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How to landscape your garden


Garden landscaping ideas: 12 ways to plan the perfect yard space

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Our guide to garden landscaping is a sound starting point when transforming your outdoor space from scratch – whether you're a pro or a total novice. Because creating a garden that is beautiful and satisfying, is more than a haphazard process. And anyone who has successfully landscaped a garden in their time is sure to agree. If you've come this far, you are likely to be working on a garden in your forever home, or at least, in the place that you happily call home for now.  

To really feel the benefits of your yard space, it goes beyond tidying your lawn with the best lawn mower, and you'll need to follow some ground rules (pun intended) to ensure the most successful results.

(Image credit: Chris Snook)

How big you go with your landscaping ideas depends on your taste, how many acres you have and of course, your budget. Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love shares some helpful tips for staying on budget and reducing garden landscaping costs where possible: 

'To save money while landscaping your garden, while simultaneously creating a garden that will actually thrive, choose plants that are native to your area. Non-native plants are always going to be more expensive, and they will often require much more water and attention (assuming that they actually stay alive in the climate that they are not meant for). You’ll also want to pay attention to where your garden is going to be located and how much sun it will get. Knowing the amount of sun that plants will be getting will help you choose specific, native plants that thrive with that exact amount of sunlight. '

It's a case of working with your foundations so that your planting and other cosmetic finishes can fall into place far more attractively. From weeding, to ground leveling, the best landscaping plants to use and which trees to consider, these garden landscaping ideas and tips will set you up for success. 

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp Photography)

This is a crucial area that you should largely have covered when creating your garden design to understand the space you're working with. The main reason for this part of the garden landscaping process is that you'll be looking to identify any issues so that you can prepare your efforts and materials accordingly – which will save you time and money in the long run. 

This is what to consider:

2. Decide whether to DIY or hire a garden landscaper

The key here is to know your limits and your budget. Planting, installing off-the-peg water features, adding a new gravel path or lawn, laying decking and garden fencing are within the scope of the keen amateur; however, walling, laying expensive stone pavers, concrete rendering and electrical work should be carried out by professionals for a quality, safe finish, even if you do have a small plot. Contractors that are affiliated to either the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) or the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) should be your first choice, Checktrade is also a good place to find reputed garden landscapers that are UK-based.

(Image credit: Joe Wainwright)

3. Clear the site

(Image credit: Shutterstock )

This means getting rid of weeds naturally (everyone's favorite job) or using one of the best weed killers, as well as any overgrowth and removing any garden waste. Visible rubbish is easy to remove, but using a pick (if the soil is compacted), or a garden rake (if you're lucky!) and disturbing the soil can help release any rubble to be removed below. 

This can be a tough job but it is completely necessary, especially if you're planning for lots of planting and want to start a kitchen garden. Big chunks of rubble make it harder for plants to establish and can potentially block drainage access also.

Determine whether this will be a light job and easy to do yourself, or if you need to hire a skip. 

4. Level the ground

This is a vital task as without a level ground, any landscaping materials such as patio and decking can't go down. 

If you have a small garden space then you may be able to level the ground yourself using a heavy-duty garden rake from Amazon or a local hardware store. Use the teeth to break up large chunks of soil, while the back can also be used to smooth the surface by running it in a forward and backward motion to evenly distribute the soil.

Millboard composite decking, Garden House Design

(Image credit: Garden House Design)

If you have a big space where the soil is very compacted, or if you are working with a very sloped garden, then you may need to consider calling in a professional.  A subtle change in level can help make a smaller yard or garden feel larger, but sloped grass is a no no as it can become slippy and unsightly very quickly. Terracing is probably the best way to work with a sloped garden, and it will allow you to have different levels of interest in your space.

Do bear in mind, however, that significant excavations are expensive. There’s the soil to remove and retaining walls are needed (to stop soil washing away), so you'll usually need to call in help from a professional structural engineer which can mean costs will add up.

5. Select hard landscaping materials that will stand the test of time

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Identifying and exploring potential materials is one of the more enjoyable parts of landscaping a garden. 

Sarah Jameson of Green Building Elements notes how your choice of landscaping materials can have a big effect on the overall cost of your project, so it's worth being conscious of what you're using: 'Repurposing goes a long way when it comes to landscaping with a budget. Find existing stones, wood, and plants that can be moved around instead of replacing everything altogether. When it comes to stone and wood, go to local salvage yards and warehouses to ask for excess pallets of bricks and boards for the fraction of their original price. Meanwhile, wait for clearance sales at plant nurseries and opt for plants that can be divided and transplanted. Another option is to exchange plants or other materials with your neighbor for free. '

While performance, durability and ease of maintenance are key with all materials used in a garden setting, you should choose natural-looking surfaces that complement your home and design style. Earthy greys, deep honey browns and rustic dull reds suit both period and new houses. 

To successfully link your indoor and outdoor spaces, choose a similar material to that used in the room linked to the garden – just make sure it’s weatherproof. And, otherwise, garden designers will usually keep things simple by sticking with four different materials max. Here are some options:

6. Plan for wet ground and control damp

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Simply working the ground will increase drainage, and if you're installing patio paving, this will help disperse water furthermore.

An important point to note is that your topsoil level shouldn't surpass the damp-course of your home or other garden outbuildings to avoid running the risk of damp in any interior spaces. Six inches below is the recommended top level, including any materials on top like gravel etc.

If your land does have waterlogging issues, then you may need to consider adding drains.

7. Plan your planting

(Image credit: Shutterstock )

This is the fun part, and plants, trees and any shrubbery should come next on the list, ahead of adding any garden lawns. The type of garden plants you choose, of course, depends on your taste, the climate and the overall feel that you want to create in your outdoor space, but it also depends on the type of soil you have and on your garden's aspect. Generally, a mixture of trees, flowers and evergreen shrubs will work well, creating year-round interest, ideal for wildlife also. 

8. Consider xeriscaping and your climate

(Image credit: RM Floral / Alamy Stock Photo)

Working with your garden's aspect, soil type and climate is a must and if you live in a dryer climate or want to plant in a more low-maintenance and eco-friendly manner, you can look to incorporate xeriscaping into your landscaping for less irrigation and stunning results. What's beautiful about this landscaping method is that you don't need a ton of plants to make a difference, and it's not reserved only for dry climates.

9. Define different areas in your yard

(Image credit: Henry Scott - Pehrsson Scott)

Defining different sections of your outdoor space proves super rewarding. And landscaping a yard with this in mind will help you make the most of your space also, leaving room for an outdoor kitchen addition next to a vegetable plot or for family outdoor living space and so on. Here is how to go about it like a professional:

10. Consider privacy 

(Image credit: Henry Scott - Pehrsson Scott)

No one wants eyes on them pruning their roses or planting out tomatoes so be sure to consider backyard privacy when defining your garden's landscape. Garden screening such as trellis, DIY living walls and strategically planted trees can all help create a more intimate and protected setting. While if you're sure to be swinging in your favorite hammock or snoozing on a deck chair, putting up a bigger structure like a pergola to hedge neighbors' views may be more effective.

Getting creative with cheaper fence ideas, color pops and more can also enhance privacy and the beauty of your landscape. Jameson continues 'One effective way to spruce up your garden landscape is to add colors to your fence walls to elevate the overall look without having to purchase new outdoor decors. You can also make use of old tires for pots, use old wine bottles as chimes and hang them on tree branches or fences to add visuals. If you have a little more to spend, head to junk shops to find vintage items that you can use as decor on your patio.' 

11. Dress your landscape

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

This is when you should start finalizing elements like water features, ponds and swimming pools, filling them if needed. This is also when you can start to fill raised beds for veggie planting and more. At which point you'll be able to sow and prepare a lawn, or lay any turf around it (if you want one that is!) to let it establish.

12. Neaten up borders

(Image credit: Henry Scott - Pehrsson Scott)

Or rather trim up, as once your grass has established you can mow it to your desired shape and make a start on your lawn edges. If you don't have a lawn then move on to other decorative aspects of backyard design to fulfill all of your outdoor space needs.

How can I landscape my garden cheaply? 

Ahead of work starting, with all garden landscaping ideas, it's important to find out about costs. You'll need information on materials, so do use manufacturers’ price lists. Builders’ merchants and plant nurseries are also useful sources. You can usually negotiate good prices direct from the supplier or manufacturer, depending on the quantities. 

Jameson advises to 'Keep in mind to focus on elements you will be using often when crafting your landscape master plan and always work in phases to prevent being overwhelmed about starting your project and from going over the budget. It's equally as important to incorporate maintenance costs when you design your garden. Do research on which hardscape materials require more maintenance and which plants are appropriate for your weather and those that can cut down on your water bill.'

Lindsey Hyland, a gardening expert and founder of Urban Organic Yield says: 'Make the most of your budget with low-cost, high-impact projects, like a rock wall or cedar privacy fence.' These will give instant results without costing the earth. 'Upgrade existing structures to make them better looking and sustainable: re-landscape abandoned containers; add benches or trellises; paint, stain or decorate weathered wood to enliven it. ' Continues Hayland. Here are some more pointers:

Spon’s External Works and Landscape Price Book is helpful to consult, and is the most common guide used in the trade. 

When choosing materials, rustic timber complement both contemporary and period houses. Decking is a good choice where there is wooden flooring inside. Blogger Dear Designer has created this wonderful shaded space with decking and a pergola

(Image credit: Carole King)

You're on your way to garden greatness!

Hey there! I’m Cam, Deputy Editor of Realhomes.com. I’ve been here since early 2020 and I have the best job of working with a ton of different talented writers and creators to bring you the most inspiring home design content! As a renter myself, sharing a home with two friends (and my cat) in London, I know all too well the challenges that this can pose when it comes to creating your perfect setup. As someone who has always loved everything interior design-related, I cannot rest until a home feels right and I am really passionate about helping others get there too, no matter what their living situation, style, or budget may be. It’s not always the easiest to figure out, but the journey is fun and the results are so worth it.

After interior design, travel, art, and photography are my next big passions. When I’m not writing or editing homes content, I’m usually tapping into other creative outlets, exploring galleries in London or further afield, taking photos, scribbling, or drawing! 

How to landscape a backyard: expert advice on garden design

(Image credit: Marion Brenner)

When it comes to how to landscape a backyard, a bit of time spent on planning and designing will help you release the full potential of your garden, both visually and for practical considerations. 

Consider how you would like to use the space as part of your backyard ideas. Is it for alfresco dining and relaxing in, are you planning for it to be filled with flowers and foliage, structure from evergreens to create a living picture to be viewed from inside. or a more simplified, contemporary space, perhaps with a statement, soothing water feature?

There are many backyard landscaping ideas you can draw on, and the materials used – from paving, aggregates and decking, to decorative edging and the hard materials employed for raised beds and walls – add texture and character to a garden, marking out the structure and leading the eye through the landscape.

You need to give some thought to the practicalities, such as areas for backyard storage, and take careful note of the microclimates, sun and light, wind protection and your boundaries. It’s a good idea to allow yourself a year to fully observe the backyard in each season, and understand how you like to use the space year round, before you make big changes. 

To help you realize your ideal outdoor space, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide packed with expert advice giving the lowdown on every aspect of how to landscape a backyard.

How to landscape a backyard

(Image credit: Courtesy of Joseph Richardson Landscape Architecture)

When it comes to how to landscape a backyard, areas of hard landscaping, or structure from evergreen shrubs, will create the bones of your garden. You need think about how to harmoniously link the inside of your home to the outside. Do you want the style and colors to complement with the style of your property and the internal living space, or create a complete contrast?  

If you are starting from scratch, you may need to hire a landscape designer to do the hard landscaping to ensure drainage is in place and paving is done expertly.

1. Assess the space

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

When you're planning a garden, thinking of your backyard as an outdoor room makes it easier to design using similar principles to interior design. 

'Look at the plot’s size and shape, the boundaries and surroundings. Consider whether it is overlooked by neighbors, if there are any eyesores to camouflage behind privacy hedges, or if you need to incorporate garden screening ideas to screen the plot from passers-by. These are just some of the questions to consider,' advises gardening writer Leigh Clapp.

'It’s a good idea to make a list of your preferences and sort them into an order of priority. A mood board of images and ideas of the style and look you are after can be a great help. Decide what is practical and do-able given your time and lifestyle; be honest and realistic.' she adds.

Try marking out the space, either on a sketch plan or with string in situ, for example giving enough room for outdoor seating ideas or for outdoor dining. Whether you have space to create areas within the plot, or just one room, will help to visualize the end result. 

The site itself is crucial and will affect the design. ‘Be aware of the soil type and areas where the sun shines in the site area,’ says multi award-winning landscape designer Jack Dunckley .

‘These specific zones of full sun, partial shade and shade will determine where and which varieties of plants should be placed for the most successful outcome,’ he adds.

2. Take into account practicalities

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp / Kate Gould Gardens)

The key to success when it comes to how to landscape a backyard is to create a space that is both beautiful and practical, satisfying the occasionally competing elements of form and function.

'The hard landscaping really needs to be designed with a material that can tolerate the aspect,' advises garden designer Kate Gould .  

'It is asking a lot of a stone or wood not to naturally turn green with algae in areas of low light,' she adds, so bear this in mind if you have a north facing garden or a narrow garden which are likely to have more shady areas, and think about the long term maintenance of surfaces that could turn into slip hazards over time.  

'The power of nature can only be defied so far, but with careful selection of products the on-going maintenance of the scheme, these can be minimised. Think low maintenance, rather than no maintenance and a happy balance will be achieved,' adds Kate.

In the above design by Kate Gould as a sloped backyard idea formal elegance and the change of levels with hard landscaping increases the feeling of space in a small garden by adding depth while the structural and low maintenance planting looks elegant even in winter. The natural stone paving will weather gently and is easy to maintain.

3. Remember less is often more

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Trying to achieve too much in a backyard can sometimes result in a dilution of the overall effect. 'Pare down the design, assess the absolute minimum that you need and work from there,' advises Kate Gould.

It is hard when we have inspiration from all around not to include elements of many things that we see and like, but the result may be too overcrowded and clumsy.

'It is helpful to draw up a grid to scale and then cut out the items you want to include, such as raised beds, seating and dining spaces, flower bed ideas, focal points, such as a water feature, and other structures including pergola ideas, then experiment with them until you are happy with the layout design,' advises Leigh Clapp. 

An aesthetically pleasing whole is made of an array of elements. Avoid the desire to have a bit of this and a bit of that and try to ensure all the elements in your garden are in harmony.

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

How to landscape a backyard depends on what you want from the space. A contemporary design, with hard landscaping a major feature, together with architectural plants might be preferable, or it could be the planting that is abundant and prominent. 

If the latter is the case, should the look be formal with symmetry, straight lines and neat hedges? Or more informal with large borders, mixed color schemes and winding paths, such as in a cottage garden or naturalistic planting design?

‘What design aesthetic do you aspire to? This can be harder to define, but it is vital to understand the characteristics that will give your garden a special feel and help it to connect with your home and its wider surroundings,' says James Scott of The Garden Company .

It’s also vital to think about which features your backyard should contain, if space allows. If not, there are plenty of small back yard landscaping ideas to choose from.  

List all the elements you want to include from lawns, patio ideas and deck ideas, through to outbuildings, a garden for growing veggies, pool ideas, play areas for kids, arches, arbors and pergolas. And the garden fence and garden wall ideas you prefer for boundaries and within the backyard to zone it.

(Image credit: The Garden Company)

In the design above, James Scott of The Garden Company uses stonework in neutral soft greys and buffs to help showcase the softscaping and be sympathetic to the planting palette.

Consider how large paved and decked areas need to be to accommodate dining furniture and seating for family and guests, or how much space is needed for family games, flower beds or for growing edible crops.

Areas of the backyard may need levelling if you looking at how to design a sloping garden, and you may need to bear in mind restrictions, such as some areas being subject to waterlogging, too. Take a look at existing trees, hedges or structures – it may be possible and desirable to incorporate them into the design, but they could be in the way.

(Image credit: Maitanne Hunt Gardens)

The initial ideas for a new garden are always focussed on the flow of the space. A sense of intrigue can be achieved by linking areas with romantic pathways and swathes of planting, for example. 

The serene country garden shown above has been designed by Maïtanne Hunt of Maïtanne Hunt Gardens and Landscapes using fewer hard materials, but instead topiary and evergreen hedging to help promote biodiversity

In a country garden, continuity between the house and the garden is vitally important. This can be achieved by choosing materials in the garden that are sympathetic to the house and its architecture, such as slate, stone or timber, for example.

When garden zoning, take into account the light conditions and decide on what to include in the different areas of your garden. 

The final jewel in the crown of your landscape design will be the planting, says  Maïtanne Hunt: ‘You’ll want to select plants that provide year-round interest, such as evergreens, hedges, trees or topiary that give structure to a garden when perennials have died down. ’

(Image credit: Maitanne Hunt Gardens)

In this design by Maïtanne Hunt, above, a backyard becomes an extension of the home, with zones for dining and relaxing, to be enjoyed all year round, surrounding by seasonal planting.

6. Decide on the professionals you’ll work with

(Image credit: Rob Cardillo Photography)

If you not too sure about how to landscape a backyard, you may wish to commission a landscape architect or garden designer. This profession is significantly different to other types of building construction and requires specialist knowledge. 

It’s important to seek out a good landscaping company rather than regular builders, who may not be familiar with some of the ‘basics’ of building gardens rather than houses. It is also worth getting an idea of how much backyard landscaping costs.

Landscapers are trained in hard and soft landscaping skills, which essentially means that they can build the garden and also lay turf and plant the trees, shrubs and perennials that the garden designer has specified.

They could produce the plans for your backyard, manage the process, too, or design and construct, depending on the services offered and your preference.

Their professional experience could help you realize your dream backyard, but you will of course need to set aside a proportion of the budget if this is the route you’re going to take.

The Connecticut garden above was designed by Seattle-based Land Morphology .

Whether with a design from a professional or your own, the labor may be something you have the experience and confidence to take on. 

Alternatively, if you're looking for backyard ideas on a budget, you might employ professionals to take on the preparatory work including clearing, any leveling, drainage, laying pavers and decks and so on, leaving you to lay the lawn and put in plants. 

7. Clear the space

(Image credit: Tom Massey)

The backyard needs to be cleared before the work of creating the new design can begin. This could take the form of jobs such as removing weeds and any unwanted growth, but it might also mean taking away rubbish. Rubble and rocks can prevent plants from establishing.

‘What is cleared to make way for a new scheme is very site and project dependant, but it’s good to retain anything you can work with, such as existing trees,’ says Rae Wilkinson , MSGD. 

'Weeds should be hand cleared and rubble or site soil used within the scheme rather than removing it where possible, thus retaining the sensitive balance of the soil and reducing carbon footprint,' which is also a sustainable garden idea.

Levelling the yard may be necessary, too, to create flat lawns, as well as provide a place for a patio or deck. Clever sloping garden ideas mean a severely sloping backyard can still look great. It may need a series of terraces, but these can have the benefit of adding interest to the design and zoning different areas.

8. Think outbuildings

(Image credit: Gabriel Ash)

Planning in adequate storage for your gardening toolkit is vital. Rather than keep it all in the garage, you may look for garden shed ideas to create dedicated storage when you’re landscaping a backyard, or, if space permits, garden building ideas.

A garden shed can be useful for tasks like collecting seeds, starting seedlings and dividing plants, so consider sizing up so there’s room to work as well as space to store. 

A shed or garden building can also be a pretty feature in its own right, adding a focal point to the backyard that complements a home’s style and the materials from which it’s made. It can even introduce outside living space but with the benefit of shelter from the elements.

Be aware that you’ll need to check regulations locally before you put up a shed. In the US you may need a permit, and there may be restrictions in the UK, depending on where you live. 

Greenhouse ideas allow you to create the optimum environment for growing vegetables, flowers and other plants. Greenhouses can be modest in size, or scaled up if space permits to fit cultivation requirements.

9. Choose appropriate materials

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

According to garden designer Cheryl Cummings , ‘Hard materials used in the garden need to sit well with the fabric of the house, and with the internal flooring if they are to flow seamlessly.  

'They need to look appropriate to the setting and any existing garden materials, so for many reasons a locally sourced material, often stone, makes sense.’

Maïtanne Hunt suggests Corten steel for edging. ‘The rust-red, earthy tones of the steel blend well into rural projects.’ 

James Scott feels that neutral colours often work well. ‘Stone in soft greys and buffs will help to showcase the softscaping and be sympathetic to the planting color palette,’ he says.

10. Put in hard landscaping

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)

Hard landscaping takes in the structural features of a backyard, such as garden paths ideas, patios, decks, walls, garden fence ideas, garden edging, raised beds and more. Each landscaping element can be designed in a variety of materials.

The materials for a backyard landscaping project will often be suggested by the style of the outdoor space you’re planning, whether that’s more traditional or tends to the contemporary.  

But as well as the style, think, too, about the durability and maintenance requirements of each to ensure they’re suitable for the time you can dedicate to tending your backyard, and the budget available in the long term.

For patios and garden path ideas, choose between pavers with more rustic style like those that resemble cobblestone or old brick, or opt for choices such as flagstones, natural stones that are suitable for outdoor use, and porcelain pavers. 

For deck, composite and PVC boards can all be considered, and the best option will likely depend on funds available for landscaping. There are many deck color ideas and options for deck edging for creating a unique outdoor space with different deck planting ideas.

Be mindful, though, that initial landscaping cost should not be the only consideration as, depending on the wood, regular maintenance can be required, such as knowing how to remove mold from a wood deck, bringing extra costs over the lifetime of the deck.

Gravel garden ideas may suit a country-style backyard or a contemporary design, and is suitable for paths as well as larger areas. 

While you’ll want to select a range of materials for the various hard landscaping elements of the backyard, bear the overall color palette in mind. You might want to combine browns and brick red shades for example, or choose a paler selection of materials. 

‘Bright, light colors are the contemporary way to go when considering flooring in a modern design,’ says Jack Dunckley. ‘Creams and whites offer the perfect backdrop for features such as potted plants and luxury furniture. Lighter colors also give the illusion of a bigger space for small deck ideas and contrast beautifully with the rich red and browns of any brickwork used in a house or wall.’

11. Check the balance of soft and hard landscaping

(Image credit: Cheryl Cummings)

‘It’s important to balance any landscaping with the size of your house; the walls of a larger house present significant vertical hard surfaces,’ says Cheryl Cummings.

In the design above, Cheryl has planted soft mounds of grasses and flowering hummocks to cushion the edges of the path.

‘If there are large trees around the boundary or a big open view, the scale will mean that narrow paths and small plants will appear insignificant, so the paved surfaces need to be appropriate to the scale of the house and surroundings,’ she adds.

If, however, you are opting for a contemporary outdoor space then you may wish to include a higher percentage of hard landscaping, particularly for courtyard garden ideas.

12. Add the planting

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Introducing patio planting ideas is the highlight of the landscaping process for many. First, the beds will need to be outlined and mulch or compost used to improve the soil. For the lawn areas, lawn topsoil should be added first and then the sod or turf, or learn how to plant grass seed.

The mixture of plants, trees and shrubs will be determined by a whole host of factors including the local climate, the type of soil in your backyard, and its size.  

‘The two things which are least considered and most significant are the details of the so-called aspect and drainage,’ says Barry Chambers MSGD.

‘Aspect is not simply the points of the compass. It is whether there is a tree or even shrub casting shade on a part of the border, or perhaps it is a large herbaceous plant so it will be casting a lot of shade in summer but none at all when dormant in winter,' he adds, in which case it would be necessary to explore the best shrubs for shade and shade plants or even woodland plants that would cope with the conditions.

‘Drainage is very important because what kills the most plants in winter is not the cold as such, it is the cold and wet. So plants are hardier in a well drained environment in general,' he adds.

If wet can’t be avoided, even with a raised surface, then marginals, pond plants or so called bi-modal plants  – plants which can manage in flood or drought – are the only reliable options.

On the slip side, if the site is very dry and stony, then look to drought tolerant planting or those that are suited to mediterranean garden ideas.

13. Plan in a kitchen garden

(Image credit: Jamie Innes of Artisan Landscapes)

Although you may have the space for a large vegetable garden at some distance from the house, it’s nice to include beautiful kitchen garden ideas or a herb garden into the ornamental space, too, such as the design above by Jamie Innes of Artisan Landscapes.

Pottering among your own orderly set of raised beds before dinner and selecting a few homegrown herbs or vegetables can be a wonderful way to enjoy your garden – whether in the city or country.

(Image credit: John Davies Landscaping)

Vertical elements are an important part of any backyard design. ‘They create more interest,’ says Ana Sanchez-Martin MSGD. 

‘Without them, it often feels flat, literally and experientially. Vertical elements stimulate the eye to move up and down between the ground plane and the sky. They often help the garden feel larger because the more the eye has to travel between various points, the larger the brain will believe the space to be.

‘Vertical garden ideas also create shadows which move with the sun, bringing the time dimension into the experience of being in the garden,’ she adds. 

‘They bring certain plants to eye level, head height and above-head height. There is nothing lovelier than looking up into the canopy of a tree and seeing the sun and the sky beyond the leaves. They help create partitions within a garden.’

There are a variety of ways to incorporate verticals into a backyard. Increasingly popular are living wall ideas, such as the design above by John Davies Landscapes, or what’s known as ‘vertical gardening’, which first saw urban buildings turned green with their façades covered in living plants. It’s a concept that’s reached residential backyards, especially in city locations where planting space is limited. 

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Simpler than adding a living wall is fixing trellis ideas and growing climbing plants, including flowering climbers to bring color, fragrance and soft lines to the horizontal structure of a fence or wall. Pick from wood or metal, or consider a wire version for a modern backyard.

Don’t confine verticals to the edges of the backyard, though. Arbors can act as doorways through which to reach another zone of the space to add intrigue to the design and look spectacular with a blooming fragrant roses wreathed around them.

Alternatively or additionally, garden shade ideas, such as a pergola, will add a focal point and can make a seating or dining area more comfortable. Encouraging climbing plants to cover the structure will blend it into the backyard beautifully.

The interest they create isn’t the end of the attributes of vertical elements, however; if your backyard is overlooked, putting these in and growing plants up them can be a great garden privacy idea, allowing more freedom over where to position relaxing and dining spaces.

How do I layout my backyard?

To layout your backyard you can either decide to use a garden designer or create your backyard yourself. There are many decisions to be made regarding materials, so it pays to understand the pros and cons of each. 

Your first priority will be to establish the functional spaces, from patios to paths. The expanse of an area and its use will dictate which materials are most suitable. 

For instance, a hard standing for a table and chairs needs to be flat and stable, and you might want to keep granular aggregates such as gravel or bark away from the entrance of the house so they are not trampled inside.  

Think about how materials combine to add color, texture and interest, and how they will interact with plants, and don’t forget how they will complement the house when viewed from the garden. 

Check the ownership of every boundary when erecting fencing and walls. Where dividing lines are shared, by law you must involve the neighbor in the design decision and ask for their permission to go ahead in writing.

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

How can I make my backyard look nice?

To make your backyard look nice, sleek, smooth stone that continues inside the house is a chic option if you have a modern extension or folding doors, but it could look too harsh, butted straight up to a red brick period home or a rustic cottage.

There is no shortage of hard landscaping style ideas for gardens, from the charmingly rustic to something more sleek and modern, with everything in between.

In general, hard landscaping tends to be the star of modern backyard designs, and the range of materials suitable for such spaces is more extensive – mirror, metal, concrete and painted walls, to name a few. 

But there are no rules to say that you could not consider using these in the most traditional herbaceous gardens as well. The trick is to create a single, homogenous design. 

‘Simple, elegant detailing is often the key to a successful space,’ explains garden designer Robert Myers . ‘People often over-complicate design by putting too many ideas and patterns into a small space, making it look busy and fussy.’

What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard? 

The cheapest way to landscape a backyard is by being your own designer and contractor. But only take on what you can confidently achieve as mistakes can be costly to remedy.

Every construction project involves a fair degree of upheaval and expense so plan meticulously to make sure work goes as smoothly as possible.

After that, it’s a question of opting for less costly materials. For example, a patio or path laid using bricks in sand is a budget way to get a paved area. Laying gravel rather than paving can also bring savings. Consider, too, including less hard landscaping in the design and increasing the space dedicated to planting.

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

How do you do a simple landscape?

To do a simple landscape, planting with evergreens to provide structure rather than hard landscaping it simpler. Being patient can also cut your backyard landscaping costs. If you can wait for plants to grow you’ll save compared to going for larger specimens. 

A more relaxed backyard design could also prove a winner when it comes to cost-saving, as the accurate finish of a contemporary design involves extra labor.  

How do I make my backyard look professionally landscaped?

To make your backyard look professionally landscaped plan in a focal point, such as yard art or garden fountain ideas, or a series of them, as a garden designer would. 

This could also include a feature such as a pretty shed, or a living element, such as a tree or group of shrubs. The focal point should draw the eye just as it does in an interior.

Consider scale, too, for a professional look when it comes to how to landscape a backyard. Be aware of the eventual height and spread of what you plant so it doesn’t become out of proportion to the space. Equally, a bed of low blooms will look lost against an imposing house.

(Image credit: The Garden Company)

In the design above, James Scott of The Garden Company has used a sculpture to draw the eye through swathes of planting to this sheltered dining spot.

‘To work out if a planting scheme is successful, professionals ask themselves, "would this scheme work if it was a black and white photo?’ says UK garden designer Ana Sanchez-Martin.  

‘A good tip regarding garden color schemes is that the hotter colors (oranges, reds, yellows) tend to concentrate in the summer in average climates and early fall months. Whereas you can find flowers in the cool range – blues, lilacs, pinks – almost all year round. So if you are looking for a longer seasonal display, choose cool colors.’

What is the average cost to landscape a yard? 

It is hard to decipher a ballpark figure when it comes to the average cost to landscape a design as it depends on so many variables, not least the size of the site and materials used. On average, you can expect to pay between $2,000 – $30,000 onwards, depending on the size of your yard, the complexity of your design and the quality and durability of your chosen materials. Not forgetting the cost of labor. 

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

Of all the aspects involved in creating a new garden, hard landscaping takes up the biggest proportion – usually about 75 per cent of the total project cost. If budget is an issue, it is possible to do the work in stages.

If you have a large space, or want an intricately-designed backyard, it is always recommended that you hire a landscape architect. 

If you are planning to employ a professional to help with your project, it’s important to establish what level of service you require. 

Garden designers and landscape designers are known by various names, which, confusingly, are often interchangeable. 

Where domestic projects are concerned, if you are creating a new scheme from scratch or radically altering the structure of your garden, you can either employ a garden designer, or do the job yourself. 

In both instances, the designer’s role is to look at the design as a whole, including the layout, structure and the planting, and to call in a landscape contractor – or landscaper – to deal with the hard landscaping features – the walls, beds and paths.  

If you decide to take on the design job yourself, it is good to know that most landscape contractors can also help with some aspects of design, and in particular, advise you on the best use of space and the most suitable materials to use.

Does backyard landscaping add value to your home?

According to a trusted survey, having a well-designed backyard can add on upwards of $20,000 to your property price. 

(Image credit: Future)

It is unsurprising that people are looking for more outdoor space since lockdown. 'Having a bigger garden or at least access to one was the number one thing that lockdown had changed for what buyers are now looking for in their next home,' the survey suggested.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

How to make your garden beautiful with your own hands, garden design photo

A beautiful colorful garden from spring to late autumn is not a dream. But not everyone wants to spend all their time on the site, planting flower beds and caring for the lawn. How to make a garden beautiful and cozy with a minimum of effort - to enjoy the colors of the garden, lying on a deck chair with a book or rocking on a garden rocking chair? Firstly, competently plan the landscape and, secondly, select plants that require a minimum of care. We tell you how to make a beautiful garden with your own hands - photos and ideas are attached!

RHS Chelsea

Think about which garden is easier for you to keep tidy - a regular French garden that requires frequent cutting of garden forms, beds that exclude even a hint of weeds, or a slightly neglected English with its free layout? Logic suggests that the English version is more convenient.

Dear Garden Associates, Inc.

In the photo: a picturesque lawn with wildflowers will help you easily create a beautiful garden with your own hands

The fewer flower beds in the garden, the easier it is to care for. Choose vibrant shrubs that change their appearance throughout the season. But still it is difficult to imagine a luxurious garden without flowers at all. How to beautifully decorate a garden without making a lot of effort? Lay large areas under the lawn or a picturesque lawn with clover, daisies, tenacity. Weeds are not so noticeable on it - it is enough to mow them. By the way, daisies easily tolerate a haircut and bloom remarkably, very low above the rosettes of leaves.

Jerry Fritz Garden Design

In the photo: how beautiful to decorate a garden without flowers? - Plant ornamental shrubs!

A beautifully flowering front garden that fills the space in front of the house will create the feeling of a painstakingly cultivated garden. But the rest of the area can be left under the lawn, surrounded by bushes. Instead of flower beds with geometric shapes, create mixborders with a free arrangement of different plants. They look more picturesque and look good even when overgrown with weeds.
Choose frost-tolerant plants that are resistant to our climate. Combine plants with different foliage in height, shape and color so that even when not in bloom, the garden remains decorative and beautiful. Arrange mixborders at the intersection of paths to complicate the look of the garden.

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Kingdom Landscape

In the photo: when deciding how to decorate the garden, give preference to beautiful compositions of unpretentious plants and various decorative elements

Van Zelst Inc

If there is a landscape difference on the site, do not be afraid to create terraces and retaining walls - they will enrich the garden picture, make it more picturesque.

A paved patio will also do the job of creating a backdrop for the flowers, and it will also reduce the hassle of mowing the lawn, a tiring task even with a self-propelled petrol lawnmower.

By the way, quality equipment will greatly simplify the care of the garden. In addition to a lawnmower suitable for open flat spaces, stock up on a petrol trimmer to cut grass and weeds around bushes and trees.

NLH Landscape Architects

Lawn Tip
Once the grass has grown over ten centimeters, a weekly mowing (or at least once every two weeks) will accompany your gardening experience. Remember that the correct mowing of the lawn involves mowing with a “snake”, so that the grass crushed by the wheels falls under the blade of the mower going in the opposite direction.

The shape of the lawn and the organization of the plantings around it is very important. The more separately growing plantings in the middle of the lawn, the more time you will spend. The border between lawn and solid plantings is another important decision to make maintenance easier.

Optimizing lawn mowing is no reason to completely abandon the tapeworm in the middle of it. If we are talking about a tree, form its crown at such a height that you can walk under it freely. Plants that should be spaced apart should not be planted closer than the width of the wheels of a lawn mower, otherwise you will have to cut the grass with a trimmer, and this is quite tedious.

RHS Chelsea

To avoid clogging the soil between out-of-lawn plantings, cover the soil with a decorative mulch (such as bark). Between young plantings, it is worth covering the ground with non-woven material and sprinkle with gravel - this will save you from weeding and ubiquitous grass. Or, if fresh plantings of shrubs and perennials require filling in the space between young plants, colorful annuals can be used. These simple tricks will help you not only save time on caring for the site, but also decorate your garden.

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Garden Care – Creating a Low Maintenance Garden

J. Peterson Garden Design

What to Plant in Your Garden
do not require pre-germination, bloom for a long time and brightly, and also sown next year by self-sowing: escholzia (Eschscholzia), self-seeding poppy (Papaver rhoeas), annual flax (Linum grandiflorum), cornflower (Centaurea), flaxseed (Linaria vulgaris), calendula (Calendula officinalis).

Verdance Landscape Architecture

Bulb flowers: buried and forgotten
Tulips and hyacinths are magical spring flowers that delight the eye at the beginning of the season. But imagine what will be in their place in the summer, as soon as the flowers fade? Drying leaves that you still can’t cut off, so as not to deprive the bulb of the accumulated nutrients in this way. But after the leaves have completely dried, you need to have time to dig the bulbs to dry. And in late summer or early autumn, you will have to re-plant them.

If you really want tulips, plant wild species: they look rather unusual. Daffodils in one place can bloom well without digging for about 4-5 years. The only problem is yellowing leaves that cannot be cut until completely dry. Therefore, choose a place for them next to perennials, which will cover them with their leaves in summer.

Arcadia Gardens, LLC

However, if you cannot imagine your English garden without large beautiful tulips in spring, place their bulbs in plastic nets in the ground - it will be easier and faster to dig them out to dry. Allow yourself to forget about this process for a year - one summer spent in the ground without drying out will not cause such terrible damage to the tulips blooming next year. The ideal "shelter" for faded bulbs will be hostas, peonies, daylilies.

Maria Hickey & Associates Landscapes

Do not be afraid of weeds and constantly fight with them. The garden, close to the country style, suits a slight neglect. The latest trends at the Chelsea Garden Show are further proof that weeds can brighten up any garden.

Keep the natural forms characteristic of your soil. They will give the garden a more natural look. For example, an ordinary garden chamomile creates beautiful compositions without any participation of a gardener, links plantings together. In addition, it blooms for a long time and is very resistant to heat and drought. Even burdock with its huge leaves can look impressive, and thistles can decorate a composition with lupins and rudbeckia with their flowers.

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RHS Chelsea

perennials - only the most unpretentious
peonies are required by regular fertilizers, watering before flowering and cutting feces in the winter, but this care will pay off a hundredfold when the garden is filled with huge fragrant flowers. Daylilies thrive in full sun and, like peonies, even after they have faded, will look decorative and neat.

Ornamental foliage and beautiful arrows with white or lilac bellflowers of the host - ideal for semi-shady and shady places (including under trees, but not near the trunks). True, the hosts will need to be cut off after the first frosts, which will “beat” their leaves, and in October they will be mulched with earth for the winter.

Irises - Siberian (Iris sibírica) and swamp (Iris pseudacoru), easy to care for - will decorate moist sunny places in the garden. Before the onset of winter, they will also need to be cut at a height of 10 cm above the ground. Bearded irises will require more care: weeding, digging rhizomes (bearded irises stop blooming profusely and start to hurt when their rhizomes deepen), shelters for the winter. But still, bearded irises are one of the best garden decorations in June. To make it easier to care for them, choose old proven varieties that grow quickly and are resistant to disease.

Daisies, lupins, rudbeckia - all these are very resistant plants that look beautiful both in flower beds (elongated flower beds) and separately in a mixborder. They can be grown in the garden directly from seeds.

Biennials - Turkish carnation (Dianthus barbatus), stem rose (Alcea rosea) - are also suitable for flower beds and mixborders and are very easy to grow. The only thing to consider is that they bloom only in the second year after planting, and then they must be removed and planted again, otherwise there will be no lush flowering.

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Garden Perennials - Hardy Long Flowering Plants

Simply Garden Design LLC

Flowering Ornamental Shrubs
shrubs . Arrange shrubs of different types, heights and shapes around the perimeter of your garden, near the fence, next to the buildings. The more picturesque, the better - even if one of them freezes over during the winter, the neighbors will hide its untidy appearance.

The common lilac is a must have in a low maintenance garden. In May, the fragrance of her flowers will flood the entire garden, and everyone knows about the beauty of the luxuriantly flowering bushes. Choose varieties with large double flowers - "Hope", "Beauty of Moscow" and other varieties of L. A. Kolesnikov, striking in the size of flowers and wintering well in the Moscow region. The only concern is to trim the faded brushes after flowering.

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Ornamental Shrubs – Selection and Planting

Le jardinet

Grow quickly in a sunny place into a huge sprawling three-meter bush capable of vesicle. To create a contrasting composition with other shrubs and flowers, choose one of the brightest expressive varieties - Physocarpus Diablo with dark foliage. In June, it will be covered with white flowers, collected in slightly pinkish corymbs. In June, mock orange (garden jasmine) will decorate the garden with its white flowers with the scent of jasmine.

White Derain (Cornus alba) in its popular variegated form blooms beautifully in spring, expressively turns pink in autumn, and its red twigs are spectacular even in the winter garden. Plant sod on moist soils, where it develops rapidly, and always in the back of the composition, otherwise soon you will not see neighbors behind it - sod, like the silver sucker, behaves quite aggressively, taking up much more space than was allotted according to plan.

Don't forget about wild rose - after fragrant flowers, it leaves bright fruits to decorate the garden.

Decide for yourself, after evaluating the amount of necessary autumn work, whether you are ready to see forsythia in your garden. This yellow-flowered yet leafless shrub makes a big impression in early spring. By autumn, its graceful foliage is painted in different colors. But for good flowering of forsythia, it is necessary to hide it in a shelter during the winter near Moscow: in the fall, you will have to pay special attention to forsythia, bending its branches to the ground and wrapping it with lutrasil.

Kingdom Landscape

For the foreground in a composition of shrubs and perennials, spireas in all their diversity are suitable - gray spirea (Spirae a cinerea), Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica), Vanguta spirea (Spiraea vanhouttei) and others. All of them are very decorative: they bloom beautifully, moreover, at different times and without any care. The branches of a low gray spirea are completely doused with small white flowers in the spring. In summer and even again in autumn (when pruned after flowering), Japanese spirea blooms with corymbs of pink flowers.

The Plant Place Nursery

Kristen Charlson

Hydrangea arborescens and Hydrangea paniculata are a decoration for semi-shady places in the garden. It looks great in compositions with coniferous plants.

Barberries (frequently found common barberry Berberis vulgaris and Thunberg's barberry Berberis thunbergi) do not bloom with yellow flowers, but their characteristic leaves and branches with small red berries look very decorative. Moreover, last year's berries remain on the bush. The same can be said about the European spindle tree, extremely decorative in autumn thanks to the flaming foliage and its special fruits in the form of opened bright pink boxes with orange berries inside.

Willow 'Hakuro Nishiki' (Salix integra Hakuro Nishiki) is another low-maintenance ornamental shrub whose leaves, not flowers, are worthy of becoming a garden decoration. The white leaves on the young shoots of this willow are painted in the sun in pale pink tones.

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trees in color and not only
usually wait for themselves to be planted by young trees throughout the entire plants. beauty, and not every gardener can master the planting of large-sized plants. So if your garden already has large trees, let them be the basis for creating compositions from shrubs and perennials, because without them it is difficult to achieve a sense of natural luxury and scope in the most beautiful garden.

Of the things worth adding to the garden, apart from beautifully flowering apple trees, cherries, plums, is bird cherry in its red-leaved form. Horse chestnut with candles of flowers and decorative foliage is good even in the form of a young tree. Manchurian walnut (Juglans mandshurica) due to large openwork leaves, growth rate, excellent winter hardiness is another candidate for your garden. The red-leaved forms of oak and maple will support the purple barberry bushes, the red-brown foliage of the Diabolo vesicle with the color of the foliage.

James R. Salomon Photography

Eiler Garden Landscape Design Studio

Evergreen Garden
Be sure to add coniferous shrubs and trees to the garden. Junipers of different forms perfectly connect different plants in a mix-border - you can already create a decorative garden from junipers and thujas alone, playing with the color of the needles (yellow-colored Aurea forms, white-tipped Albospikata) and the shape of the plants. All these plants can be easily found in nurseries: more budgetary - in the form of very small seedlings and more expensive - at the age of three to five years. What to choose depends only on the budget.

Of course, proper planting of all these plants and the correct set of fertilizers in planting holes of the required width and depth will require a lot of effort, but only once. And with the most minimal care, such a garden will sparkle with all the richness of colors in a few years. You just need to give him a little freedom.
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TELL US…
What tricks and secrets of the garden for the lazy do you know? Share your ideas and photos with us in the comments section!

Tips + Examples - INMYROOM

Tips

Starting to prepare for the arrangement of the garden area now

A colorful, fragrant, skillfully designed garden can be equipped not only by professional landscape designers. The spectacular appearance of the garden plot can be achieved independently. And our recommendations will help you with this

Setting priorities

Assess your own resources and decide how much time and effort you are willing to regularly devote to your outdoor area? If the process of weeding flower beds is like a balm for your soul, feel free to experiment with plants and plant the most exotic species.

Is your ideal garden a lazy garden? Choose plants and flowers that do not require careful care and regular weeding. For example, primroses, bathing suits or forget-me-nots look spectacular, and they are just advised to plant in the spring.

Let's start planning

"I'll get my bearings on the spot" is not the best idea for arranging an ideal garden: the layout of the garden space should be treated with particular scrupulousness.

We take a sheet of paper and a pencil, draw the boundaries of the site on the sheet and begin to designate functional areas on it. First of all, mark the house, places for parking or garage, storage of tools and gardening supplies, and other "static" areas. Then imagine where you can set up a barbecue area, a pond, flower beds and a vegetable garden. After that, we lay paths.

Thinking over the design and colors

Today, the trend is lag and simple, concise forms of flower beds and flower girls, metal structures, as well as plants in flowerpots and containers.

The last option is not only fashionable, but also a convenient solution: it is easy to decorate a terrace or an arbor with mobile flower beds if an open-air dinner party is planned. When the guests leave, you just have to return the flower beds to their original place.

But when thinking over the general color scheme of the site, you should leave the primacy to the natural colors of plants and flowers, and make the facades of the house, fences and accessories neutral.

The Pantone Color Institute has declared ultraviolet the color of the year, so don't forget to add it to your garden, for example with petunias, oxalis or irises.

Choosing the right plants

You've decided on the amount of time you're going to spend gardening, the design of the flower beds, and a color palette that's comfortable for the eye. Based on this, it's time to move on to compiling a list of plants.

Even if you do not plan large-scale plant scenarios on your site, timely irrigation is one of the most important conditions for healthy and well-groomed plants in the garden. Therefore, you should take care of a modern irrigation system in advance.

Photo: Gardena

INMYROOM Tip : Don't skimp on garden hoses and valves! We recommend Basic Watering System Gardena , Europe's leading brand for high quality garden tools.

Why is the Gardena Basic Watering System a convenient and reliable tool for garden irrigation?

  • One-click connection: taps, hoses and nozzles connect firmly and tightly with one click. The innovative shape of the fittings makes leaking and splashing hoses a thing of the past;
  • Practical and durable : Ergonomically shaped handles prevent the hose from slipping out of your hands, and nozzles and nozzles are not afraid of sub-zero temperatures;
  • Time-tested system: Gardena has been on the market for 50 years and is still being upgraded to become more practical and smarter;
  • German quality and long service life: 5 year warranty.

We are planning to plant

To ensure that the finished flower arrangements remain colorful throughout the summer season, arrange the plants taking into account the same requirements for soil, watering and light, as well as the flowering time of each of the varieties.

It is important that plants that bloom first (usually bulbous) should be replaced by later ones that have grown by this time, for example, annual varieties. Then the flower arrangement will always look harmonious and neat.

Photo: Gardena

Thinking over the lighting

Here it is best to work in several directions: just like in the interior, the correct lighting of the outdoor area should be multi-level and multi-layered.

First, pay attention to the illumination of the path, choose low street lights for it. If there are beautiful trees with textured trunks in the garden, pay attention to ground lamps that are mounted in concrete or asphalt.

Learn more