 12 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture of 2022
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Curving Beds

@thepsychgarden / Instagram

A large backyard full of perennial beds just beckons meandering walks, and placing benches or other seating areas provides small destination points throughout. Mature treed provide dappled shade yet there's plenty of sun for flowers. The curved edges of these beds (precisely what English gardeners would call "herbaceous borders") have natural stone which adds to the woodland appeal of this year round garden landscape.
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Birdhouses

Becca Interiors

Bird lovers wouldn't be without at least one birdfeeder in their backyard. These are best placed near shrubs or small trees as many birds (cardinals, goldfinches and others) desire a bit of protective cover before they'll venture nearby. This classic wooden birdhouse with tin roof has a vintage look perfect for a rambling outdoor garden. If you have multiple birdfeeding areas, be sure to consider placement in terms of seating and viewing vantage points so you can enjoy seeing the birds from indoors, or from your patio or other outdoor seating areas.
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Retaining Walls and Stairs

Kate Marker Interiors

This magnificent design features a rear entry way of stone steps and retaining walls with built-in perennial beds, providing not only practical access to the rear entrance but a marvelous garden space. The rectangular shapes of the pool, patio and levels of planters alongside the steps create a pleasing perpendicular shape with long lines contrasting with the tall shape of the house. The shrubs and planters add softer curving shapes for baance.
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Simple Patio Design

M Lavender Interiors

Patios can be elaborate or simple, and one of the most basic designs includes a flat floor surface, usually of flagstone pavers or bricks, or other natural material. Just add some weatherproof furniture like this simple wicker sofa and chair, and a table, and you have a cozy seating area suitable for many uses. This patio has some shrubs nearby and containers of annuals can be easily moved around to change the shape or look of the space.
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Lush Patio Surroundings

@thepsychgarden / Instagram

This backyard is full of lush garden spots, from the full perennial beds and trees to the vine-covered screened porch and the enormous planters. This small seating area has European charm with its metal furniture and ornate stone planters with blooming hydrangeas, and plenty of privacy from nearby shrubs. The container with the large fern can be moved to create space for drinks or coffee.
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Tropical Plants for Drama

Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Karla Garcia

The tropical plantings add color and drama to this southern home, with a flowering vine trained into a tree form, and large-leafed tropicals planted closely together for visual impact and a block of vibrant color.
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Poolside Serenity

Design by Mindy Gayer / Photo by Lane Dittoe

Who says you can't plant perennial beds next to your pool? These low maintenance grasses and other perennials in a range of pale greens accent the mostly white palette here. They also add some organic shapes and visual textures to the straight lines of the pool, buildings and furniture. A festive large umbrella provides some shade for this poolside oasis.
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California Vibe

White Sands Design/Build

This beachside bungalow has touches of Moroccan design (note the dramatic tiles in the stairs) and splashes of color from ceramic planters to enliven the white plaster walls. The plants are an attractive assortment of natives and tropicals suited to this southern California climate. These three dogs seem to love the spacious ease of the sandy walkway and the shady pockets created by lush perennials.
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Multiple Seating Options

@ladylandscape / Instagram

Having more than one seating area, even under one pavilion, is a great option if you can manage it. This gives you flexibility for entertaining, and also allows for different views to enjoy the changing colors and shapes of the garden through the season.
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Seasonal Colors and Shapes

@thepsychgarden / Instagram

The gentle texture of this weeping cherry tree in spring is enhanced with multiple clay pots with spring bulbs blooming. The brick beds echo the terra cotta of the pots, adding a warm yet neutral tones against the cool color palette of greens, blues and purples.
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Garden Views

@ladylandscape / Instagram

These terraced gardens with stone steps and decks for walking look over a scenic view of meadows and hills. The native plantings are colorful and their bushy shapes echo the trees and grasses in the distance.
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Shady Arcadia

@gardenfromscratch / Instagram

The verdant shade gardens of this property may be chock full of luscious plantings including a diverse array of hostas, but still feel open and airy by this open-air iron gate that looks out over a wide meadow vista.
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Luxurious Lawn

Hannah Tyler Designs

Sometimes letting your grass grow just a bit higher than normal gives it a glossy, soft look and feel. This low-key backyard design features a lovely mature tree encircled by hostas and meandering cottage-style flower beds, but tying it all together is a lush expanse of green. Don't have perfect grass? Try adding clover seed for a pollinator-friendly lawn that fills in nicely.
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Gardens at Sunset

@ladylandscape / Instagram

For gardens with a sunset view, consider plantings that will complement the glorious colors of the sky, for maximum enjoyment. Paniculata hydrangea flowers turn rosy burnished hues as summer turns to autumn, and oakleaf hydrangeas have foliage that turns brilliant colors, Many flowering shrubs have foliage that turns colorful at some point in the season, including varieties of ninebark, amsonia, fothergilla, and spirea.
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Dining Al Fresco

Finding Lovely

With a level lawn and some cooling shade trees, you can set up a seasonal al fresco dining area to use as often as you wish. Weatherproof furniture options are plentiful these days. Just change up the linens and table settings, add some fresh cut flowers or other centerpiece, and you're ready to entertain outdoors without having to clean the whole house! The shade canopy allows for morning or afternoon meals; evening dinners in summer might need a bit of insect prevention in the form of citronella candles.
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Curvy, Cozy and Chic

@cottageandsea / Instagram

This small seating area is delightfully stylish owing to a tasteful mix of textures and round shapes. The curves are repeated in the egg swivel chair, the central water feature, the decorative woven rug, the cushion chair, and the charcoal grill/smoker.
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Balancing Shapes and Textures

Design by Mindy Gayer / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

With so many options available for furniture and plants, an outdoor seating area can be low maintenance by design. This modern seating area has waterproof cushions and a clean propane stone fire dish for easy entertaining. The square lines and gray tones are nicely complemented by planters at a right angle filled with feathery textured perennials in striking colors.
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Stripes and Shapes

@kirsten.diane / Instagram

The whimsical design elements here pull together beautifully, with the soft textures of the blooming lilac bush and curving shapes of the umbrella the large glass jug forming a pleasing counterpoint to the angular striped patterns of the cushions and rug.
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Winter Charm

@s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram

Even if you're not spending too much time sitting in your backyard space in winter, adding some seasonal decor can lift your spirits when the winds are howling. This simple Scandinavian holiday scene has winter greenery draping over a bench, birch logs, pine cones, a tree sculpture, and a chunky wooden star to create a rustic holiday tableau.
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Lighting Effects

@cottageandsea / Instagram

Creative use of lighting can transform the backyard experience. This attractive wicker pendant lamp can be fitted with electric, battery powered or solar bulbs depending on your needs. It creates a nice focal point for this simple seating arrangement of wooden chairs and central table, and the light will have plenty of plants and leaves to filter through to make dramatic shadows.
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DIY Decor

@luckyplot13 / Instagram

If you're handy with a paintbrush you can create a nice color scheme with used furniture, wood pallets, and other objects to be upcycled. The pale pink works as a neutral here with the small container plantings. The willow fencing makes a perfect backdrop to hang some festive string lights, and is an easy and cheap way to cover up ugly fencing or create some instant privacy.
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Winter Interest

@gardenfromscratch / Instagram

If you live in a zone where you get substantial snowfall in winter. consider plantings that will offer sculptural beauty in a snowscape. The large weeping evergreen tree looks beautiful covered in snow, and this variegated yucca is an unexpected but thrilling sight in this winter landscape. Dormant sedums and ornamental grasses often make interesting shapes in snow and can then be cut back in early spring before new growth begins.
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Sensual Scenery

@s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram

This simple seating area in a small garden in Yorkshire, England is surrounded by sensual pleasures of all kinds: a scenic view of mountains, the intoxicating scent of wisteria blooms, leafy plantings, and whimsical Japanese lanterns hanging from the hedges.

45 Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space

Photo: istockphoto.com

Incentivize yourself to spend more time enjoying your yard and garden. Fresh air, natural light, and the right backyard landscaping ideas convert your outdoor space into a highly desirable hangout area. Creating your ideal backyard landscape is achieved through a combination of cultivated areas that make a space relaxing and rejuvenating, while also adding value to your home!

Upgrading your deck and backyard can be as simple as a few minor updates, or you can completely overhaul the entire outdoor area with beautiful landscaping, fully equipped outdoor rooms, and other enjoyment areas. There are endless ideas for backyard landscaping; here are some of our favorites.

1. English Cottage Garden

Photo: istockphoto.com

Fit for a storybook, English cottage gardens are the epitome of charm. With a dense hodgepodge of flowers, edible fruits, and veggies, these gardens are quaint and imperfect. Go crazy and plant a little bit of a lot of different things to achieve this picturesque outdoor style. Plant some lavender here, daisies or other florals there, a boxwood, some vines and other shrubs . . . you get it. The overall look is only limited to plants that thrive in your climate.

2. Water Feature with Fountain

Photo: istockphoto.com

Water features add elegance and zen to a backyard. Let the soft babbling and gentle splashes relax the vibe of your outdoor space. Depending on the space you have available, a water fountain can be added to a backyard pond or pool, it can be part of a birdbath, or it can be an above-ground or small tabletop structure.

3. Several Seating Areas

Photo: istockphotos.com

Having several seating areas is beneficial for more than just backyard parties. When you consider the different types of seats you have indoors, it makes sense to add extra seating outside too. Incorporate different chairs for eating, lounging, reading, and more to get the most from your space. Rather than drag the same patio chair around the yard to enjoy or avoid the sun, having strategically placed patio furniture ensures you and your guests always have a comfortable place to relax.

4. Minimalist Outdoor Space

Photo: istockphoto.com

Adding more landscaping elements to your yard may not necessarily be the answer. For some, more furniture, more plants and flowers, more bird feeders, and more of anything else can make a yard feel cluttered. You also need to consider the time and care it takes to maintain everything you add to your backyard living space. Find calm and contentment by taking away the extra stuff, and highlighting your yard’s simple, natural beauty.

RELATED: 14 Ways to Make Your Small Yard Seem Big

5. Multipurpose Backyard

Photo: istockphoto.com

Backyard landscaping ideas have to suit the needs and desires of your entire household. In a single yard, you may need space for kids to play, you may want a vertical garden, you may need to plant trees to provide more shade, you may want to plant flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds, and the list goes on. Before deciding on a drastic change that limits the use of your backyard, consider everything you want to use it for, and make sure that your landscaping ideas work in harmony with your lifestyle.

6. Well-Placed Retaining Wall

Photo: istockphoto.com

A useful and attractive sloped backyard landscaping idea is the addition of a retaining wall. This wall holds back soil and prevents soil erosion and potential damage to your home. Before breaking ground on a retaining wall, have a detailed understanding of the property line, above ground and underground utilities, know that the soil will support the wall, and that the wall has good drainage. There are plenty of available designs that fit in wonderfully with the atmosphere you’re creating with your backyard landscaping.

7. Small Swimming Pool

Photo: istockphoto.com

It’s hard to beat the appeal of a gorgeous and inviting pool. The calming blue color it adds to a space makes it feel like a vacation in your own backyard. A home with a pool is the place to be in the summer, whether you’re hanging out with friends, reading, or swimming laps. There are a variety of pools out there to suit your specific needs—your ideal backyard pool landscaping may include a diving board, a small pool for the kids, or a specific shape or length. The right pool contractor can bring your vision to life.

8. Ground-Level Deck

Photo: istockphoto. com

Say the word “deck” and you may conjure images of a barbecue grill area, a cozy outdoor room, a fresh air yoga space, and a ton of other potential uses. Advantages to adding a deck include less landscaping maintenance, more room to entertain, aesthetic appeal, and potentially increased property value. There are a lot of reasons to say yes to adding a deck to your backyard, what’s yours?

9. Pretty Pond

Photo: istockphoto.com

One way to amp up your outdoor relaxation is by building a pond. Do it well, and this outdoor pond landscaping idea becomes a stress-free space that exudes feelings of calm. Fill it with fish and pond plants, such as horsetail, taro, or water lilies. After you establish the ecosystem, maintenance is minimal, and you can spend more time enjoying the pond than working on it. A backyard pond is a terrific addition to a large backyard and gives you a noteworthy feature for your home.

10. Lush Lawn

Photo: istockphoto. com

Let’s face it, how the grass looks makes or breaks the aesthetic of your backyard landscaping. Thick, perfectly tended grass has a simple beauty that makes a yard look amazing. It’s never too late to improve the look and feel of your grass. Whether you grow grass from seed, or get a near-instant upgrade with turf, you can’t go wrong investing in your lawn.

11. Gardens Galore

Photo: istockphoto.com

Who says you can only have one kind of garden? Every home, no matter how big or small, has the space for a garden. Depending on your passions and your space, your new garden may be a style you hadn’t yet considered. Edible vegetable gardens and ornamental tropical plant or flower gardens are popular. With limited space you can add a vertical garden or raised garden bed to your deck or patio, start an indoor herb garden, small succulent garden, fairy garden, and more.

12. Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Photo: istockphoto. com

Dry weather doesn’t have to annihilate your garden and lawn every year. Certain climates have windows of time when there’s no rain and the moisture in the soil dries up. If droughts occur in your area, avoid the heartache of investing in water-loving plants and switch to drought tolerant greenery. Depending on your local climate, adding plants like lavender, catmint, California poppy, yarrow, and artemisia keeps your outdoor space colorful and thriving.

13. Filled with Flower Beds

Photo: istockphoto.com

Flower-filled gardens are lovely, but flower beds and pots give your backyard landscaping a little something extra. Elevated flower beds are kinder to the back muscles, with less bending required to prune, plant, and maintain. Flower beds can be placed in areas where they’ll get the right amount of sun, which may lead to more thriving flower gardens. An empty or neglected flower bed attracts attention for all the wrong reasons; keep your flowers perky and thriving by selecting outdoor plants meant for your climate.

14. Paver Patio

Photo: istockphoto.com

The addition of a patio off a bedroom or other living space gives you another outdoor area to beautify. Create a serene place for drinking your morning coffee, entertaining, or enjoying a different view of your backyard. Decorate your patio with furniture, string lights, wall art, and greenery and create a micro paradise.

15. Minimal Mowing

Photo: istockphoto.com

Enjoying your backyard and maintaining it are two separate activities. For more pleasure and less upkeep, bring features to your backyard landscaping that reduce the amount of grass you need to mow. Instead of grass, build a deck or terrace to extend your living space. Still want the greenery without the work? Replace traditional lawn turf with creeping thyme – it gives you a beautiful, hassle-free lawn that can still be stepped on.

RELATED: Goodbye Grass: 13 Inspiring Ideas for a “No Mow” Backyard

16. Vegetable Gardens

Photo: istockphoto.com

Cut your grocery bill by growing your own seasonal produce. Not only is a vegetable garden a charming backyard landscaping idea, but it also provides you with a hobby that gets you outside in the fresh air. It’s hard to beat the taste of healthy, fresh veggies you grow and harvest yourself. While summer is a time when many veggies thrive, there are still many vegetables you can grow through the fall.

17. Fully Fenced

Photo: istockphoto.com

Dreaming of a house with a white picket fence? Maybe you prefer your privacy? There are many reasons to get an aesthetically pleasing fence, and it’s not just to keep urban critters out of your yard. Depending on your backyard landscaping ideas, a fence creates a neutral backdrop that you can use to design your perfect backyard space. Pick a fence with decorative appeal and enhance it with some creeping plants, outdoor lights, or weather-resistant art.

18. Welcoming Walkway

Photo: istockphoto.com

Instead of using a gaudy “keep of the grass” sign, a clear walkway is a simple way to keep foot traffic off a lawn. Depending on your outdoor landscaping decor, walkways can be simple rocks, marble or cement tiles, wood planks, decorative concrete, and more. Find what fits your style and use it to create a clear path around your home.

19. Starry String Lights

Photo: istockphoto.com

The addition of string lights adds ambiance to an outdoor space, and allows visibility for entertaining well past sunset. From classic Edison bulbs to novelty chili peppers, string lights come in several designs to suit a variety of style preferences. Make sure you hang outdoor string lights safely and out of the way of walking paths. We like these highly rated simple string lights available at Amazon because they suit any occasion.

20. Partial Privacy

Photo: istockphoto. com

When it comes to fencing, all-around fences may feel a bit like you’re boxed into your own backyard. If there’s a side of the house that offers beautiful views, partial privacy opens up your yard and gives you access to the visual wonders of your neighborhood. Partial privacy can be achieved with minimal fencing, a trellis or pergola, a living fence of cedars or other greenery, outdoor curtains, and many other options, too.

RELATED: 11 Ideas for Better Backyard Privacy

21. Pergola

Photo: Wayfair.com

Not a trellis and not a gazebo, a pergola is a distinct structure that can stand alone or attach to the side of your home (though permits may be required). Known for its vertical columns and crossbeams, a pergola is a stunning addition to backyard landscaping. It can provide shade with a fabric canopy or climbing plants, offer an elegant place to sit or mingle, and has a beauty that no other structure captures. This simple pergola available at Wayfair is one of our favorites.

22. Shade Trees

Photo: istockphoto.com

Being in the sun all day isn’t the best for you. With harmful UV rays, enjoying the outdoors properly means being responsible and seeking shade when you’re able. If your backyard landscaping is a little light on shade, it’s never too late to plant some trees and gain extra shade every year. The best shade trees pair well with relaxing, playful children, and hammock hangouts.

23. Storage Shed

Photo: Wayfair.com

Prolific gardeners, pool owners, and tool enthusiasts need a place to keep all their gear, or they risk cluttering up their gorgeous backyard. No longer merely a practical storage building on your property, a shed is part of your yard sight lines and should be selected for how well it suits the feel of your yard. For its size, aesthetic, and usefulness, this highly rated shed available at Wayfair fits nicely in many large backyards.

24. Geometric Backyard Landscaping

Photo: istockphoto.com

The clean lines of modern homes translate well into modern landscaping ideas. Mirror the shape of structures and features around your home within your backyard landscaping. This creates a cohesive aesthetic that flows well throughout your indoor and outdoor living spaces. These shape details can be incorporated into the planters you select, walkway stones, the style of patio furniture, and even how you prune your trees and plants.

25. Courtyard

Photo: istockphoto.com

Marry practical design with aesthetically pleasing features by adding a courtyard to your outdoor space. This open air area is usually surrounded by walls or buildings. At your home, it may be the space between your home and detached garage, guest house, or pool. Rather than force a grassy lawn in an area that sees a lot of foot traffic, lean into hard concrete, decorative tiles, and brick designs that could add a different kind of beauty (and less maintenance) to an outdoor area.

26. Slope Solution

Photo: istockphoto.com

Every backyard is different, and they’re not all flat. Landscaping a sloped backyard can be a lot of fun, giving you different heights for planting flowers and greenery for extra visual interest. Mowing sloped terrain in its current state may not be your favorite chore, but it’s easy to fix. Areas with a difficult slope can be transformed into flower beds, a succulent garden, decorative rock beds, and more.

RELATED: 10 Lush Landscaping Ideas for a Hilly Backyard

27. Fit in a Fire Pit

Photo: istockphoto.com

When night falls, gather around an outdoor fire pit. Bond over a fireside chat, stay warm while stargazing, have a date night in your own backyard, roast marshmallows, or just get mesmerized watching the flames flicker and dance around. Memories are made around a fire pit, for young and old. From rustic to elegant, wood fuel or propane, a backyard fire pit is sure to see a lot of use.

28. Quiet Corner

Photo: istockphoto.com

Many of our backyard landscaping ideas lend themselves to entertaining. Not everyone needs a space to mingle and party, but instead some folks would get more use from a quiet backyard sanctuary. If that’s you, find your favorite area of your backyard, and turn it into your own peaceful place. Partial privacy options can create a little hideaway in your own yard, giving you the mental break you need to meditate, read, or think.

29. Outdoor Kitchen

Photo: istockphoto.com

Hosting an outdoor dinner always seems like a great idea, until you’re on what feels like your millionth trip from the kitchen to the outdoor dining table. Outdoor dining becomes a heck of a lot easier when you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Your outdoor kitchen may include a barbecue grill with cooking elements, pizza oven, blender, outdoor fridge, or outdoor sink. Pretty much anything you keep in your regular kitchen can be added to your outdoor kitchen–just make sure you have access to power outlets.

30. Backyard Fireplace

Photo: istockphoto.com

A fire pit is usually the middle of the action, where guests gather around it. An outdoor fireplace, on the other hand, tends to be on the periphery, larger than a fire pit, and generally more opulent. Some come with mantles, they can be modern or rustic, and they are made from an array of materials. When building your outdoor fireplace, try to place it in a direction that blocks prevailing wind, so it retains more heat for those sitting in front of it.

31. Landscape with a Trellis

Photo: istockphoto.com

Limited space for greenery? Add a trellis and grow more flowers and plants vertically. This decorative addition is for any size yard and adds a touch of artistry to a landscape design. These can be simple or ornate, depending on the statement you want to make. Made from materials like iron, bamboo, or wood, a trellis can be made or bought in several designs to suit the decor of your backyard.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Many grasses and plants are ill-suited for hot, dry climates. Choose instead plants and landscaping styles that lend themselves to backyards with dry conditions, or for those who like a low-maintenance backyard. Opt for zen sandboxes, succulent or cactus gardens, interesting rock formations, and decorative elements, like pergolas, that help create pockets of shade.

33. Outdoor Dining

Photo: istockphoto.com

When the gorgeous weather arrives, make the most of it. Soak up that vitamin D and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner beneath a blue sky (or covered patio). When you spend so much time cultivating a beautiful backyard landscape, you want to enjoy it as much as possible. A comfortable, attractive outdoor dining set adds more functionality to your space.

34. Personal Oasis

Photo: istockphoto.com

Like water in a desert, a backyard oasis is a place you create that’s refreshing and recharging. For some, it’s a set of Adirondack chairs by a water feature, but it could be a small pool tucked away behind a partial privacy screen. For others, an oasis is a relaxing porch swing or hammock. Whatever you need to fuel your spirit—from art, to aromatic flowers, to the perfect outdoor chair— that’s your oasis.

35. Place for Kids to Play

Photo: Wayfair.com

Some families need to incorporate a place that meets the specific needs of children. From sandboxes to playgrounds, kids require an outdoor area that’s just for them–otherwise their games may encroach on other areas of your landscaping that you want them to avoid. Investing in a large activity structure, such as this highly rated cedar swing set available at Wayfair, keeps kids busy for hours.

36. Stepping Stones

Photo: istockphoto.com

A series of flat stepping stones give your family and friends stable footing across certain terrain in your backyard. This backyard landscaping idea can be purely decorative, but it usually offers a safe way to step through gardens, across grass, over a rock bed, and even across a shallow water feature. Guide visitors safely through your backyard by providing stepping stones where you want people to walk. Create your own stepping stones, or purchase ones that fit your backyard, such as these resin stepping stones available at Wayfair.

37. Elevated Patio

Photo: istockphoto.com

Concrete’s not just a slab of gray, hard landscaping that looks like a boring sidewalk. Over the last several years, concrete has become more of an art form. Concrete contractors can color and stamp concrete into various designs and styles, further elevating the appearance of your outdoor flooring, and tying your landscaping designs together.

38. Outdoor Living Room

Photo: istockphoto.com

Patio furniture has become more diverse as consumers spend more time living outside when the weather is warm. From weather-resistant outdoor couches to recliners, side tables, and even outdoor televisions hung under a covered patio, an outdoor living room gives you all the comfort and amenities you need to stay outside all day long.

39. Collection of Container Gardens

Photo: istockphoto.com

It’s possible for everyone to have a garden for their home (actually!). Container gardening uses pots for growing plants, veggies, and flowers instead of growing them in the ground. This style is popular for those living in urban spaces who may only have a small yard or patio for landscaping. Container gardens also work beautifully scattered throughout a large yard that also has in-ground gardens.

Not sure what to plant in your container garden? Here are a few ideas to bring pollinators to your outdoor space.

40. Backyard Bar

Photo: Etsy.com

It’s five o’clock somewhere! If you have the patio or deck space, a bar setup may make your backyard the neighborhood hangout during happy hour. A dedicated and stocked bar space is a tremendous upgrade from a bar cart. Serious DIYers may embrace the challenge of creating a bespoke bar setup by the pool or in their outdoor living room, while others may prefer to spend the money to get a bar setup, like this one available at Etsy.

41. Rustic Backyard Retreat

Photo: istockphoto.com

Dial back the modern influence and settle into a casual, rustic backyard landscape design. This simple backyard landscaping idea just feels comfortable, like your favorite pair of warm socks. Wood and metal accents, mismatched planters, and plants that aren’t perfectly trimmed makes it feel like an escape from the city with a farmhouse, woodsy feel.

42. Backyard Chicken Coop

Photo: Etsy.com

The sun rises and the rooster crows, signaling the start of another beautiful day. Wouldn’t it be great to have your own chicken coop in the backyard? Fresh eggs as often as you like, and the potential to start a small urban farm. Chicken coops and their feathered inhabitants add a lot of entertainment to a backyard, too. This idea is reserved for large backyard landscaping, so your chickens get enough room to run around. Build your own, or buy this enormous chicken coop, available at Etsy.

43. Nap Zone

Photo: Etsy.com

A short afternoon siesta can leave you feeling refreshed. Chilling out in the gentle sway of a hammock and drifting off into sleep feels incredible. Beneath the shade of strong trees, outdoor naps come with the ambient noise of your yard, which could be a fountain, birds in the distance, or rustling leaves. Get your share of peaceful moments by tying up a hammock between two trees, like this handmade hammock available at Etsy.

44. Terraced Backyard Landscaping

Photo: istockphoto.com

For attractive and useful sloped backyard landscaping ideas, terraced gardens are a must. Using retaining walls creates sturdy and accessible garden beds, allowing homeowners to turn formerly difficult areas into beloved outdoor spaces. These tiered garden beds make planting possible in areas that were previously unusable. Creating multiple, leveled sections evens out water distribution, which prevents ground erosion.

RELATED: The Invincible Yard: 17 Ideas for Lazy Landscaping

45. Path Lighting

Photo: Etsy.com

Stop fumbling around in the dark, and shine some light into areas of your backyard. Selecting outdoor lanterns for walkways keeps people safe, and creates an opportunity for homeowners to add another personal touch to their outdoor space. The layout of your space lets you know the best type of path lighting, whether it’s installed or portable, like these whimsical lanterns available at Etsy.

Fresh 20 landscape design ideas for inspiration

There are never too many ideas for giving, I myself am convinced of this every day, and the examples of my girlfriends testify to this. You can even go online every day and you will be presented with more and more new options for arranging a summer cottage or landscaping a private house.

In addition, every year thousands of residents of our country equip their plots and share photos of the results of their own efforts. There are more and more landscape designers every year, and their professionalism is also developing. New trends are coming that can be put into practice.

The idea of organizing the space in front of the house, this is the suburbs. Let's walk around this beautiful area for a bit.

Another view of this space. I am very pleased that our, domestic specialists are now creating worthy, at the world level, projects.

An example of a walkway and fence. Ornamental shrubs. lawn, lanterns, stone path.

My favorite conifers, planted in groups, visually divide the space. creating separate compositional areas.

There was also a place for a rockery on the site, in the center of which a decorative pine tree was planted. A little further away is a place to rest with a bench. Pay attention also to the fence - it is made in two boards with an offset - a very beautiful solution for fencing.

Separately, I want to note the idea of such a solution with stone and gravel backfill. This is already beautiful in itself, in this composition either a small decorative leafy bush or a short conifer will look great.

Original design ideas for a private house in the Czech Republic - the owner of the site, in all likelihood, is very fond of topiary art, since most of his trees are neatly trimmed.

The idea of paths and rockeries on the site in front of the house from the St. Petersburg landscape design studio Sakura.

Beautiful idea for a flower planting in a round flower bed under a tree.

Home design idea - the space between the walkway and the wall looks amazing!

The idea of a semi-circular flower bed near the house with a central accent in the form of a beautiful hydrangea.

Today, by chance, I have more conifers in my collection of country design ideas, probably due to the fact that they are evergreen, therefore, even in winter, there will be pleasant greenery on the site.

The idea of a winding path with a beautiful combination of paving stones and bush plantings.

By the way, if you decide to plant arborvitae under the windows, then pay attention to the fact that with age these plants can block the view, so plant low-growing varieties directly under the windows, and plant tall, columnar varieties between the windows.

The idea of a magnificent flowerbed under the windows, the principle of layering is clearly visible here, the plants are well located in height. Mulching with stained wood chips to match the soil color eliminates weeds.

Nice rockery idea in front of the entrance to the house. The combination of hostas and conifers, in my opinion, is great, however, it should be borne in mind that this is the western side and hostas are in the shade most of the time, as these are shade-loving plants.

A wonderful idea of landscape design from the Sergeyevs workshop, again, our compatriots. I think that we can already talk about the formation of the Russian direction, of course, everything is just beginning, then every year it will get better and better.

I hope you got some fresh ideas from today's selection. I will be glad for your comments, reposts, as well as links to your country ideas, throw them in the comments, I will be happy to share them with subscribers in the future.

Landscaping ideas for a garden plot with a log house

DIY

9 months ago 164 views

To make a suburban or personal plot look beautiful, you need to build an attractive and original house. Timber, as a natural, natural material, is distinguished by its natural attractiveness, therefore it often does not require additional finishing. Prices for projects of houses from a bar from Kostroma are affordable, because everyone can afford such a construction site. But you need to think about the design of the site after the construction of the building.

But building a beautiful house is not enough. I also want to decorate the garden so that it would be nice to spend time with family and friends there. Species of wildlife will give pleasure if they are correctly arranged. Almost any landscape design ideas are suitable for a log house. But natural materials will look especially good.

What are the design options for a plot with a log house

It all depends on the size of the area and the building itself. If the house is large, takes up enough space, and there is not much free space, you can simply equip a compact recreation area. This is a brazier, a gazebo, a spacious swing, if space permits - a playground.

For a large garden, the following options are good:

Fountain. A beautiful water feature will decorate any yard. It can be made quite small, modest, and even in this case it will add freshness and create a special, natural microclimate.
Wooden benches. Timber is a natural material, therefore it is logical that wood goes well with it, and when it is used on the site, a harmonious picture will be created. From wood, you can create decks and terraces around trees. This solution is especially convenient when there is not enough free space in the garden.
Garden path. It can become not only functional, but the main element of landscape design. This is not always an expensive option - often arranging a site in this way is cheap. For example, if you choose a simple tile with pebbles, and fill the voids with crushed stone or expanded clay.
Rattan armchairs. They will become good components of the recreation area. They can be placed or made suspended. This is not only convenient, but also aesthetic and stylish way of design.
Paving slabs. Inexpensive, but convenient and versatile option for decoration.

Landscape design also involves green spaces. For example, a hedge looks very beautiful on its own, or in combination with large or small flower beds, flower beds.

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Back landscaping ideas

44 Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Inspire You

Privacy and Comfort

No Patio, No Problem

Easy Landscaping

Retaining Walls Around Patios

Paths for Strolling

Cafe Society

Defining Space with Structure

Garden Theme

Open Air Fencing

Pavers: Go Big!

Sunken Patio

Easy Desert Borders

Stone Steps Lead the Way

Sustainable Design

Cool Pool

Lawn as Patio

Fireside Chats

Pergolas and Arbors

Defining Space with Containers

Fire Dish Vista

Outdoor Open Air "Room"

Curving Beds

Birdhouses

Retaining Walls and Stairs

Simple Patio Design

Lush Patio Surroundings

Tropical Plants for Drama

Poolside Serenity

California Vibe

Multiple Seating Options

Seasonal Colors and Shapes

Garden Views

Shady Arcadia

Luxurious Lawn

Gardens at Sunset

Dining Al Fresco

Curvy, Cozy and Chic

Balancing Shapes and Textures

Stripes and Shapes

Winter Charm

Lighting Effects

DIY Decor

Winter Interest

Sensual Scenery

45 Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space

Fresh 20 landscape design ideas for inspiration

Landscaping ideas for a garden plot with a log house

What are the design options for a plot with a log house

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