Country backyard ideas
70 Best Backyard Ideas - Easy DIY Backyard Design Tips
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There's no retreat you can get to quicker than your own backyard, so why not make it a more serene, welcoming spot? Springtime and autumn will beg for you to be out in it as long as it's not raining, and cool summer evenings and sunny winter days will invite you back too. The good news is that you don't need to spend a lot of money or hire a landscape designer to get your backyard to a dreamier state. Here we share 70 easy ideas to create a restful oasis for you and your entire family (pets included).
Whether your space is larger or small, wooded or open, sunny or shady, dive into this list for DIY inspiration to create unique garden containers for your favorite plants, serene gathering areas (think fire pits and Adirondacks!), cozy lounging spots, pergolas, and even a unique and easy-to-install pool.
Whether you are into gardening or reading in a hammock, filling your yard with kids and adults for outdoor fun or reserving it for a quiet alone time, you're sure to fall in love with at least a few of these ideas that will keep you on budget and give you a creative outlet too. So pick one or two to start with, gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and refresh your backyard for a brand new look this year. It's time to hang the string lights—backyard games, movie nights, and cookouts await!
Darrell GulinGetty Images
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Update with Pops of Bright Color
Take your backyard from bland to bright! Dress up your deck, patio, or balcony with a simple display of colorful pots and birdhouses. Choose vibrantly colored flowers that complement the color of the pots. Use acrylic craft paints or spray paint to make inexpensive clay pots any color you like.
SHOP CLAY POTS
Elva EtienneGetty Images
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Upcycle Unique Containers
If your favorite gardening wellies have sprung a leak, don't toss them! Turn them into cute planters that fit well on the steps to your deck or by a sunny back door. This is also a sweet way to upcycle your child's old wellies that have been outgrown.
SHOP RAIN BOOTS
Julie Blanner
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Build a DIY Window Box
Why spend all that money on window boxes when they're not difficult to make? These pretty boxes offer a simple, elegant look for any style house.
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
SHOP WHITE PAINT
DAVID TSAY
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Install a Fire Pit
Heat things up this summer with a fire pit—either one you DIY or purchase. And don't forget to stock up on tons of s'mores fixings!
SHOP OUTDOOR FIRE PITS
Jena ArdellGetty Images
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Welcome Hummingbirds to Your Garden
We promise: It's so worth it! These little gems will make you smile as the zoom by and perform amazing aerial acrobatics! They beat their wings 50 times per minute and need to eat every 10 to 15 minutes, so providing them with a feeder helps supplement their diets. You can even make your own nectar for them too.
SHOP HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Julie Blanner
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Hang a Tree Swing
A tree swing just says summertime! Watch how often you'll want to swing on it yourself!
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
SHOP TREE SWINGS
James Merrell
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Add Adirondack Chairs
When it comes to lounging around, there's no better place to do it than in an Adirondack chair.
That might be why we instantly equate the timeless accessory with summertime. Fill your patio or backyard up with multiple chairs, add some cozy blankets, and you'll be crowned the hostess of the year in no time.
SHOP ADIRONDACK CHAIRS
DAVID TSAY
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Recycle Vintage Tins
Trade your go-to terracotta pots and deck your front porch out in a much more original alternative—old potato chip tins. Scour spots like Etsy and eBay to complete your collection, then pot your favorite blooms for the best porch-worthy touch.
SHOP VINTAGE TINS
BRIAN WOODCOCK
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Camp Out Under the Stars
This summer just begs for a campout, and why not in your own backyard? It's inexpensive and easy! Map out a designated corner, roll out your sleeping bags, set the mood with string lights, and gather around the fire pit for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Even the grownups will have fun with this idea!
SHOP SLEEPING BAGS
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Breathe New Life Into Old Pots
Repurpose chipped or unused decorative dishes into mosaic tile pieces, which you can easily affix to plain terracotta pots.
Get the tutorial at The Vintage Butterfly.
SHOP BROKEN CERAMIC TILES
Stacy Risenmay
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Establish an Outdoor Movie Spot
Set up shop in the backyard, whether for sunbathing or an outdoor movie party, while cozied up against one of these handmade chairs.
Get the tutorial at Not Just A Housewife.
SHOP OUTDOOR CUSHIONS
Julie Blanner
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Use an Outdoor Rug to Define a Space
To make an outdoor space truly livable, you want to make it feel cozy and inviting. Add an outdoor rug to your deck or patio, a couple of throws, and some throw pillows so it will feel just as comfy as your living room sofa.
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
SHOP OUTDOOR RUGS
Fantabulosity
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Shake Up the Neighborhood Lemonade Stand
With a DIY lemonade stand this well-decorated, you can safely bet your backyard will be the most popular one on the block.
Your kiddos can man this adorable station for years to come.
Get the tutorial at Fantabulosity.
SHOP WOODEN CRATES
elenaleonovaGetty Images
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Plant a Thicket of Shrubs
Need some privacy? Plant a thicket of fast-growing shrubs to screen a view or offer privacy to your deck or patio. Instead of planting one type of plant in a row (which leaves a hole if one suddenly dies!), plant different sizes and types of shrubs in a triangular pattern. It looks more natural and provides better overall coverage anyhow.
Get the tutorial.
SHOP FAST-GROWING SHRUBS
Anjelika GretskaiaGetty Images
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Hold a High Tea Party
Who says dining al fresco has to be all hot dogs and potato salad? Channel your inner royalty and serve a formal tea worthy of the Queen. Bring out the linens and vintage china, because what are you saving it for?
SHOP VINTAGE TEA SETS
Michel VIARDGetty Images
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Plant Some Edibles
There's absolutely no reason you can't use at least a little of your backyard to plant easy-to-grow edibles such as greens, cherry tomatoes, or climbing beans.
Make the most of your space, and enjoy food fresh from your own mini-farm!
Get the tutorial.
SHOP SEEDS
An Oregon Cottage
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Add Elegant Seating
No need to splurge on a pricey French-style backyard bench when you can easily craft your own. Scout out two identical chairs (the prettier, the better!) from thrift stores, remove the seats and replace with a handmade rectangular base.
Get the tutorial at An Oregon Cottage.
SHOP WHITE PAINT
The Merrythought
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Make an Outdoor Bed Swing
Has anything ever sounded more divine than an afternoon nap in the beauty of the outdoors? Make this pallet swing bed, and dream on!
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
SHOP MATTRESS COVERS
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Build a Backyard Bar
Meet the most organized DIY storage unit ever. With more than enough room for outdoor treats and summer beverages, you have no excuse to not take advantage of your backyard space.
It can even double as a potting bench!
Get the tutorial at A Burst of Beautiful.
SHOP WOOD SCREWS
Julie Blanner
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Update Your Outdoor Lighting
Just like anything else around the house, worn, dated outdoor lights don't make your yard feel homey. If it's been a while since you upgraded your outdoor fixtures, it's probably time for an update!
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
SHOP OUTDOOR LIGHT FIXTURES
Stacy Risenmay
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Cozy Up Your Fire Pit
No more dragging your kitchen chairs in and out. These backyard-worthy seats can hold up to the elements and look good, too!
Get the tutorial at Not Just A Housewife.
SHOP WOOD WATER SEAL
Table and Hearth
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Maintain Some Privacy
An easy DIY privacy wall will make your deck or patio oh-so-cozy and out of the neighbor's view.
Get the tutorial at Table and Hearth.
SHOP LEVELS
Brian Woodcock
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Repurpose a Stock Tank As a Pool
The stock tank pool is the perfect way to cool off without the sweat (and expense) of an in-ground pool installation.
Get the tutorial.
SHOP STOCK TANKS
Lisa Romerein/Otto
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Build a Treehouse
For those who would rather enjoy the backyard from a higher altitude, Treehouse Supplies offers easy building plans and materials. Come on, you know you want one!
Helen Norman
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Set Up a Potting Station
Two metal trash cans and an old door make an inexpensive but totally functional (and adorable!) potting station.
SHOP RED METAL STOOLS
Brian Woodcock
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Decorate a Chic Shed
You can easily transform a basic backyard shed into a gorgeous space—complete with a barn quilt—in just 48 hours. Start by hanging checkered fabric by installing a rope across the peak of the shed and draping the fabric over using a staple gun to attach fabric to the walls (this shed required about 30 yard of fabric).
Then hang an upholstered blue couch to create a unique seating area. And finish the shed by accessorizing with a bar cart, rug, and decorative baskets and plants.
Heartland Estate shed available at heartlandind.com and exclusively at Lowe’s.
Old World Garden Farms
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Warm Up the Yard With a DIY Fire Pit
Who doesn't love gathering around a warm fire on a summer night? Pits can be pretty pricey, but this one is a budget-priced solution with plenty of rustic charm.
Get the tutorial at Old World Garden Farms.
SHOP MORTAR MIX
The Created Home
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Make Your Own Pergola
A pretty pergola seems like an expensive endeavor, but you can easily build one on a budget. This idea can be adapted to any size space.
Get the tutorial at The Created Home.
SHOP STAIN AND SEALER
Liz Marie Blog
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Create an Outdoor Lounge
A pretty gazebo purchased from a home store and updated thrift store furniture makes this cozy patio lounge.
And how cute is that coffee table made from a galvanized tub and a wire spool?
Get the tutorial at Liz Marie Blog.
SHOP GAZEBOS
Design Dining and Diapers
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DIY Sandbox
A sandbox is a great place for kids of all ages to play. You can make one inexpensively with basic supplies from the hardware store!
Get the tutorial at Design Dining and Diapers.
SHOP PLAY SAND
Country garden ideas: 31 ways with planting and landscaping
Classic country garden ideas have been replicated across the globe, with lovers of the look taking inspiration from both grand country houses and smaller plots that surround rustic homes with colorful blooms, heady scent and wayward wildflowers.
Country garden ideas can be replicated in urban plots, too, where the softer foliage and less formal planting takes the edge off the urban landscape.
Below, you can discover the secrets of country garden style, and we have more amazing garden ideas, whatever your style, in our dedicated feature.
Country garden ideas: a guide to rustic growing
Key to developing your country garden ideas is to create a strong connection between the well-tended garden and the wilder landscape around it.
'We tend to make a distinction between garden plants and "wildflowers" as though they were separate categories,' gardener Monty Don has said. 'Yet has any garden ever been as lovely as a bluebell-carpeted wood, a bank of cow parsley, honeysuckle, wild garlic and meadowsweet? I don't think so, and I try to incorporate the essence of the local countryside into my garden at Longmeadow.'
1. Create a focal point
(Image credit: East Hampton Gardens)
Using a feature flower bed ideas, adding a garden sculpture, water feature idea, or decorative element is a great country garden idea, as it creates a focal point that will draw you through the outdoor space – as seen here, in a beautiful circular border created by Michael Giannelli, owner of East Hamptons Gardens , a curated garden and home shop in East Hampton Village.
‘This is an example of an English-style garden that we gave a focal point by using a vintage English armillary to center your eye,’ Michael says. ‘The use of many perennials that are great for pollinators such as bees and butterflies gives the desired effect. A natural, colorful garden that performs all summer.
2. Add a greenhouse
(Image credit: Hartley Botanic)
Greenhouses can make an extremely effective focal point for a country garden and their presence as a solid, yet beautiful garden structure provides the perfect foil for soft, flowing plantings.
'Victorian greenhouses work particularly well, with an aesthetic that evokes the sentiments of a bygone era and gardens of classic stately homes in centuries past,' suggests Tom Barry, CEO of Hartley Botanic . 'Choosing a heritage design can also add to a country look – providing a more traditional style.'
Alternatively, opt for the clean lines and concealed engineering of a contemporary glass house, which can provide a stunning visual contrast against informal, elegant plantings.
'Finally, don't forget the impact of color,' says Tom. 'For a country garden, customers choose subtle shades such as Olive Leaf, Forest Green and Verona Stone. These traditional, natural tones help to integrate their Greenhouses into a country garden.'
3. Upcycle a wooden crate
(Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe)
Raised planter box ideas offer more space than classic balcony boxes or tubs and are ideal for colorful seas of geraniums on balconies and terraces.
For this rustic country garden idea from Pelargonium for Europe , a wooden crate was simply mounted onto an old chair base, painted to tone with the geraniums. Holes in the bottom of the wooden box will prevent waterlogging.
4. Include plants for foraging
(Image credit: Getty Images)
You don’t need to head to the fields and forests to forage for edible plants; grow them in your own backyard and you can turn your country garden into a natural feast.
‘Foraging in your own garden allows you to engage closely with nature.
Plant species such as crab apple, rosehip, elderflower, wild garlic, mushroom, water mint and poppy seed,’ suggests Howard Miller, co-designer (with brother Hugh) of the H.Miller Bros Alder Hey Foraging Station garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022.
Think beyond kitchen garden ideas, too.
‘If you are thinking of including foraging plants, herbs and flowers into a cottage garden planting scheme, you might also want to consider species with non-edible foraging uses, such as natural dyes and herbal remedies,’ suggests Howard. ‘Once you know which of your garden species are edible or usable, your garden will become a journey of discovery throughout the seasons.’
5. Style a porch with a country garden view
(Image credit: Industville)
Raised front porch ideas give you wonderful perspectives onto your country garden, allowing you to see the shapes of beds and the beauty of upturned flower heads. Style it with furniture and carefully chosen lighting to create a space you can enjoy day and night.
‘Exterior lighting can accentuate the architecture, colors and textures of your property for an outdoor living space to be proud of,’ suggests Marketa Rypacek, Managing Director at Industville . ‘Make sure you experiment with different positions before you decide on a final placement. You can use a large torch in varying angles to see where it is likely to provide light. For glow without glare, opt for downward facing wall-mounted lights that create a relaxing atmosphere to be enjoyed by all.’
6. Bring the ‘cluttercore’ trend to your country garden
(Image credit: Pippa Blenkinsop / Kasia Fiszer)
The cluttercore trend – that is, an encouragement and embracing of organized chaos – is seeping its way into our gardens, too. ‘Outdoor cluttercore allows our gardens to grow naturally to create a country-like atmosphere, explains gardening expert, Harry Bodell, from Price Your Job .
‘As many of us are spending less time at home, especially with many of us returning to the office, we are not able to spend as much time on our gardens as we could have during the pandemic.
Therefore, the cluttercore look is low maintenance, yet high impact,’ Harry explains.
‘Overgrown wildflowers not only look beautiful and picturesque, but they help to encourage wildlife which helps boost our ecosystem. Wildflowers attract pollinators, such as bees, as well as a wide diversity of birds and butterflies.’
7. Decorate an al fresco table with garden blooms
(Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe)
Associated with country and Mediterranean gardens, versatile geraniums are always a favorite.
Countless varieties and colors offer something to suit every taste. Once planted, they effortlessly transform sunny to semi-shady balconies and terraces into magnificent seas of flowers from spring to fall. Their scent is also said to repel flies, which makes them the perfect kitchen window plant.
For a fresh and pretty tablescape in a country garden, cut geranium blooms and display the sprigs in posy vases. Intersperse taller blooms and elegant candles to add height to your display.
8. Add interest with painted surfaces
(Image credit: Sadolin)
It’s not just flowers and plants that can add color and pattern to your garden. Painting plain surfaces with repeat motifs is a fun garden decorating idea – and a characterful way to add interest, especially where you have large areas of wall or porch.
Choose paint shades that complement your planting, but don’t be afraid to add an exotic touch to your country garden ideas. ‘A Mediterranean themed space with warm, earthy tones such as reds, browns, oranges, as well as blues, makes for a stunning environment,’ says Matthew Brown, Sadolin and Sandtex Technical Consultant.
‘Alternatively, a Caribbean-inspired garden using plenty of vibrant tones using blues, greens and yellows can be just as effective.’
9. Sit in a sunny spot
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
More than just a boundary, a stone wall can act as a ‘radiator’ in your garden, absorbing heat in the day and gently releasing it as the air cools around it.
Just one of many garden wall ideas, this heat-giving bonus makes it the perfect backdrop for a garden bench.
‘Turn a simple seat into a destination by setting it under a pretty metal arch, with roses trained to grow over it,’ says Andréa Childs, Editor of Country Homes & Interiors magazine.
10. Put up a pergola
(Image credit: Lights4Fun)
If you don't have a porch or patio, or simply want to create another seating and entertaining space, then a pergola is the ideal addition to your country garden ideas. Choosing an area of your garden screened by hedges or planting will give this space the feel of an outdoor room – especially if you decorate it with garland lights and paper lanterns for color.
Pergola ideas like this are also a great way to add height and structure to your backyard.
11. Fill borders with colorful blooms
(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny/Future)
Take inspiration from the cut flower garden trend for your country garden ideas and make your borders work even harder by filling them with colorful blooms that you can enjoy outdoors or cut and bring into your home.
'Depending on the size of your outside space, flowers for cutting can be grown in tubs, large pots, raised beds, or empty spots in the border,' says Selina Lake, author of Garden Style .
'When it comes to planting, choose cut-and-come-again plant varieties with long stems, as the more you pick, the more you will get.'
12. Create country garden 'rooms'
(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)
Hedging, fences, trellises, trees and other structures can be used as dividers within your design to create 'rooms'. Within a country garden, you might use this idea to zone specific areas for sitting, dining or play; to create distinct planting themes, such as a tropical garden, or a room of white flowers; or to give your garden an element of surprise and mystery.
The classic English country garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in the county of Kent, created by famed garden designer Vita Sackville-West, popularized the concept of garden rooms. But you don't need the grounds of a huge country house to create your own version.
In fact, dividing a small garden into separate spaces can actually make the plot seem larger, as you don't see the whole area at once.
13. Add a garden gate
(Image credit: Camilla Reynolds/Future)
Figure a gate into your plot planning and country garden ideas – there's nothing like pushing it open to create a sense of expectation about the garden beyond.
Gates aren't just for entrances. They are a useful framing and dividing device within a larger garden, helping to create defined zones – or keep your pooch from trampling your prized plants!
14. Cover garden structures with climbers
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)
'Nothing speaks of an English country garden like a beautiful wisteria or climbing rose, framing your windows and doorways, and adding character to your home,' says TV gardener David Domoney .
Natural climbers, such as ivy and Virginia creeper, will cling to walls but will leave marks on brickwork. Honeysuckle, roses and clematis will need to be supported with trellis or wire, but will clamber rampantly across these to decorate the exterior of your home.
Wide eaves may restrict the amount of water reaching the plants, while the aspect of the wall will dictate the best plants to position in the spot.
15. Plant a country kitchen garden
(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)
A desire for more outdoor space is often a driver for a move to the countryside – and that means more ground in which to expand your horticultural horizons.
Traditionally, every country home – large and small – would have a dedicated area in the garden for growing crops to eat. In small spaces, that might mean a few herbs and salad leaves, while grander country piles would have beautiful kitchen gardens that would stock the kitchens with fresh produce.
The kitchen garden trend is seeing a resurgence, as we seek a greater connection with nature and want to be certain of the provenance of our food. If you're new to tending a veg plot, or planning your homegrown larder, take a look at our kitchen garden ideas for easy ways to get started.
16. Provide shaded areas to relax in
(Image credit: Clive Nichols/Room in the Garden)
For an ornate garden shade idea that doubles as a decorative garden focal point, consider a gazebo. These open-sided garden structures require little groundwork beyond laying a flat base.
'Our handcrafted rusted iron design can be left as an open structure for climbing plants or fitted with roof liners,' says Jan Howard, owner of Room in the Garden . She sited the gazebo in a walled garden, where it provides a destination at the center of the space.
17. Mow a meadow path
(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny/Future)
If you're looking for an alternative idea to the traditional sward of grass in your country garden, there is a greener solution than paving.
'A meadow is much more interesting than a regimented square of lawn – as well as being much more ecologically sustainable,' says gardener Monty Don. 'However, it's not enough to let the lawn grow.
'
Don suggests adding plug plants to your lawn, such as fritillaries, narcissi, meadow sweet, cowslips and scabious. 'These should all cope with the competition from the grasses,' he explains.
You'll need to find the best time of year to plant grass seed. Meadows should be cut once or twice a year, with all the cuttings removed and composted. So that you can cross easily through the long grasses in the meantime, mow a wide path – it will create a romantic walkway that leads you on into the garden.
18. Attract butterflies and bees
(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny/Future)
Making our garden more attractive to bees, insects and other creatures is a superb way to connect with nature. Not only will it increase the health of our plot by increasing its biodiversity, this gentle, green-fingered approach is better for the planet, too.
'Making your garden more biodiverse means creating an environment that is not just about you and the plants you grow but encouraging all the world’s species into it,' says gardener and TV presenter Frances Tophill.
'That includes fungus, bacteria, insects, birds, even foxes.'
Ideas for your country garden include growing pollen-rich flowers, such as sunflowers or lavender, for insects to feed on. 'Once you have insects in your garden, then all the other wildlife will follow,' Tophill explains.
'Make sure you have flowers for as much of the year as possible and choose varieties that produce fruits and berries. Include white, scented flowers that are at their best at night as that’s when pollinators like bats and moths are most active,' Tophill suggests in her 'Get Green Fingers' campaign with Weleda.
19. Break up bowling-green lawns
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
However green and well kept your lawn is, it can tend to look a bit flat and lacking in interest. All that grass also creates a monoculture – a lack of plant diversity that will diminish the wildlife and natural wellbeing of your plot, both fundamentals of a country garden.
To keep the greenery but to give it some additional gardening 'oomph', break up your lawn by digging out beds, planting shrubs and trees, or simply adding a path or a trail of stepping stones across the sod.
20. Repair rustic walls
(Image credit: Andrea Jones/Future)
Just as the architecture of your home will inform your decor decisions, looking to existing structures within your plot can help when planning your country garden ideas.
Rustic stone and flint walls are likely to have been made from local materials, so will echo the surrounding landscape. Preserve these where you can, calling in specialist stonemasons if necessary, and use these as the backbone of your rustic plot.
Natural weathering, as well as moss, lichen and self-seeded wildflowers, will soften the look of these hardy borders, bringing a beautiful patina and depth to your country garden.
21. Plant up pots and containers
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
Whatever the size of your country garden, from tiny courtyard to expansive acres, groupings of pots filled with seasonal blooms will add extra depth and dimension.
'Pot gardening is quick and satisfying because the whole job of planting and replanting is done very quickly – a sharp look for a whole season can be prepared within an afternoon,' says gardener Arthur Parkinson, author of The Flower Yard .
'You can also treat a container garden like a profoundly changing stage, with the pots as props that can be moved around as you see fit.'
22. Make space for a pond
(Image credit: Alun Callender/Future)
'Water reflects all the changes and characteristics of the surrounding landscape and brings an enchanting quality to the garden,' says award-winning gardener, Chris Beardshaw .
Unless you are lucky enough to have a stream running through your garden, or an existing pond, you'll need to dig out a hole to be lined and filled with water.
'Introduce oxygenating plants that will create a vibrant, evolving pond ecosystem and stop the water stagnating,' recommends Beardshaw. He suggests a mix of free-floating, submerged and rooted marginal plants, including water starwort, flowering rush and water forget-me-not.
23. Put a mirror in a shady corner
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Increasing a sense of space and bouncing light in shady corners, a mirror can add a new dimension to a country garden.
'Pop it on a potting table or hang it on a wall,' suggests Homes & Garden content editor, Tara King. 'Just make sure it won't reflect direct sun, as this could cause a hot spot that might cause flowers to scorch and burn, or else shine into your eyes as you enjoy your garden.'
Don't worry if the glass becomes mottled over time; it adds a rustic feel.
24. Let chickens roam
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
Keeping chickens is a wonderful addition to a country garden.
'Hens love to have a lawn to peck on – grass is what makes for a rich egg yolk, along with calendula petals,' says gardener Arthur Parkinson .
'Given the liberty of the garden, they will bring it wonderfully alive. My hens are on bug patrol and weed in between the brick pavers in the yard. Bantams are lovely and better for a small garden as they are gentler with the plants.'
25. Set up a sheltered seating area
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
Stone walls will absorb the heat of the sun during the day and radiate it in the evening, making a sheltered corner the perfect place to set up an outdoor living room in your country garden.
Add cushions and throws for extra comfort.
26. Introduce woodland plants
(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)
'You can echo woodland planting in a relatively small space, with just a single tree underplanted with a vibrant mixture of small shrubs and bulbs,' says Chris Beardshaw, winner of numerous Gold Medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Foxgloves, primroses, bluebells, snowdrops and sweet violets are quintessential country garden plants that will bring colour to dappled borders. The first two are also bee-friendly and will attract bees to your garden.
27. Potter in a potting shed
(Image credit: Emma Lee/Future)
'Pottering about in the shed is one of life's greatest pleasures,' says stylist Selina Lake.
'If you're a keen gardener but have only enough space for one structure in your country garden, it has to be a potting shed. It will prove an invaluable garden headquarters – somewhere to store essentials, pot on seedlings and take shelter from the rain.
'
If you don't have room for a shed, Lake suggests squeezing a potting bench into a corner of the garden.
'All you need is a sturdy and fairly weatherproof table to work on,' she says. 'For something more permanent, position the table against a wall and add a shelf or two above and large crates underneath for storage.'
28. Celebrate historic features
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
If your country garden has a feature such as an old well, keeping it will add to the narrative of your home and provide a focal point in your outdoor space.
Make sure the structure is secure, repairing any brick or metalwork, and make it safe – here, a grid seals the opening of an old well, while revealing its depths.
29. Grow vegetables and flowers together
(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)
Companion planting is a staple of country gardening – and a great idea if you want to maximise your crop and make your beds look prettier.
Planting flowers and vegetables side by side can help keep bugs and pests away from your prize produce.
'Nasturtiums helps to deter aphids, while the scent of marigolds confuses pests,' says Emma O'Neill, head gardener at the charity Garden Organic .
For more brilliant plant and produce pairings, take a look at our complete guide to companion planting.
30. Use characterful planters
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
Barn sales, rural reclamation yards and country antiques markets are great places to pick up interesting rustic pieces to use in the garden. Trolleys, trailers, grain bins and reclaimed timber can all be used as characterful planters that reflect your rustic setting.
Ensure there is drainage at the bottom of the container so that the flowers or vegetables you plant don't become waterlogged.
31. Accessorize a deck with pretty cushions
(Image credit: Max Attenborough/Future)
When layering soft furnishings, try taking the inside out,’ advises Sue Jones, Co-founder and Creative Director at OKA .
‘Incorporating cushions and throws from your sitting room into your garden makes the space more inviting, but it also continues the color scheme and enhances the feeling of having an extra room.
If you’re planning on sitting out past sunset then throws are essential for cozying up but also for creating a welcoming aesthetic.’
What plants should I grow in a country garden?
'For a country garden, you want a mix of plants, roses, perennials, edibles such as herbs, annuals and a few shrubs such as hydrangeas,' says Sarah Raven , who runs a gardening and cookery school at Perch Hill in East Sussex.
Raven recommends five classic plants when you're planning your country garden ideas.
'The first is a lovely, scented pink rose such as the Getrude Jekyll, which will bring a delightful pop of color with its large, rosette flowers. It also produces the most quintessential rose scent, which is perfect for an English country garden,' Raven shares.
'I also recommend lupins. The amethyst purple is irresistible and with its architectural flower spikes, it will add an interesting texture.
'Scented climbers such as honeysuckles or akebia quinate are a must for a country garden.
These are perfect for a garden arch or pergola or to clad external walls.
'Annual, self-seeding flowers such as nigella are a staple classic for country gardens too.
'I would also plant some architectural edible such as artichokes in a country garden.'
'You want to use sympathetic materials with a strong sense of place in a country garden, continuing the textures and tones from the house into the garden,' suggests Sarah Raven.
'So, if you’re in flint country, go for a lovely natural grey flint path and terrace or patio. If the house is built in brick, then stick with lots of bricks or stone.
'By doing this, you’ll build a connection between the home and the garden, which is very important when working with a country plot.'
Andrea has been immersed in the world of homes, interiors and lifestyle since her first job in journalism, on Ideal Home. She went from women's magazine Options to Frank. From there it was on to the launch of Red magazine, where she stayed for 10 years and became Assistant Editor.
She then shifted into freelancing, and spent 14 years writing for everyone from The Telegraph to The Sunday Times, Livingetc, Stylist and Woman & Home. She was then offered the job as Editor on Country Homes & Interiors, and now combines that role with writing for sister title homesandgardens.com.
Summer cottage design: ideas, examples, photos
Summer cottage design is a set of measures and solutions for landscaping. Its main task is to create a beautiful, harmonious and comfortable space
Photo: shutterstock.com
Landscape design is a very painstaking work. It is important to understand where to start. Together with experts, we figure out how to equip a summer cottage and how to make it cozy and pleasing to the eye.
Experts in the article:
- Yulia Andreeva, designer at Domeo;
- Yulia Belukova, CEO of FOX Property, an elite real estate agency;
- Svetlana Javakhyan, Director of the Imperial Garden Design Department.
Benefits of site design
adv.rbc.ru
When a person buys an apartment or builds a house, he immediately thinks about how to equip living quarters. Someone attracts a designer for this, someone does everything himself, but everyone is immersed in the process with all their hearts, says Yulia Andreeva. According to the expert, it is very strange that people do not treat landscape design with the same scrupulousness.
“It is strange to plan a view of a neglected lawn, randomly planted plants or outbuildings. Therefore, the design of sites should be done purposefully and systematically - zoning, taking into account the interests of all family members, ”adds Yulia Andreeva.
In the suburban market, customers often pay attention to whether the garden is already organized, whether the site is leveled, whether the lawn is sown and whether paths are laid, whether there is a barbecue area or other place to relax. If everything is organized and done with high quality, then this adds an average of 10% to the price, Yulia Belukova explains.
And vice versa, if the house is located on an unsuccessful uneven terrain, and from landscape design there is only a shed for garden tools and a bench, then you can safely count on a discount, the designer says.
Many consider landscaping a hobby. They strive on their own or with the help of a landscape designer to express their character and taste on the site (Photo: shutterstock.com)
See also: Landscaping in the country: plants, materials, styles
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If the owner wants to design the site himself, the complexity of the task will depend on his knowledge and experience. And also on what result is needed in the end. If there is no understanding of what kind of drainage system or runoff is needed, then it is obvious that you will not be able to cope with this task on your own, warns Svetlana Javakhyan.
And due to lack of experience, the owner in any case will spend many times more time than a specialist.
The expert will immediately see where the terrain needs to be taken into account, where additional soil stabilization is required, where this or that plant will grow better and how green spaces can be combined with each other. According to Svetlana Javakhyan, it is better not to plant coniferous trees next to fruit trees. And ornamental flowering plants do not grow well in the shade and in areas where groundwater passes close. This is not even a design issue, but the technical part of site planning, the expert explains.
“Landscape design is more complex than interior design. This is work with living beings - plants that grow, change, get sick with improper care. And all these aspects must be calculated for the future, when we still have bare land, ”adds Yulia Andreeva.
Svetlana Javakhyan, director of the Imperial Garden design department:
— Difficulties may arise due to incorrect planning, errors in laying the automatic irrigation system.
A heterogeneous relief or a narrow area also complicates the organization of landscape design. Mistakes can occur in lighting planning. Either everything will be so economical that nothing is visible, or, conversely, overexposure will occur. The whole problem of country houses, where the owners are trying to organize landscape design themselves, is that they start right away with beauty. The owners may have a good eye and even personal experience on the previous site. But you must always start with what is underground. The very rough work that needs to be taken into account, because it is not visible to the eye. Many initially do not want to spend money on it. But without this it is impossible to maintain the beauty that is located on the surface.
See also: Black color and mirrors: how to equip a summer cottage with your own hands
What you need to do before designing a summer cottage:
- draw up a site plan;
- measure all buildings on the site, along the border of the site;
- designate the conclusions of all communications and tracing of communications underground, especially gas ones;
- mark on the plan where septic tanks, wells and well hatches, water wells, etc.
are located; - note what kind of view opens from one side or another of the site, whether the windows of your neighbors overlook your house or whether the view opens on power lines. If so, in the future you will have to make a conditional screen;
- take into account the movement of the sun, identify shady areas where only shade-tolerant plants can be planted. And some flowering plants only in well-lit areas.
You can draw up a site plan yourself. Can you invite a specialist? (Photo: shutterstock.com)
How to start designing a summer cottage
The ideal approach to the design of the site consists of three stages:
- survey . Let's see what's already there. We identify the technical features, advantages and disadvantages of the site;
- design .
We prescribe how to eliminate weaknesses and strengthen the advantages - add something, remove something, correctly position it, prepare the soil for planting, and so on. A design solution is being prepared for what is being implemented in the future; - embodiment . The practical part, in which everything that is planned on the site is implemented.
Read also: How to create a flower garden: types, plants, design tips
Yuliya Andreeva, Domeo designer:
— It is necessary to take into account how plants interact with each other. How suitable is the soil, water conditions, enough moisture or not. It is important how the plants fit together externally - in height and shape, in their seasonal decorativeness, in the seasons of flowering. All this is a huge number of factors that must be taken into account when forming an ornamental plant group. In addition, it is necessary to plan the site, understanding at what distance certain buildings can be located, how paths can be laid, how to optimally take into account the wishes of all family members.
This is a separate large work, which has its own standards of ergonomics. And you need to take into account the location of communications - irrigation systems, drainage, lighting. If the site has a complex shape or complex relief, geoplastics specialists are involved to calculate cartograms of earth masses, retaining walls, schemes indicating where, for example, drainage systems should go.
In what style to decorate the summer cottage
The choice of style for decorating the plot should be related to the appearance of the house. And aerobatics, when the project takes into account both the external and internal appearance of the house, Yulia Belukova notes. Landscape design styles are numerous, ranging from the classic regular park style, which provides for symmetrical elements, harmony, to natural gardens that mimic wildlife.
“In matters of style, there are no limits. You can choose an ethnic orientation, for example, Chinese and Japanese gardens. And taking into account our natural conditions, Chinese and Japanese gardens with conifers will grow well.
Or stylize the site in the Scandinavian style - stones, coniferous and ground cover plants, ”says Yulia Andreeva.
See also: How to turn a dacha into an ideal vacation spot: ideas and tips
Design ideas for a summer cottage
Landscape design is more complicated than interior design. This is work with living beings - plants that grow, change, get sick with improper care. (Photo: shutterstock.com)
Lawn. He plays a major role in the landscaping of the site. Soft, well maintained and beautiful lawn gives the site a sophisticated and rich style.
Vertical gardening will surprise guests (Photo: shutterstock.
com)
Vertical gardening. Helps decorate the upper level of the garden. It is used to decorate the facades of buildings, as well as the creation of decorative structures from plants and zoning of individual sections of the garden.
Alpine slide will make the site unusual (Photo: shutterstock.com)
Alpine hill. A small alpine slide is made of bright stones with sharp edges. The rocky structure of the borders, laid in a chaotic manner, repeats the features of the rocks, which makes the site not only cozy, but also unusual.
Flower beds decorate the dacha (Photo: shutterstock.com)
Flowerbeds and flowerbeds.
If they are in the front area, then this decorative group should be beautiful and front all year round. For example, to preserve its appearance in winter, you need to use evergreens. If we are talking about groups in remote areas or about seasonal residence in the house, then the decorative effect should correspond to the season.
The gazebo on the site creates an additional area for recreation and leisure activities (Photo: shutterstock.com)
Garden buildings. An original wooden gazebo or a beautifully designed seating area not only ennobles the site, but also allows you to relax and unwind in nature.
A pond humidifies the air, and on a fine day, reflections from the rays of the sun on the water add light (Photo: shutterstock.
com)
Pond. A small pond not only beautifies the landscape, but also adds brightness, beauty and uniqueness to the site. And the pond also moisturizes the air, and on a fine day, reflections from the rays of the sun on the water add light. The purpose of reservoirs is also different - a simple pond or a pond for fish. In the latter case, there should be no streams, drops, as the fish do not like this.
Garden sculptures can also be small (Photo: shutterstock.com)
Sculptures. Garden sculptures not only improve the mood, but also make the site more attractive and solid.
“The garden can be made a completely design element, provide paths between the beds, raise them above the ground for a decorative effect, make them no more than 1 m wide so that you can easily reach the edge, put stylish benches, plant fruit trees.
Flower beds can be both separate elements and as part of other compositions, as the lower tier as a lining for large groups. This story is changing. That is, trees and shrubs are planted first. And then we look at the height of the shrubs, how quickly they grow, in order to understand which lower tier is needed and for what period as visual support. When flower beds are conceived as independent elements, they are designed and incorporated into the design,” says Yulia Andreeva.
See also: Fence, plot, gazebo: what you need to know about lighting a summer cottage
Designing zones for a small summer cottage. Design features
The design of small plots can be compared to the design of small apartments. The difficulty lies in the fact that in a small area you need to fit all the functional elements. Therefore, it is necessary to make some compromises and clearly define what needs to be taken into account in the first place and which zones can be combined, Yulia Andreeva explains.
According to the expert, it is possible to place a guest platform for cars on the general territory of the village. You can make a separate barbecue area, or you can get by with a small platform in the form of a portable grill or use part of the veranda.
If we talk about the rest of the elements - the garden, greenhouses and the site - then most often small plots have a relatively standard layout, Yulia Andreeva adds. Therefore, according to her, it is possible to provide for the design of the perimeter of the site by plants in order to isolate it and hide it from prying eyes, or, conversely, make free space and collect other elements around it.
“The most important thing is proportionality and overall functionality. For example, you should not plant large trees, you can get by with shorter compact forms that will be commensurate with the area of the site, ”says Yulia Andreeva.
Elaborate design will make the suburban area beautiful and comfortable (Photo: shutterstock.
com)
What's in fashion now
The trend of recent years is the rejection of obvious thematic areas: a stationary playground with rubberized crumb coating, alpine slides with a pile of stones, fountains. People realized that it quickly gets boring. In addition, it is labor-intensive both in terms of implementation and maintenance. That is, the approach has become more practical, says Svetlana Javakhyan. If the beds, then these are some easy-care small areas with herbs and strawberries. And bulky decorative structures - ponds, waterfalls and grottoes - are single orders.
“Interest in garden sculptures has continued. But these are some significant things for the family. For example, a cast of a child's feet or a work of one of the family members. These can be simple geometric shapes: balls or cubes, which are repeated in the cutting of shrubs,” sums up Svetlana Javakhyan.
Yulia Belukova, General Director of FOX luxury real estate agency:
— Many people perceive land improvement as a hobby.
They strive on their own or with the help of a landscape designer to express their character and tastes on the site. We, realtors, recommend contacting professionals in these matters, since in the future, in case of any mistakes or excessive thematic design, it will be more difficult to sell such a plot. Conversely, professional landscaping will make the life of the owners more pleasant and comfortable, and in the event of a sale, it will play a plus in the final price of home ownership.
Ideas for giving: 35 photos - Roomble.com
2022-03-05T07:00:58+00:00 2022-03-02T21:09:12+00:00 Ideas for giving: 35 photos 2022-03-05T07:00:58+00:00 Decided to give the cottage a new life? Are you looking for interesting design options? Don't miss 35 original garden design ideas! Ideas for giving: 35 photos
Have you decided to give your dacha a new life? Are you looking for interesting design options? Don't miss 35 original garden design ideas!
It would seem that it is much easier to ennoble a tiny summer cottage than a large one.
Alas, the opposite is actually happening. The main mistakes: an unaesthetic pile of flower beds and garden furniture, an illiterate approach to landscape design. And the whole problem is in the lack of experience and imagination. Don't know where to start? Start with an idea. We collect the best for you.
A French bistro-style gazebo in the shade of trees will add lightness and comfort to any area. To create such a recreation area, you can use an existing canopy in your old dacha.
Minimalist patio: wooden deck, light white color and gravel instead of the usual lawn. A couple of touches for comfort - and your patio is ready to receive guests.
A rusted baby van, an old wheelbarrow, and even scrapped tin pails are not junk, but stylish vintage decor items in your country garden. Fill them with flowers, herbs, decorative items and pumpkins: your personal garden zen corner is ready.
With a slight movement of the hand, the old bed turns ... into an elegant flower bed.
The armored beds of many are rusting in sheds in old summer cottages. Why not actually give them a second life?
One of the most common and always up-to-date landscaping ideas is the use of old tin containers instead of flower pots.
There is always a place for stones in the country house, regardless of their size. Don't rush to uproot the boulders from the purchased plot - use them as part of the overall garden design.
No wonder the Japanese love their rock gardens so much – even in such a modest version, their contemplation calms and relaxes. An excellent option for a platform for an evening session of relaxation (well, or a nightly family revelry).
The idea of decorating a garden with age-old carts, toys, baskets and other obsolete items that have lost their functionality is not new. But it is relevant to this day. The main thing is not to overdo it (the garden should be an example of landscape design, not a dump of obsolete things).
Sofas upholstered in dragon skin and crystal flowerpots with orchids or saffron seed are absolutely not needed for a family-intimate corner of relaxation in the country.
For a simple and cozy atmosphere, light wooden furniture, gravel and a couple of forged decorative elements, on which moonflowers or clematis will crawl, are enough.
Even an old ladder can become part of your unique garden arrangement. Don't forget also about miniature sculptures and decorative birdhouses that will decorate any part of the garden.
Editor's opinion:
— A suburban area without flower beds is an empty and faceless space. Even in the smallest area, you can create unimaginable beauty if you approach the issue with feeling and with ready-made ideas. For example, flowerpots can be placed right on the stairs leading to the house, along the garden path or around a tall tree. A very popular option among owners of small European plots is roof gardening, and among Russian owners of a modest two or three acres - vertical (flower beds on fences, house facades, ladders, and so on). Another trendy idea is phytowalls, which can become both part of the garden and an accent in the interior design of the cottage.
Pull out your old unnecessary ladder from the attic (garage) - it will also find a use. You can paint it white or leave it in its original form and match it with the appropriate "vintage" flower boxes.
Can't find a place for a future spectacular flower garden on your modest plot? Landmark - vertical gardening! An ideal way to create chic flower beds that will not eat up a single meter of usable horizontal space.
Another budget and original landscaping option for your cozy country yard. Neat tin buckets are inexpensive, and you can even put together a multi-tiered stand yourself.
Have you chosen the Japanese option for landscaping your site? Don't abuse plants. Japanese serenity requires moderation in landscaping. Do not forget about a reservoir (at least a tiny pond or its imitation) and stones (a rock garden can be replaced with a gravel platform).
An acute shortage of streams near the house once led to the birth of such an interesting and spectacular idea.
Take note! Dry stream of pebbles and a decorative bridge will decorate any garden.
The popularity of phytowalls in Russia is gaining momentum. More and more summer residents are using this no longer a new idea on their plots. The advantage of a phytowall is space saving and efficiency. In addition to flowers and climbing unpretentious plants, berries, fragrant herbs and even salad greens can be used for country phytowalls.
If space for flower beds is sorely lacking, use all the possibilities of vertical gardening, including fences, decorative trellises and hanging planters. A climbing rose on a trellis - and guests will not even notice the size of your modest garden.
When choosing tropical plant varieties for your exotic garden, choose the hardiest and most unpretentious ones: your personal jungle should be ready for any weather whims.
For a feeling of complete harmony and home comfort, we choose furniture made of light light wood for a chalet-style veranda and “warm” it with the contrast of pillows.
Along the perimeter of the veranda or balcony we plant unpretentious evergreens in boxes.
The idea of zen gardens is becoming more and more relevant in the conditions of a frantic pace of life. Everyone needs their own piece of nature, where you can enjoy serenity and recharge your mind for the whole working week.
Editor's note:
— When creating a zen garden in the yard of your house, follow the main principles of such design: the main emphasis is on the reservoir. Natural stone and your “handmade” little waterfall (or at least a stream) are the main focus in a zen garden. All other elements are already created around the source. The second important element of the garden is a large stone, a boulder, near which smaller stones are concentrated. Steps can also be created from large stones, 70-80 percent buried in the ground. For garden paths and playgrounds, use crushed stone (cheap and beautiful), and in places where "the summer resident's foot does not set foot", do not forget to draw those "circles on the water" with a rake.
If you do not have a shortage of logs, you can consider this option for a garden path. Natural, rough, rustic paths are best created from strong wood (we just saw logs, bury them in the ground and fill the voids between them with sand).
The main rule of the dacha club is that there are no rules. Use your imagination and improvised means to the fullest. Is the bike rusting in the shed? We paint, dig into the ground, attach a couple of baskets and turn unnecessary transport into a charming flower bed.
Whatever you come up with, mastering landscape design on your own in the process of decorating your summer cottage, leave at least a small piece of land for a beautiful lawn. Sometimes you just need to slightly tweak what is already there. Look around. It is possible that you are just one step away from the garden of your dreams.
Some recruits of the tanned army of summer residents naively believe that it is enough just to stick a dozen seedlings into the ground so that in the very near future (literally next week) they can enjoy the beauty of a fantastic garden, sipping tea in the shade of a sprawling apple tree.
Alas. Any flower garden (let alone the garden as a whole) requires effort and time. Stock up on patience.
Nothing brings more joy on a hot day than relaxing in the fresh air with a glass of ice-cold lemonade in your hand. A simple and inexpensive option for a garden relax zone is a gravel-covered area under a tree and a pair of stylish wooden lounge chairs.
Tired of hula hoops? Make a hammock chair out of them. You can use metal hoops that gather dust in a barn or at home on the mezzanine. This place of rest will definitely not be left without attention.
Among the vertical options for landscaping your country yard is the idea of using painted wooden pallets, which have been successfully used in design for more than a year.
The use of mobile flower beds greatly expands your design possibilities in your own garden. Flowers in portable trellis baskets can be successfully combined with vegetables.
Is there a cinder block left after building a house? Do not throw away as construction waste - make flower beds from improvised materials at no extra cost.
