Landscape design ideas for front yards

68 Surprising Front Yard Landscaping Ideas | Architectural Digest

AD It Yourself

Greenery beyond the generic—front yard landscaping ideas for your sprawling lawn

By Miranda Silva and Katherine McLaughlin

May 24, 2022

For optimal curb appeal, hone your front yard landscaping skills.Photograph: Image Source

Need some front yard landscaping ideas? We’ve got the cream of the crop for passersby to feast their eyes on. When it comes to the front yard, a manicured lawn isn’t the only way to go. In fact, grass may be your least interesting option, says renowned Los Angeles landscape designer Scott Shrader. “It’s been out of fashion for 25 years, in my opinion,” he says. “The fertilizer, the water, the mowing—all that energy goes into a green patch that isn’t really doing much aesthetically.”

Instead, Shrader sees front yard landscaping as a chance to set a distinct tone for your property: “Your house doesn’t start at the front door—it starts at the street. ” To up your home’s curb appeal, we’ve greenlighted the best front yard landscaping ideas—plus answers to commonly asked questions.

How can I make my front yard beautiful?

When planning your front yard design, making the space beautiful is naturally going to be top of mind. “Having an appropriate response to architecture is paramount to the success of any front yard,” says Geoff Valentino, Chicago studio director of Hollander Design, an architectural landscaping firm. The scale, form, and materiality of your home’s architecture should all be carried into the landscape design, so it’s always a good first step to learn as much as you can about the style and design of the home itself before embarking on the landscaping.

How do I make my front yard landscape?

Once you understand the design of your home and (hopefully) the style of landscaping that will suit it well, plan your specific project. “Start by developing circulation patterns for vehicles, parking areas, and pedestrian walkways in and around the architecture,” Valentino says. “Then you can begin to layer in site features and planting that relate to the home and become an extension of it.”

How can I make my front yard look more expensive?

No matter how much or little money you put into your front yard, dying plants, patchy grass, and general disorganization will make the space look cheap. “Every yard has microclimates—sun exposure, wind, climate, soil, drainage patterns, existing plants, and habitats—that influence where plants will thrive and where you’ll be comfortable spending time,” Valentino explains. He notes that using these elements to guide design decisions will give you the best luck in creating a sustainable and long-lasting front yard.

Take the time to study plants in your neighborhood to see what’s thriving and what’s not, and pay special attention to healthy plants already growing in your yard, he suggests. Understanding the natural environment of your site will go a long way in making your yard look higher end. Here we compile front yard designs to gather ideas and inspiration.

Embrace your wild side

Wildflowers and native plants give your front yard an organic aesthetic. 

Photograph: Allison Henry

For fans of a more natural look, consider growing a micro prairie or a tapestry lawn in your front yard. This type of garden makes use of native plants, flowers, and grasses to help attract birds, insects, and other wildlife and help restore natural ecosystems. Native plants are most simply defined as plants that have developed a symbiotic relationship with a specific region or environment and grow naturally without human intervention.

Micro prairies are particularly great additions for small front yards (since the smaller the space, the easier they are to manage), and when done correctly, you’ll get to see birds, butterflies, and other critters enjoying the green space you helped foster. Better yet, they’re supposed to look wild, so it takes some of the pressure off to design a specific aesthetic. To grow one, you’ll need to plant flowers and grasses that are native to your area. If you don’t know which plants those are, you can likely find out through a quick Google search or by talking with employees at your local gardening store.

Choose an accent color

Easy to grow begonias add just the right amount of color.

Photograph: JLGutierrez

Keep things simple by anchoring your landscape with an accent color. Choosing one color for elements like the door, trim, outdoor furniture, and flowers can add continuity and cohesion to a yard while uniting the façade with the landscape. Blues, in particular, contrast beautifully with pink, yellow, and orange blooms.

Or choose an accent flower

Flowering shrubs pack a punch.

Photograph: Lisa Romerein

Let your favorite flower pop by keeping everything around it neutral. Consider flowering shrubs like lilacs, camellia, or rose of Sharon for a big statement.

Match your flower beds to your home’s exterior

Brick flower beds to match the house exterior. 

Photograph: Perry Mastrovito

Looking to include flower beds in your landscaping design, but don’t know how they’ll look next to your house? Try matching the beds to your home’s façade. Using the same material will ensure a unified look, but if that’s not possible, you can find a bed color similar to that of the house. Ask your contractor to save extra brick for future projects.

Cascade terraced plant beds

Elevate your front yard landscaping design with terraced plant beds.

Photograph: JamesBrey

For homes on a hill, take advantage of the natural slope and consider terraced plant beds. Not only does the cascading effect look cool, but it’s also practical. Terraced plant beds allow for plant separation at close range, so that you’re not running all over the yard when watering and trimming them.

Go ombre

A uniform palette of flowering hydrangea can go a long way.

Photograph: Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy

When it comes to the floral design in your garden beds, it can be hard to know what plants will look good together. Consider picking flowers that are one color, but vary in hue to add visual interest and depth. If you want to get really creative, create an ombre floral design that starts dark at the edges and gradually comes to a center of white blooms. Alternatively, a pain-free way to solve a messy front yard conundrum is to focus on one monochromatic design.

Mobilize potted plants

A courtyard can never have too many potted plants. 

Photograph: Jeremy Woodhouse

Consider using pots as part of your landscaping, particularly if you’re the type of person who’s always rearranging and re-decorating. Invest in ceramic pots that reflect the home’s exterior or add a burst of color that says, Hello! Matching the pots to window trim and door color, emphasizes the design narrative. Should you change your mind, or want to swap for a festive holiday pot, you’ll have a flexible setup.

Plant in patches

Think of your front yard as a floral patchwork quilt. 

Photograph: Greg Pease

Plant your stock of seeds and bulbs in patches, creating variety. As they bloom, you’ll get a tapestry of colors and textures that’s controlled, but still wild-looking.

Embrace rows of flowers

Follow the floral path of pansies.

Photograph: nikoniano

It’s hard to go wrong with classic flower rows. Try picking two to three varieties and plant them in rows in flower beds, along your sidewalk or adjacent to your home’s façade. When choosing your colors, think about colors that will complement each other once everything has bloomed.

Grow a flower gradient

Look to a color wheel when looking to plant blooms in a gradient.

Photograph: Mark Turner

For a deceptively simple design idea, consider planting flowers in a color gradient. It’ll look impressive, but it’s actually pretty formulaic if you reference a color wheel. Select flowers that match the hues of the wheel, and you’re good to go.

Take advantage of the vertical space

Climbing plants like ivy raise your front yard to a new level. 

Photograph: Mint Images

Draw the eye up by adding a trellis to your front yard for climbing plants to reach their full potential. Flowering plants and vines—like morning glory, black-eyed Susan, and climbing hydrangea—make great trellis choices.

Single out flowers

Clusters of hydrangea add volume. 

Photograph: Rosmarie Wirz

If the idea of matching flowers feels intimidating, commit to a single variety. A house surrounded by hydrangea shrubs looks as if it’s nestled in a cloud. You only have to make one decision, and you’ll know for sure everything will match.

Give your porch some action

Low-maintenance ferns add inviting texture.  

Photograph: Jumping Rocks/UIG

It’s up to you to decide whether your porch is part of your yard or your house, but either way, don’t neglect it when planning your landscape design. Consider hanging baskets as a way to match the flowers in your yard to those on the porch. As an added benefit, they’ll add vertical space to your design.

Plant perennial flowers

Plant perennials, like azalea bushes, for a worry-free front yard.

Photograph: Moelyn Photos

Unlike annual flowers, which only last one year, perennial flowers last at least two, sometimes more. Flowers like these are cold-resistant and usually bloom once per year (in the spring, summer, or fall). They may be a good choice for people that don’t want to plant new flowers often. Some popular perennials include azaleas, hollyhock, and garden phlox.

Refresh with annual flowers

Zinnias brighten a walkway.

Photograph: Steve Terrill

On the other hand, especially if you’re commitment-adverse, annual flowers give your front yard a refresh every year because they only last a season. Take advantage of the versatility to dream up new landscaping design. Popular annuals include petunias, zinnias, and dahlias.

Frame with a flower arch

Nothing says welcome like a voluptuous flower arch framing the doorway. 

Photograph: Andy Sotiriou

Plant flowering vines and climbers to create a flower arch above your front door. Think of vining plants, like jasmine and bougainvillea, as a fancy collar framing your entrance. You can buy arches or make your own with wood posts and wires.

Park a wheelbarrow planter

Upcycling an old wagon with geraniums adds a sustainable twist to your front yard.

Photograph: carenas1

If the idea of a traditional flower bed is too proper for your liking, consider planting blooms in a wheelbarrow. Not only will it add charm and a focal point to your yard, but you’ll also be able to give an old tool new life.

Layered greenery

Use greenery for a smooth transition from yard to home.

Photograph: AndreasWeber

Plants and shrubs grown directly in front of your house act as a transition space between the yard and the residence. Layered shrubs and greenery simulate movement and carry the eye from one place to the next. If you want to create something similar, choose plants that are of different heights, textures, and shades of green.

Ornamental grasses

Ornamental grasses add movement to landscaping. 

Photograph: RiverNorthPhotography

Ornamental grasses—carax and pampas, for instance—make great front yard landscaping choices because they don’t require a lot of maintenance. Many tolerate heat well, don’t need a lot of water, and they don’t have recurring pests problems.

Shaped hedges

Hedges and topiary make landscaping prim and proper.

Photograph: fishysam

Why not evoke the essence of Versailles? Geometric hedges and topiary differentiate your house from all the others on the block. They give off an ornamental and classy feel reminiscent of palace gardens.

Add a colorful border

A purple pathway rolls out like a rug in this Hollander Design project.

Photograph: Charles Mayer Photography

Give your hedges an extra boost by pairing them with a colorful border like those shown in landscaping by Hollander Design. The trees and flowers create structure and contribute to an evolving experience as you get closer to the door.

Cascading plants

Cascading ivy brings in a wild element of enchantment. 

Photograph: Gareth Kirkland Photography

Although cascading plants look great in indoor settings, where they can be planted in hanging baskets or drooping off of shelves, they can also add plenty of curb appeal when used on the outside of the home. Cascading plants look romantic falling from retaining walls, window boxes, or porches.

Add garden steps

Embrace nature by allowing it to take over steps in the just right way.

Photograph: Jacky Parker Photography

Garden steps are a fun way to add greenery to an otherwise uninspired area. Stick to low-lying plants, like succulents, when planning your design. You wouldn’t want to accidentally flatten your plants on the way to the door.

Modern hedges

Think outside the box with a sinuous hedge.

Photograph: Mayabun

Look to art for hedge inspiration. Think about the shapes found in the paintings of Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee, for instance.  Whether you're privy to a graphic layout or something more curvaceous, your front yard will look like a living modern sculpture. The effect is as striking when viewed from above as it is while walking its paths, especially when lined with Del Rio gravel.

Employ privacy and shade

Shady trees in the front yard look lovely, and can reduce energy costs.

Photograph: Philippe Gerber

If shade and privacy sound good to you, consider planting a row or a collection of trees in your front yard. To keep trees from obstructing the view of your house, include small evergreens into your design plans—think dwarf Scotch pine or the blues (Colorado spruce). You’ll get year-round coverage without the fear of branches falling on your roof. Play with dimension and shape by adding in a few evergreen shrubs too.

Sit around trees

A book nook beneath an olive tree. 

Photograph: Nadtochiy

With a wraparound tree bench, you can hang out beneath the leaves and bask in the shade without having to sit on dirt or the hard ground. You can purchase tree benches where outdoor furniture is sold, or if you’re feeling up to the task, DIY the thing.

Dress up your trees

Billowy black-eyed Susan dress up tree trunks.

Photograph: Todd Ryburn Photography

Dress up your trees by adding a small flower bed around the base. Start by researching plants that won’t accidentally suffocate the tree—you don’t want a competition for water, sunlight, and nutrients. Try layering flowers and ornamental grass for a lush look.

Source native plants beneath trees

Hollander Design creates a perimeter of native grasses to pad the trees and invite pollinators.

Photograph: Hollander Design

“Planting grasses and native plants directly beneath trees in a front yard reduces lawn and creates better habitat for pollinators,” Valentino says. Think of it like this: You’re helping the environment and minimizing the need to mow, basically a win-win.

Plant a citrus tree

Perky citrus trees send energizing vibes. 

Photograph: Bluberries

If you plant a citrus tree in your front yard, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor. Imagine how much easier your commute would be if fruits for breakfast or snacks grew outside your front door. Generally, citrus trees flourish in hot, humid environments, so keep the weather in mind before planting.

Add an allée of trees

A movie-like setting by Hollander Design.

Photograph: Hollander Design

If your home’s main door isn’t facing the street, consider creating an allée like this one designed by Hollander Design. “Allées of trees or interesting paving can create more of an entry experience that doesn’t rely on lawn,” Valentino says.

Give gravel a go

Gravel is a natural choice for front yard landscaping in hot weather climates.

Photograph: shank_ali

If you’re a fan of low-maintenance landscaping, consider using gravel in place of grass. Include a few bays with greenery, so the yard still has a fresh and living look. Matching the gravel’s color to your local terrain creates authenticity. For example, if you live in the southwest, red rock might be a great choice.

Manage mulch

Mulch creates contrast and keeps weeds at bay.

Photograph: posonsky

Mulch is another low-maintenance way to revamp your front yard, and it’s generally pretty cost-effective. This might be especially helpful if you’ve got a weed-prone yard as it’s usually harder (although not impossible) for weeds to grow in mulch since it prevents them from getting the light they need to survive.

Succeed with a succulent garden

Succulent landscaping is sculptural and modern.

Catherine Ledner

Just because you don’t have a green thumb doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a front yard garden full of living plants. Even if your plant care skills are up to par, a succulent garden will add greenery with potentially less headache. Just like flowers, succulents come in all shapes and colors, so you’ll still be able to get creative with the garden design and layout.

Keep it symmetrical

A balance of greenery makes your front yard as pretty as a picture.

Photograph: i-Stockr

Food for thought: Opting for a symmetrical design is really tackling half of your yard. This balancing act comes with less work and plant maintenance. Add a pathway right down the middle of your lawn, then put the exact same elements on both sides.

Embrace asymmetry

Greenery that tips the scale in the right direction.

Photograph: Beau Lark/Corbis/VCG

On the other hand, some houses lend themselves to an asymmetrical design, where each side differs from the other. When done incorrectly, asymmetric landscaping could feel sloppy or disorganized, and just putting everything on one side of your yard and leaving the other barren isn’t going to cut it. However, with a little planning, it becomes much easier. The key to a good asymmetrical design is balance. You want equal weight on both sides, even if the elements are different. For example, if you have a big tree like an oak on one side of your yard, think about what might balance out the heft on the other side. Maybe it’s a flower bed or a family of bushes.

Keep it simple

Keep the front yard landscaping to a minimum and let the architecture speak for itself.

Photograph: contrastaddict

Don’t confuse simple with boring. When done correctly, simple front yards can add just as much visual interest as busy ones. For an effortless design, try a straight walkway lined with shrubs and well-manicured low-cut grass.

Move toward minimalism

A simple entryway only needs a plant, or two. 

JohnnyGreig

Less really is more, so don’t be afraid to scale back. Think about selecting a few statement plants and style them in an otherwise minimal setting to let them stand out. Sculptural plants, like a banana tree, against a simple house façade look more like art than landscaping.

Tap into desert mode

Less is more, when it comes to desert landscaping.

Photograph: ivanastar

Warm climate abodes can transform a basic home into an oasis by channeling the southwest in your landscape design. Xeriscaping, a landscaping practice that reduces or eliminate the need for irrigation, relies on grasses, sandstone pebbles, and cacti to trumpet a distinctly desert look.

Play up the architecture

Channel your home's personality with blooms that complement the architecture.

Photograph: AOtzen

What works for a neighbor’s home might not look right at your house. That’s because every house will have its own unique design elements. When planning, think about the era when your home was built as well as the design ethos of that style. For example, a Victorian-style home might benefit from gravel pathways, pastel florals like hydrangeas, and manicured hedges.

Charm with cottagcore

Look to story books for cottagecore inspiration.

Photograph: KenWiedemann

Unleash your inner cottagecore with a fairytale-worthy garden. You can’t go wrong with a white picket fence, an arch or trellis covered in florals and greenery, and pastel accents. This is just one of the privacy fence ideas that's both functional and charming.

Chill with Mediterranean style

A mix of delicate wildflower and full foliage shrubs create an organic design.

Photograph: hrstklnkr

Gravel, stone, tile, and soft-textured plants are all key elements of a Mediterranean landscape. Play around with a combination of any of these to plan a daily escape into mythical Greek gardens. Employ large pottery as a rustic vessel for your plants.

Grass pavers for an eco-friendly design

Geometry meets nature.

Photograph: vladj55

You can use grass pavers, also known as grow-through pavers, as an alternative to concrete or asphalt pavers in your front walkway or driveway. Usually made from concrete or recycled plastic, they have holes to allow grass to grow through and around them. Once complete, you’ve got a unique design, and since they can absorb water, they reduce stormwater runoff, which is one of the most common sources of water pollution.

Cobbles and grass joints

Concrete tapestry melds greenery with function, as shown by Hollander Design.

Photograph: Hollander Design

Grass block pavers marry a driveway with a lawn. Hollander Design uses cobbles with grass joints to allow a solid space for parking while creating the illusion of a lawn and reducing stormwater runoff. Note that you’ll need to maintain the driveway by taking care of weeds and mowing.

Space out your path

For a laidback feel, keep pavers spaced, as if they just surfaced from the grass. 

Photograph: dbvirago

Your walkway doesn’t necessarily have to be prim and proper to be functional. Consider spacing out the paving stones to create a more organic look, as if the path just happened to be there.

Define borders with lined pathways 

Spherical shrubs counterbalance a linear path.

Photograph: Richard Bloom

A glass-fronted home calls for an outdoor space that makes an impact indoors too. Shrader achieves this by edging a cobblestone path with structural plantings, including agave and boxwood globes. Olive trees provide a bit of romance and welcome shade.

Expand your driveway

A spacious front yard feels airy. 

Photograph: PaulMaguire

If you’re parking a lot of cars or just want to simplify the front yard design, consider expanding your driveway to cover the majority of your yard space. Gravel adds contrast next to grass and shrubs, and also adds texture and intrigue.

Herringbone walkways

Bring out this favorite tiling pattern outdoors.

Photograph: Shaiith

“This garden is meant to stop you,” Shrader says. He uses reclaimed brick to create a herringbone-patterned walkway with a soothing water feature to contrast textures.

Pattern your driveway

A driveway doesn't have to be boring.

Photograph: PJ_joe

Your driveway doesn’t just have to be a slab of concrete. You can stencil out a design—say, in a Greek meander pattern—before pouring concrete. Then seed the opening, much like grass block pavers, to liven up an otherwise predictable part of your front yard and entryway.

Outline with lines

You don't need to stay in line to have a wow-worthy front yard.

Photograph: Kwanchai_Khammuean

In landscape design, lines can serve a variety of purposes: They control movement, create patterns, and draw attention to certain objects. When planning your next walkway project, play around with lines to see how subtle differences change the entire front yard look.

Aim for Adirondacks

You can't go wrong with this American staple.

Photograph: Scott Barrow

After you put all the effort into perfecting your front yard’s look, it only makes sense to incorporate a seating area so you can take it all in. Source classic Adirondack chairs—or any outdoor furniture of your choosing—to relax in style as you watch what’s happening in the neighborhood.

Bring the indoors out

Al fresco dining you can see from the street.

Photograph: Johner Images

Midcentury architects were all about bringing the outside world in, but who says the opposite can’t be true too? With a little planning, your front yard can act as an outdoor living room and serve as a central gathering spot for your friends and family. Think about elements like a fire pit, outdoor couches, and an eating area.

Use grass pavers across your entire yard

Think of your front yard as a giant grass puzzle.

Photograph: Chaloemphan

Even though grass pavers make great choices for walkways or driveways, think about putting them across your entire yard too. Leave more space for the grass to grow through to create a carpet-like lawn.

Minimize lawn and create a sanctuary

A front yard for the birds, literally. 

Photograph: Charles Mayer

“This front yard alternative is designed to minimize lawn and create a habitat for nesting birds and pollinators,” Valentino says. Crape myrtle trees provide food for birds, and grasses make a perfect habitat for butterflies.

Incorporate a clover blend

Plant clover in the front yard as a lucky charm.

Photograph: Hollander Design

If you get a good amount of sun on your front yard, forgo the lawn and opt for a fescue and clover blend—it creates a plush texture, softening the front yard aesthetic. Bonus: the soft grass is bliss for barefoot escapades.

Ponder a pond

Let a lily spotted pond beckon guests.

Photograph: C.Franke

Give your front yard a splashing first impression with a pond. Not only will it look unique—since many ponds tend to be in backyards—but it can also add a focal point to center the rest of your garden design around. Refer to botanic gardens when planning your front yard landscaping.

Add a reflecting pool

Serenity now.

Photograph: charles mayer photography

A reflecting pool creates a tranquil entry experience every time you walk into your home. This one designed by Hollander design features perennials and grasses bordering a simple reflecting pool and geometric walkway.

Focus on a fountain

The splashing of the fountain will keep your front door open all day long.

Photograph: Bahadur Ali

A water fountain or similar sculpture creates a focal point. Tiered fountains elevate the front yard by giving it a grand entrance, much like the palacial residences of Europe.

Consider “Falling Water”

A landscaped waterfall and koi pond.

Photograph: TimAbramowitz

Take note of Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius. Imagine coming home to the subtle sound of moving water every day—a peaceful welcome. Decorating the pond with plants like water lilies further extends the extra touch. For a regal touch, look into colorful koi that are sure to shimmer in the sunlight.

Perimeter lighting

Lighting the front yard greenery gives your home curb appeal, even at night.

Photograph: welcomia

Updating your front yard’s landscape lighting can be one of the simplest DIYs with one of the biggest impacts. Added bonus: Unlike plants that need to grow before they fully flourish, lights are ready to use as soon as they are installed. Though rope lighting is common in under kitchen cabinets, put it in your yard along rock beds, a front porch, or retaining walls as an alternative to stakes or other common outdoor lighting. It’ll add a subtle glow across the whole area instead of drawing focus to one part of your yard.

Sculptural lighting

Light globes guarantee a grand entrance.

Bespalyi

Front yard lighting doesn't have to be a traditional lantern. Sculptural lights, like a glass orb, work especially well for a contemporary setting. A cracked glass solar light has a bit of a bohemian spin to it. You can even great spherical lights by DIYing: take a basic globe light and add an battery-operated bulb.  Alternatively, wrap string lights around objects, or have them “pour out” from a watering can to enchant your flower beds. Half art installation, half utility, this is a creative way to incorporate necessary light into your yard at nighttime. 

Rain-scape to manage water

Intention puddles are part of rain-scaping.

Photographs: Oksana Akhtanina and Colors Hunter - Chasseur de Couleurs

Consider rain-scaping your front yard, which means landscape design that considers stormwater runoff and helps manage any excess water, as a solution for an area that experiences heavy rainfall. Generally, you’ll want to build rock-lined swales from your gutters that lead to a basin filled with plants. The best plants for your rain garden may vary depending on your soil and local climate, but common picks include perennial grasses, Hibiscus, and Baptisia.

Rock flower beds

Rock flower beds look as if they've plucked from nature.

Photograph: itman__47

Rock flower beds give you all the benefits of pots—like mobility and ease—while also maintaining a natural aesthetic. Usually planters like these have openings to hide pots, making it easy to revamp any potted plant you may already have growing.

Think about stone landscaping

Rocky terrains give a front yard a sculptural element.

Photograph: oday222

Rock gardens are similar to other gardens, only everything is planned around rocks, natural stone, and gravel. These stone landscapes feature alpine plants that don’t require too much soil. Though it will depend on your location, consider perennial flowers like columbine and coneflowers, mosses, or succulents.

Accent the grass 

Grid-like pavers look like a fancy outdoor rug.

Photograph: Mark Adams Photography

“Rather than just laying down sod, pick the right spot to use grass,” Shrader says. “It looks impactful and considered—not like you had no other idea what to do.” Intersperse concrete squares with grass for a grid pattern. 

Reimagine concrete

Concrete is the smooth operator of your front yard.

Photograph: piovesempre

Like grass, concrete is often a default in a front yard. It’s likely part of your driveway, sidewalk, steps, or a walkway leading to your front yard. It makes sense that the bland and flat surface seems boring or basic. Not so. Smooth concrete can rise to the occasion, when used as an architectural element in the front yard, particularly in front of a modern home. It's pristine surface and angles give your front yard an orderly look that's just so.

Mix textures

Mix-and-match stone for optimal impact.

Photograph: David Papazian

When thinking about hardscaping (that is, anything human made), consider the ways you can mix textures to add visual interest to your front yard. You can accent a midcentury home with generous concrete pavers enclosed within a stone walkway directly next to a lighter gray rock bed. The distinction helps mentally separate your yard into different sections. The color and texture contrast creates a multidimensional story that lends different sections to play off of each other.

Layer steel walls

Industrial meets organic.

Photograph: Pete Starman

Incorporating steel retaining walls into a slight hill to create layered and cascading imagery. Hollander Design adds a polished structure that is equally serene with Corten steel, fescue, and river birch. The effect is almost that of nature’s tiered cake. The industrial look suits a contemporary house that lacks fussiness.

Nurture natural stone

Create a path that looks as if it's been there all along.

Photograph: RiverNorthPhotography

Unlike sleek concrete pavers, natural stone creates an earthy and lived-in setting found in charming cottages. It’s a durable and environmentally-friendly option with undeniable magnetism. Line the walkways with purple sage, or tulips and daffodils to create a natural border. Ornamental grass adds a cushy padding. Don't forget to add equally spaced path lighting along the way.

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Front Yard Landscaping Ideas | Garden Design

Increase the curb appeal of your front garden to provide a warm welcome for guests By Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer and Photographer

Bill and Charlene Tuttle garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Your front yard is the first thing that neighbors and visitors see, and is your best opportunity to create a first impression. Traditionally, a front yard consisted of a green lawn, a few foundation shrubs, a cement driveway, and sidewalk that leads to the front door. This often-overlooked and underutilized outdoor space presents many opportunities, as well as unique design challenges.

There is no right or wrong way to landscape a front yard. It depends on the look you’re after and how you want to utilize the space. Here are some factors to consider, along with garden ideas to get you started on revitalizing your front yard.

On this page:

• PLANNING YOUR FRONT YARD GARDEN
• PLANTING & CARING FOR YOUR FRONT YARD LANDSCAPE
• FRONT YARD DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
• POPULAR FRONT YARD PROFILES
• FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING IDEAS & INSPIRATION
• FRONT YARD PLANTS
• MORE FRONT YARD IDEAS

PLANNING YOUR FRONT YARD GARDEN

Visitors are greeted by a wisteria-covered arbor that covers part of the walkway from the street to the front porch. An inviting bench offers a place to relax, while a low stone wall provides structure and semi-privacy from the nearby street. Designer: Donna Giguere. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Evaluate your space. What do you want your front yard to become? A functional area for lounging and playing, or simply a more visually pleasing space? How you choose to landscape your front yard says what you want to convey to others about your home and yard.

If your front yard is visible and accessible from the street, this can create a more welcoming feeling. Conversely, if your front yard is hidden by a tall hedge, fence or wall, this can convey a feeling of seclusion or unwelcomeness.

Privacy barriers. When choosing a living privacy barrier such as a hedge, or an inorganic barrier such as a fence or wall, consider what the function will be. Waist-high hedging or fencing along the front sidewalk will prevent people from wandering into your front yard, yet at the same time allow light and views onto the street.

Fencing might be purely aesthetic, such as an open post-and-beam fence to define a property line, or it might serve a purpose, such as to keep out animals or intruders. If your front yard is adjacent to a busy road, a high privacy barrier may be necessary to block out traffic noise and provide security. Read more about how to landscape for privacy.

Evaluate light. Does your front yard receive full sun, partial sun, or does it have shade trees that create a dense canopy? The amount of light will determine how to use the space and what kind of plants will perform best. Full sun will lend itself to growing warm-season annuals or vegetables, while shade will help keep a seating area cooler in summer.

Consider function. When creating a landscape design, ask yourself what you want your front yard to include. A play space, water feature, or seating area? Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. A front yard can be the site of a vegetable plot, cottage garden, wildflower meadow, rock garden, or patio.

Get ideas. Peruse the internet and walk around your neighborhood for inspiration. Make a list of attributes you like, such as a porch swing, containers, decorative accessories, or types of fencing.

Consider scale. Front yard considerations will be different for a sprawling rural property than a small urban lot. Choose plants that are in scale with the yard. Small plants will get lost in a bigger landscape, while large plants may outgrow a smaller space. Leave enough room for plants to reach their mature size. Provide enough room so seating areas don’t feel cramped, and allow ample space for children to play.

Choose a style. Pick hardscape and plants that will accentuate your home’s facade. A classic picket fence, brick pathway, and clipped boxwood hedging will complement a Colonial home, while a sleek modern fence, aggregate sidewalk, and eclectic plantings will augment a contemporary home.

Draw a design. Make a sketch and formulate a basic plan. For more elaborate projects, consult a landscape professional to create a garden design.

PLANTING AND CARING FOR YOUR FRONT YARD LANDSCAPE

Low-maintenance waterwise shrubs, ornamental grasses, succulents and perennials adorn this front yard landscape. Walkways consist of eco-friendly permeable pavers and gravel, Designer: Marina Wynton. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Lawn or no lawn? You may want to leave some of the turf lawn for play areas, or to establish green space between garden beds. Since a traditional lawn takes a fair amount of time and resources to maintain, you may decide to ditch the lawn all together and consider alternatives.

For arid climates, a traditional lawn may be impractical or prohibited. Some cities or HOA’s have specific rules when it comes to lawns, so make sure to check your local requirements or restrictions. Read more about eco-friendly alternatives to a turf lawn.

Soil. Determine what kind of soil you have. Many front yards have been solely dedicated to turf lawn, which means the soil is compacted and devoid of nutrients. Amend new planting areas to improve drainage and provide a hospitable growing medium for plants.

Pick the right plants. Choose a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, annuals, and ground cover plants that will thrive in your site. Consider multi-seasonal attributes such as foliage color, flowers, berries, and bark. Create an engaging foundation planting to soften and set off your home’s facade. Include evergreen shrubs for year-round interest.

Maintenance. How much time do you have to devote to your yard? A low-maintenance xeriscape or native garden is easier to manage than a vegetable plot or traditional lawn. To reduce maintenance, mulch beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Choose natives along with other easy-care plants.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Safety considerations for this engaging front entryway include a spacious staircase and sidewalk, as well as lighting. David Best garden. Designers: Barbara Hilty and Adriana Berry. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Traffic flow. Evaluate how walkways accommodate foot traffic. A sidewalk that leads from the street to the front door is usually straight. For walkways that lead from the driveway to the front door, or into the back yard, a curved path is more visually pleasing. Follow natural access patterns of children and pets.

Accessibility. Look at various accessibility factors:

• Are your driveway and sidewalks easily accessible from both the street and the house?
• If you have a fence along the front, install a gate that opens easily.
• Is your driveway wide enough to easily move your vehicles?
• Can you exit from your car without stepping on plants or into a puddle?
• Are your walkways wide enough to accommodate two people?
• If your property has a steep slope between the street and the house, add easy-to-navigate steps, a ramp, or jog.

Improve curb appeal. Increase your front yard’s aesthetic appeal. An arbor or trellis planted with a climbing rose creates a welcoming entrance. Use a large container as a focal point. Add color with baskets, a window box, flower beds, a bird bath, or other decorative touches for visual interest.

Create a welcoming entrance. The front door is the centerpiece of your front yard, marking the transition from outdoors to the inside of your home. Some homeowners paint their front door red, which is thought to bring good luck. Others prefer a door that matches the trim or complements the siding on their home. Add adornments such as a doormat, wreath, or containers for extra curb appeal.

Dress up the porch. Depending on the size of your front porch, add comfortable furniture, hanging baskets, and other decorative accessories.

Safety factors. There are many ways to make your front yard safer:

• Make sure stairways are wide enough to comfortably accommodate foot traffic, and that the steps don’t become slick in snow or rain.
• Add landscape lights to illuminate driveways, pathways, and entryways.
• Display your house number prominently to guide visitors or alert emergency responders.
• Don’t allow tall plants to obscure driveway views, home windows, or walkways.
• Provide a mail box that is accessible to your postal carrier but secure from would-be thieves.
• Keep porch steps, sidewalks, and your driveway in good repair to prevent injuries.

POPULAR FRONT YARD PROFILES

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Front Yard Rose Garden

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Front Yard Transformation

A steep, shady incline didn’t stop this howeowner from creating an easy-care, all-season landscape.

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Desert Front Yard

The unique architecture of this home lends itself to an other-worldly garden with interest all year long.

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Color in Massachusetts

A neighborhood landmark, this garden also serves as a memories of friends, family, and past homes.

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Garden 'Gone Berserk'

With an eclectic mix of plants, this New York garden has blossomed into a beautiful obsession.

FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING IDEAS & INSPIRATION

This welcoming front entrance is beautifully adorned with a door wreath, vine-covered arbor, hanging baskets, containers, and perennial plantings. An adjacent water feature provides the soothing sound of moving water. Cheryl Borden garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

A turf-less front yard landscape consists of climbing roses, perennial vines, Japanese maples, lavender, cotoneaster, evergreens and other plants for a soft layered effect. Jeff and Esther Clark garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Informal cottage-style plantings along this gentle slope complement the Cape Cod style of the home and provide ever-changing color throughout the growing season. An archway covered with ‘Eden’ climbing rose frames the front door. Mary DeNoyer garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Layered plantings of trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers are featured in this grass-less front yard landscape. Burgundy ‘Red Dragon’ contorted filbert provides a living focal point, echoing the foliage color of the taller Japanese maple in the background. Leslie Ebert garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Just a few feet from the street, this private front yard oasis offers a cool haven for relaxation and people watching. Apple-green Adirondack chairs, decorative pillows, a teal container and chartreuse-foliaged plants offer bright pops of color. Jeff Fisher and Ed Cunningham garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Raised beds along a front curbside strip produce a bounty of fresh vegetables, herbs and strawberries that are shared with neighbors. Jane Mannex garden. Designer: Dave Coennen. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Lush Asian-style plantings, metal wall art and statuary adorn this serene courtyard. The front door is painted red, which is thought to bring good luck. Designer: Vanessa Gardner Nagel. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

This inviting front entrance features a spacious sidewalk, layered plants in different shapes and foliage colors, and see-through fencing for semi-privacy. Nancy Plumlee garden. Designer: Lori Scott. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Change the look of a front yard landscape with seasonal decorations and plantings. Rob Saba and Mark Hogan garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Bold foliage of ‘Tropicanna’ canna lily, chartreuse Japanese forest grass, hostas and Japanese maples provide a variety of interesting colors and shapes in this front entryway planting. Bill and Charlene Tuttle garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Contrasting gold and red foliage in this front yard landscape create visual drama while providing multi-seasonal color. Echos of brown and burgundy tones in the arbor, tree bark and steps unify the landscape, while different shades of green and blue tone down the brighter colors. Designer: Helena Wagner, 4 Season Gardens. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

A spacious sidewalk curves just before the stairway to the front door, imploring visitors to explore this engaging front yard landscape. Rounded shapes are repeated in the boxwood shrubs, bergenia leaves and bigleaf hydrangea blooms. Designer: Helena Wagner, 4 Season Gardens. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Native and ornamental plants were selected to support beneficial insects and other wildlife in this spacious front yard meadow garden. Jay Withgott and Susan Masta garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Think outside the box when it comes to front yard landscaping. This entryway includes a rock garden, water feature and lush plantings of brightly colored annuals. Designer: Philip Thornburg, Winterbloom Landscaping. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

FRONT YARD PLANTS

Annuals

How to use annual flowers and plants to add personality to your garden.

Perennials

How to use perennial flowers and plants for year-after-year color in your garden.

Shrubs

A guide to growing gorgeous shrubs in your garden.

Trees

From maples to magnolias, find the perfect tree for any spot in your garden.

Ornamental Grasses

Add year-round beauty to your yard with these ornamental grass varieties.

Bulbs

Brighten your garden with fantastic flowering bulbs.

TAKE YOUR FRONT YARD TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Lawn & Grass Alternatives

Give up your lawn for other more eco-friendly options.

10 Ideas for the Front of Your House

Transform your front yard with foundation planting, lighting, and more. (via LandscapingNetwork.com)

Low-Maintenance Front Yards

Front yard landscapes designed to reduce maintenance. (via LandscapingNetwork.com)

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tips, ideas and ready-made projects

Walking through the streets of the private sector, you involuntarily pay attention to the design of courtyards. Particularly attractive are beautiful, tastefully decorated landscapes, near which you want to stay longer. Unusual compositions with artificial ponds, waterfalls, with elements of topiary, alpine slides and rockeries are interesting. Creating an extraordinary landscape in the yard requires work and knowledge of the basics of its design.

Contents

Principles of planning a yard near a private house

Yard is a part of a land plot adjacent to a private house. It is divided into the front, or front yard, and back. The front yard is between the facade of the apartment building and the fence. It is open to everyone who wants to look behind the fence, and is the calling card of the owners. For this reason, its design is treated with particular scrupulousness.

The back yard is behind the house and hidden from prying eyes. A secluded resting place is arranged here, outbuildings are located, poultry and animals are kept. nine0003

The layout of the yard largely depends on the size of the plot and the needs of the family. But there are general principles of its improvement, which the majority adheres to. The list of objects located on the territory of the yard includes technical buildings and decorative elements of the landscape. The first of them are a necessity, since they provide comfort to the owners of the house, and the second ones are needed to satisfy their aesthetic needs.

The objects of technical importance include a garage, a parking lot, a summer kitchen, a guest house, an arbor, an aviary for a dog. A garage and a parking lot are usually located just outside the gate, and other buildings are located in the depths, where road noise and street dust do not reach. An aviary or booth for a dog is arranged in a dead corner, but not too far from the outer fence. nine0003

Objects of decorative value, these are flower beds, ponds, deciduous and coniferous plantations, lawns, small architectural structures, etc. Their number depends on the area of ​​the yard and such elements in most situations are located along the fences and walls of outbuildings.

The space directly in front of the porch is not accepted to be filled with vegetation - it must remain free for movement. On the site at the entrance to the house, tiles or other paving covering are laid. nine0003

Exception to the rule. When the yard is spacious enough, flower beds are broken near the porch on the side of the steps, where flower beds do not interfere with movement.

Front yard seating area

Pergola or shed, this is common in the front yard. They are surrounded by flower beds and climbing plants, and together they make up a landscape composition.

If there is free space, you can complete the picture with any hydraulic structure: a waterfall, a fountain, an artificial pond. The proximity of water contributes to a special microclimate, especially desirable near the place of rest. nine0003

It is very popular to build a patio in front of the porch. Proximity to the front door to the house makes it possible to spend every free minute outdoors. Here you can drink a cup of morning coffee, gather with your family for evening tea or keep secrets with friends and girlfriends.

On a small paved area, a table and a few chairs are set - these are the most necessary items in the arrangement of the patio area. Potted plants and sheer curtains providing light shade, comfortable wicker furniture and cushions are used to create a cozy environment. nine0003

Important. It is possible to create a full-fledged resting place on the territory of the front yard when it is isolated from the road by a blank fence or a high hedge. Otherwise, it will not be very comfortable to spend time in a sincere conversation at the sight of prying eyes. Moreover, you will not be able to relax in a hammock or on a garden sofa swing.

How to set up a backyard

Backyard design with gazebo, patio area and pond

Between the house and the garden there is a space that is used in two directions: for a garage with a parking lot for a car and a resting place. If there is enough space, you can do both by dividing it with a hedge, a vertical green screen, or a flower garden. At the same time, the garage with parking is located closer to the gate.

The back yard is the best place for a recreation area near a private house. It is easy to create a completely isolated space here, inaccessible to the views of neighbors and street dust. On the one hand, it is protected from the wind by the wall of the house, on the other hand by an orchard, and from the side of the neighboring plot it is separated by a fence. By constructing a light canopy, you can spend time in the backyard seating area without fear of summer rain. nine0003

This is where it is most convenient to create a barbecue area, install a barbecue or fold a garden stove.

It is also a suitable area for creating a sports ground, a place for children to play with a sandbox and swings.

Naturally, the backyard, regardless of its purpose, is decorated with various types of flower beds, it is appropriate to plant tall coniferous and deciduous trees here.

Paths and paving

A hard surface in the yard is important from a hygienic point of view. It allows you to keep the yard clean, and it is easier to take care of it: wash, remove leaves, throw away snow. Most often, continuous paving is used, when most of the yard area is laid out with paving slabs. Paths are laid from paving in different directions, helping to get to various areas: a garden, auxiliary buildings, a shower, a bathhouse, and so on.

Ford type paving is mainly used to create paths to various objects. The principle of its device is that a gap is left between the individual tiles. nine0003

At the same time, for ease of movement, the distance should not be more than 30 cm, and the tiles themselves are chosen large enough so that the foot fits completely on them. The space between the elements of this type of path is filled with lawn grass, pebbles, small gravel.

What to make paving and paths:

• Paving stones. Thick, brick-like tiles can easily support the weight of a car, so they are used for laying in parking lots. A blind area, a patio area, a path between the gate and the house are arranged from paving stones; nine0108
• Molded concrete tiles. Ideal for creating garden paths;
• Flagstone. Flat slabs are integrated into the lawn, combined with crushed stone filling, pebbles;
• Decking. Water resistant composite material imitating wood. It is laid on a leveled area, sprinkled with gravel or crushed stone of small fractions. For greater reliability, decking is sometimes mounted on a crate made of timber;
• Modular cover. nine0065 Plastic boards with embossed anti-slip pattern, connected with tongue-and-groove or foot-groove;
• Rolled plastic cover. Used to create temporary and seasonal tracks.

It is also possible to make a concrete screed with the prospect that some tile material will be laid on it in the future.

Plants in the design of the yard

Flower beds and flowerbeds help to create a special flavor around the house. The type of vegetation is selected depending on the style in which the site is designed. The size of the yard, the degree of its illumination and the design of the house are also taken into account. nine0003

Bulbous

Bulbous flowers will provide a spring explosion of colors: tulips, lilies, hazel grouses, daffodils, muscari, alliums, saffrons . Their flowering period is not very long, but many species and varieties allow you to choose plants in such a way that it lasts from April to early June. At the end of flowering, the bulbs completely wither, modestly giving way to other horticultural crops.

Conifers

Variety of shapes spruces, pines, junipers and arborvitae opens up space in the gardening of the yard. They are used in the creation of hedges, are present in mixborders, planted in rocky gardens and as tapeworms on green lawns. Undersized and dwarf species are popular because they are suitable for decorating small yards and are used as container crops.

Dwarf conifers

Ornamental shrubs

Background plants are designed to emphasize the bright colors of beautifully flowering perennials. In this performance, 9 are of interest.0064 snowberry, privet, tamarisk, mackerel, lilac . They will cover the fence and the barn and will not divert attention from more sophisticated plantings, such as roses, hydrangeas, peonies or irises.

Shrubs with decorative foliage and lush flowering act as dominant plants. These are Thunberg barberry , forsythia, various types of spirea, spindle tree, viburnum buldenezh, louisiana, viburnum viburnum .

Tip. Evergreen shrubs and trees will add showiness to the flower composition: boxwood, holly mahonia, holly, cinquefoil, aucuba.

Perennials

Flower beds are based on herbaceous perennials. They define the backbone of the flower bed, around which the rest of the composition is built. For sunny places, erigeron, liatris, anemone, yucca, are suitable, and sedum and hosta grow well in the shade.

The space left between perennials is filled with annual flowers that bloom all summer.

Lianas

Liana-like plants seem to be created for decorating the yard. They braid arbors, arches, fences, porch posts. Climbing plantations are used to create green screens when zoning the garden, separating outbuildings from the front part of the yard.

Clematis in the landscaping of the gazebo

Often planted in the front garden in front of the house clematis . Their not too dense foliage transmits light well, and at the same time creates a kind of curtain that protects open windows from dust penetration.

Always in demand climbing roses , which can be planted near the porch, at the gate, at the entrance to the gazebo. Their long flowering period provides an atmosphere of conviviality throughout the summer season.

Climbing roses on a garden arch

Landscape features of the yard

The total area of ​​the land allotment does not always affect the size of the yard. Rather, how much land can be allocated to the yard depends on whether the owners plan to grow vegetables and fruits or not. If so, then on a small plot, a vegetable garden and a garden often take priority at the expense of the yard area.

Design of a small yard

It is difficult to make a large yard on a plot of 6 acres, but you can deceive the perception and expand it visually. A tiny pond will capture attention and distract from the surrounding background. nine0003

The illusion of an increase in territory will be stronger if the pond is made elongated. It is best to place it along the longest line. A similar effect of expanding space is felt in a landscape with a fountain installed on a hill.

If the allotment has an elongated shape, a small strip of land remains between the facade of the building and the fence for the front garden.

It is most practical to cover this area with paving, leaving narrow strips of earth around the perimeter along the fence for flower beds. Also suitable is the option when the flower garden is broken behind the fence. It will visually move the yard away from the road and brighten up its tightness. In such a situation, the garage takes place in the very corner, and the parking lot is also taken out of the fence. nine0003

A resting place near a house with a small yard is recommended to be arranged in the backyard. It will be easier to spend your leisure time here. The gazebo is sometimes arranged close to the house and has a common wall with it.

Design of a yard on a plot of 10 acres

A plot of land of 10 acres allows you to allocate about 3 acres for the front yard (but this is not a rule and depends on the location of the house on the plot). The classic option is when the house is maximally shifted to the border with neighbors, and the porch is turned towards the gate. In such a situation, on the opposite side, there is sufficient space for arranging a yard with a front garden. Not only a recreation area is arranged here. There is still enough space left to create a beautiful landscape with a mixborder, a rose garden, an alpine slide. nine0003

Since a garage is indispensable, it is taken out as close as possible to the gate: only a parking area remains between the gate and the garage.

This layout has its advantages. The building of technical importance (garage) closes the view from the street, thanks to which behind its walls you can create a full-fledged recreation area, a playground, and build a sauna.

Design of a yard on a plot of 15 acres

On a large plot of land there is a unique opportunity to build a house in the depths of the plot. The area in front of the cottage is completely at the disposal of its owners. It is divided into two main zones: an ornamental garden and a recreation area. nine0003

The main elements of the garden are flower beds, which are located on both sides of the path leading from the gate to the porch. The design of flower beds is the most diverse, but when breaking them down, it should be taken into account that the variegation of flower beds and the piling up of many types of vegetation tires the eye. Landscape designers recommend interspersing flower beds with cut lawns and separating them with low hedges.

Uneven terrain with a rocky landscape looks original. If the site is flat and its area allows, you can artificially create elevation differences, fill them with decorative gravel and create a corner of the mountain landscape. nine0003

An artificial pond, a dry stream, wide steps on steep slopes - all these are interesting ideas for decorating a front yard.

There can be more than one recreation area in a large yard. They are created according to interests: a secluded place of relaxation, family gatherings, gathering with a noisy company.

Each sub-zone is equipped accordingly, for example, a hammock in the shade of a pergola, a carved tea arbor, an open hearth (brazier, barbecue) under a canopy. nine0003

An important detail in the design of the courtyard: lighting

An essential detail in the arrangement of the courtyard is lighting. The main objects that should be illuminated first are the front porch, paths, outbuildings and recreation areas. Electric outdoor lights are hung above the porch. They are mounted in such a way as to clearly see the steps of the stairs.

On track routes, it is important to illuminate especially dangerous areas: slopes, turns, steps. Solar-powered garden lights are often used for this. They just stick into the soil on the side of the road. nine0003

Garden lights are convenient because they do not need to be wired and do not use electricity. But they do not always give full light. In inclement weather, there is not enough sunlight to charge them. Therefore, if possible, it is better to organize electric lighting in autumn and winter.

dizlandshafta

Beautiful Private House Yard Design: 160+ (Photos) Decorations

A well-manicured yard allows you to favorably frame the house, provides self-presentation and the basis for further impressions. Well thought out and organized yard design and landscaping should complement the natural setting and continue the design of the interior. About everything in more detail later in the article. nine0008 5 must-haves for a landscape

When designing a landscape, it is important to think not only about aesthetics, but also about the contribution you will make to the environment.

Customizing your outdoor space starts with the right landscaping. First of all, answer your questions:

• Do you rarely spend time in the backyard?
• Do you have a dilapidated porch or an old patio?
• Do you hate wasting time and water to maintain a large lawn? nine0108
• Don't have room for fun in your backyard?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it looks like you might be ready for a backyard makeover. Get to know the key factors to consider when planning your yard.

Consider the pros and cons when planning your yard

Starting a landscaping project can feel overwhelming at times. But with these five tips, you can design the landscaping and yard you've always wanted, either on your own or with the help of a landscape designer. nine0003

Use and purpose

When you start a landscaping project, the first thing to consider is how you want to use the space. Decide what the purpose or goals of your ideal yard are before making any other decisions.

Popular outdoor uses are as follows:

• entertainment;
• summer kitchen and dining room;
• swimming;
• play area;
• recreation area; nine0108
• garden and garden.

Children's active recreation area

Next, you need to think about who will use the space. Will this area be needed to accommodate small children, or will it be primarily an adult shelter? Don't forget to think about pets—animals often dictate landscaping decisions too.

Environment and climate

Now it's time to take inventory. You will want to mark zones such as:

• sunny areas;
• shady areas;
• review;
• wind direction;
• water supply and drainage.

Yard divided into zones

Next, your attention should be turned to the soil. It's important to make sure your soil has the nutrients to support your chosen plant material. Your soil, which may be mostly sand, clay, or gravel, will dictate which plants you should grow. A landscape designer can perform soil tests for you and make soil amendments if necessary. nine0003

Planting area

An important factor to consider when choosing plants is the planting area for them. It is determined by climatic conditions such as temperature and rainfall. Knowing your area to plant will help you and your designer choose plants that are suitable for your location and thus more likely to establish.

Choose plants suitable for the climate

Hydrozone

Once you have an idea of ​​what plants will be used, start thinking about how the water behaves in your yard. If there are certain areas where water is collected, you will want to create a group of plants that need a lot of water. On the other hand, if there are certain areas where water drains quickly, you'll want to have a group of plants there that like dry conditions. This process is often referred to as hydrozone planting. nine0003

Hydrozone Planting

Garden Style

The last thing to think about is the aesthetic appeal and style of your landscaping. Consider the interior and exterior style of your home and try to create unity between home and landscaping. Make an open space that reflects your personality and makes you feel happy and relaxed. For a little inspiration, browse through these garden styles, which include Japanese, modern, cottage, and desert. nine0003

Landscape design in the style of Japan

TOP 8 tips + 200 PHOTOS

Backyard makeup ideas

After considering the basic rules of landscape design, move on to landscaping the space. Check out the ideas below for decorating your backyard.

Replace obsolete materials

Solid concrete with brick strips is now often used for this. Make a patio area with concrete, fill with white sand and add a fountain to make it stand out. nine0003

Enlarge the patio area

A common backyard mistake is making the patio look too small. When you're working on your backyard makeover, consider extending your patio to accommodate larger furniture and allow for walking around the space.

Patio - useful yard decoration

Re-paving

Plain gray concrete can be pretty boring. Transform your backyard paving to transform the feel of the whole area. When remodeling paving slabs, you have two options: remove the existing pavement, or transform what you have. Create stains and engravings on the concrete path to make it look like natural stone. If you want to remodel an existing paving, you will save money on materials and labor. nine0003

Low Cost Garden Paths

Don't let small or awkward spaces limit you

Narrow spaces can be a problem and often end up being unused. However, you can turn a narrow space into a backyard fully equipped for outdoor activities. Creative layout and space-saving techniques can be used to accommodate more options for a small or inconvenient backyard. nine0003

DIY your own backyard

You can redo your backyard on your own, without professionals with their resources, if the matter is limited to feasible work. However, this does not include demolition and installation of new landscaping, as this work will take the average homeowner weeks to complete, while a team of professionals can complete it within days.

Lots of beauty ideas

Projects that include running water, gas or electric lines can be further complicated. If you want a fountain, a built-in grill, or lots of lighting, your best bet is to hire a licensed professional. However, for a DIY option that will save you some money, consider planting your own plants. If Make sure you know the requirements for each plant, to choose the best place. Consider also the option of installing a patio area yourself. nine0003 See also: Design of a small-sized kitchen with a refrigerator in Khrushchev for 5-6 sq.m. + 190 PHOTOS of real and practical layouts

Patio Design Ideas

Patio is outdoor life. You are likely to spend many hours with friends and family on your patio. Instead of buying a big house, many people are looking to expand their outdoor living space. As a result, the patio area is becoming larger, more luxurious and more protected.

Outdoor patios have become activity centers focused on fun and relaxation. A well-designed patio will not only add extra living space to your home, it will also increase its resale value.

Outdoor Recreation

Since your patio will provide the basis for outdoor living space, it must be solid, well constructed. You can choose from a variety of patio and sidewalk materials. Determine what size, shape, and patio style best suits your needs. Use the information here to start gathering ideas for your new patio. nine0003

It's time to stop thinking about your patio as just a place to spend time outdoors. It can serve as a hub for a variety of functions, including dining, cooking, socializing, and relaxing. The style of your patio will change depending on what features you want it to feature.

See also: DIY home decor ideas from improvised materials. Refreshing the interior + 125 PHOTOS

Concrete patios

The durability and versatility of concrete makes it an excellent choice for paving patios. A concrete patio has many advantages over corrugated board and other surfaces. nine0003

Concrete courtyard patio

Benefits of concrete patios:

• High strength.
• Low maintenance.
• Adaptable to any style.
• Can be poured into any shape.

Decor options:

• Colored concrete. There are several ways to paint concrete, including contrasting, integrating, solid and liquid painting methods (used in combination with embossing) and full coloring. nine0108
• Embossed Concrete - The surface of your particular patio can be embossed to create a texture that mimics stone, brick or other materials.

Embossed Colored Concrete Stone Look

If you already have a patio that is cracked or dirty, you can clean it up with concrete. Concrete sanding will make your patio look like new. A reclaimed concrete patio can be painted and stamped.

Another strong trend is to integrate plants into places where expansion joints would otherwise be located. They help create a more breathable surface and dilute the vast structure with greenery. It is not uncommon to use artificial turf in these areas, especially in areas where moisture needs to be maintained. nine0003

Grass between joints to keep moisture in

Are concrete patios prone to cracking?

Concrete is good for warm climates that don't experience the extreme cold and thaw cycles of northern regions that cause uncontrolled cracking. Other factors can also lead to cracking.

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Gazebo ideas

Gazebos and other shade structures are another way to enjoy nature, even if the conditions outside are not the best. In the hot summer, you can relax and have fun outdoors without being exposed to sunstroke. Shady structures also extend the season into autumn and winter. If your structure is built with a solid roof or even insulated walls, you can enjoy a calm winter morning while sipping your tea without the worry of rain or snow. nine0003

Cozy gazebo for summer holidays

Types of shade buildings

Gazebos are an autonomous structure, organically placed in the landscape. They can stand on the path and define a space for a walk, or they can designate a patio area or outdoor entertainment space. A pergola usually has open sides, as well as a slatted or solid roof.

Landscape Pergolas

Patio structures are similar to pergolas, except they are attached to the house. This can be an advantage because a patio area can use the house for support and therefore can cost less than a structure on its own. nine0003

Octagonal arbors with a solid roof are most often used in traditional landscape gardening areas. They can be an attractive addition if the style of the surrounding landscape works with the structure.

Traditional landscaping

A canvas canopy is a modern way to get relief from the sun. The fabric is stretched across specially designed poles to accent and cover a seating area or patio. A canvas canopy looks great with the straight lines and simple geometry used in contemporary homes and doubles as a decorative and artistic part of the landscape. nine0003

Tarpaulin shed for pergola

Net terrace is built right outside the house, usually at the back door for easy access. Instead of glass windows, she has large nets that keep out insects. The netted terrace is great for dining as you get a quality outdoor experience without intruders.

A sun room is also being built right outside the house. Since it can be fully insulated and built with double panel windows, it is a four season structure that acts as an addition to your home. The sun room is completely weatherproof so you can watch birds and wildlife in comfort even in winter. The sun room is really different from the rest of your home in that it has many windows that enhance the outside view. nine0003 See also: Do-it-yourself landscape design for a garden. TOP 9 styles you need to know about + 185 PHOTOS

Terrace decor

No matter what size backyard you have, you can make the most of the available space and live the dream. Here are some simple DIY landscaping ideas to make a great outdoor space that you can enjoy day and night.

Customize your space with decking

There's nothing better than a new terrace to turn your backyard into an outdoor living room or the perfect party space. It's an easy and affordable way to expand your living space that will last for many years, and with a little know-how, you can build it yourself.

Terrace room with decking

There are several decking material options. In addition to traditional wooden decking, there is an environmentally friendly alternative. Composite decking can be made from recycled plastic, which is durable, easy to install and maintain, and resistant to rot and pests. nine0003

Build With Beams

Eco Beams

You can shape your backyard to any size and give it a natural, earthy look with treated pine beams. Treated pine beams are resistant to decay, fungus, and pests, making them one of the most versatile, easy-to-use, and hard-wearing landscape materials on the market. They can be used to create a retaining wall, a stepped garden, a flower bed, or as a border along your garden beds. nine0003

Space with Retaining Walls

Retaining Walls are a great way to create interesting steps to decorate your backyard. You can use them to create a raised garden to surround your entertaining space or make a quiet corner to relax. Retaining walls are also a good way to smooth out areas of sloped block and add extra space for kids to play or for you to have fun. Depending on the look you want, retaining walls can be made from logs or treated pine sleepers. Use purpose-built wall retaining materials that are interlocking, durable, and available in a range of colors. nine0003

Custom paving

You can bring real definition to your backyard and create a great look with paving stones. In addition, it will be an easy project that you can do yourself. Paving stones make a solid base for your outdoor entertainment area, or you can make a walkway through your garden. There are various colors and paving designs on the market to suit any backyard, from concrete textured, panel and sand paving. nine0003

Easy and Convenient Yard Cover

Add Color and Texture with Pebbles

Pebbles are an easy way to bring color and texture into your backyard. You can use it to fill in empty spaces in garden beds, or as ground cover to complement a paved or deck area.

For a clean decorative look, you can use pebbles to create a border or landscape path. There are many colors and styles to choose from in white, blue, orange, red, green, lime, silver or gold. Using the same colored pebbles, you can create solid areas or mix colors to create a more vibrant look. nine0003

Bright flowerbed with pebbles

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Front yard landscaping

When it comes to front yard landscaping, you'll want to think about what features of your home will be highlighted, as well as how you can turn it into an open space that will be actively used. If you want to spend relaxing time there, then privacy will be a key factor. Privacy can be created with a wall or hedge. nine0003

Get a new perspective

Before choosing a project, look at your landscape with fresh eyes and more broadly. We are so used to our landscape that it can be difficult to determine what others might see. There are two easy tricks to see the landscape from a new perspective. When using both of these methods, the goal is to forget what you think of your landscape and instead see what actually exists.

The first is an old artist's trick. Get far enough away from your landscape so that you can see everything at once. Then squint your eyes until the picture blurs and try to clear your memory. nine0003

“Paint” your picture to create a landscape

There may be areas that become dark and overgrown with a blurry look. Some areas may look dirty because there are too many small plantings, statues or pots. Or, you might have an area that is bright and clean, but a bit too empty. All of these ideas can give you a general idea of ​​which projects to tackle first.

The second technique you can use to give your landscape a new look is to take black and white photographs of your landscape design. By adding color, you can make a familiar space feel new, so you can see it with objective eyes. Most digital cameras these days have a black and white setting, so it's easy to do even if you're not a techno-genius. nine0003

Define the boundaries and add mulch

Clean edges deceive the eye, making the landscape neat and tidy. If the lawn has crept into the flower beds in the garden and created a jagged line, then defining a border can improve the look of the entire landscape.

Start by laying out a garden hose to define a new boundary. Don't make the beginner's mistake by creating a wavy "drunken snake" line. Instead, make wide curves that scale to the size of your home. Then use a hoe to trim the grass until you have a clean, attractive line. nine0003

Define a nice mulch line

Once you've established a neat border, add a layer of wood chip mulch for a sophisticated look. The bright color is attractive, smooths out uneven ground surfaces, and generally gives the landscaping a professional finish.

Trim huge bushes

If the plant is clearly not meant to be a hedge, it should be trimmed. Otherwise, there will be a feeling that the service is out of control.

Trim the shrub at the base, removing any branches that are 15 cm from the ground. This gives a more open look and works wonders on Rhododendrons and other shrubs that can appear gloomy and overwhelming when spreading across the ground.

Neat backyard shrubs

Another good task is to carefully trim any plant that touches the house. Plants that lean on the house can cause paint cracking as well as mold and ants. Trimming the plants 20 to 30 cm from the house will give the landscaping a more open look, as well as give you the opportunity to wash the house or touch up if necessary. nine0003 Read also: DIY Office - How to Decorate Beautifully and Originally for the New Year of the Rat 2020 (180+Photo Ideas)

45 Trendy Front Yard Ideas

Modern front yard designs rely more on a minimalist and desert look. Volumetric forms and an abundance of color have disappeared. The modern look consists of clean lines, earthy colors, the creative use of stone, and the absence of atypical colors.

Stairs and Paving Stones

We are seeing a move away from hard tops in favor of patterned pavement pavers interspersed with round stones. nine0003

Decorating the runway with decorative materials

Horizontal Railing

The lines are more pronounced with a clean horizontal railing. Aluminium, vinyl, steel, and wood are popular materials for trendy vegetable gardens.

Metal parts

The idea of ​​a metal house number plate is modern, clear fonts that are made of brass, aluminum or chrome. Simple and stylish.

Grass cutouts

These are sidewalks covered with grass gaps to allow the grass to grow right under your feet. Traditional white or light-colored patio paving stones combined with green give a clearer view of the courtyard. nine0003

Yard Grass Path

Garden Cinder Blocks

Gardening is still a big deal in both front yards and back yards, although it has become more restrained. If you love flowers, use block gardening, which introduces an interesting and new dimension.

Used as flower pots

Large pots

Large plant pots are very noticeable among modern front yards. The bigger they are, the better. The main shapes are round, square, cylindrical or conical. nine0003

An interesting garden solution

Stone and succulents

The use of large and small stones is common among modern front yards. And what grows and looks best with stones? Succulents!

Succulents in landscaping

Wall garden

Don't limit your gardening to the ground. Picturesque wall gardens are eye-catching, innovative and look like the centerpiece of a front yard.

Clusters of color

Many modern front yards still include many colorful flowering plants. Keep them under control and in a good color ratio to avoid a messy look. Plants that require less time work well.

Garden planting colors

Illuminated paths

Illuminated paths define and enhance your front yard design. It is also expedient and attractive.

Fence and bench combination

It's time to replace the sleek iron seats in favor of more discreet, integrated nooks and crannies. And if they are made in the same technique with a perimeter fence, this will make the design the most harmonious.

Stone Bench and Fence

Minimalist Fencing

Enclose your front yard with a subdued and minimalist fencing. No more grandiose curls, monograms and bright colors.

Green and white combination

Contemporary front yards decorated in natural tones. White hydrangeas against lush greenery make your front yard pop.

Green and white combinations of plants

Combination of stone and wood

Back to basics. Rough stone and wood planks give character to the clean lines of modern front yards.

Terrace gardening

Don't let uneven facades get in the way of creating a beautiful front garden. Make it work for your space: For a sloping surface, the idea of ​​a stepped garden with a terrace will do. nine0003

Red plant pots

Bright red pots against quiet earthy flowers look defiant and striking. Use them when you want to divert attention to certain areas.

Bright planters in the garden

Modern pergola

Pergolas are romantic and charming. Create a modern minimalist pergola to suit your garden.

Stone with stone

Modern front yard designs use many natural elements. The various irregularities and textures of the stones are best shown together. nine0003

DIY rock bed

Ornamental onion charm

Plants in today's front yards are structured and strong in character. The decorative bow has height, shape and color: ideal for front yards.

Black flowerpots

Modern outdoor pots have become large, shaped and basic bold colors - especially black.

Amazing Plant Solution

Succulent Wooden Fencing

A rich, dark wood that will shade and even out dark green succulents well.

Ancient Greek Amphora

Make your yard attractive with the Ancient Greek Amphora decoration. Use the sculpture as a central focal point for your front yard.

Amphora for individual design

Combination of black and green

The combination of black and green is interesting and expressive. Black makes green more fresh and vibrant. nine0003

Wooden and bamboo facade

The basic, classic and minimalist look of bamboo brings a touch of Japan to your home.

Wooden facade of the house

Four seasons garden

Four seasons garden is a selection of those plants that become expressive in different seasons, making the composition interesting in any season. You may need the services of a landscape designer to properly place the landscaping.

Horsetail hedge

River horsetail is suitable for hedges, accent walls or as a decoration on its own. A vibrant green hue, clean vertical stems and black details create a striking design.

Equipped Water Spring

Transform an unobtrusive garden tap into a creative project. It will serve its purpose, but it will be complemented by a wonderful design.

Outdoor landscaping washbasin

Corner gardening

Dedicate one corner of the yard to gardening. This option keeps most of the yard spacious and uncluttered, creating an interesting nook.

Lighted Plants

Placing strategic lighting on plants and pots around the garden will illuminate your front yard and highlight places and features.

Metal pots

Add a futuristic touch to your front yard with metal pots in chrome, silver, copper or gold. nine0003

Outdoor metal planter

Low fence

Highlight your pavement and good looks with a low fence.

Slim plants

The right combination of slim plants softens the harsh lines of modern front yard designs.

Thin graceful lines with the help of plants

Water and fire

Opposites attract and the new trend of refinement becomes proof of this phenomenon. Increasingly, designers are choosing a combination of fire and water to create focal points. Add a fire tandem to your yard to express your individuality. nine0003

Form and Submissiveness

Contemporary front yard designs include clean lines, clear patterns and sharp shapes. Foliage is tamed, plants are structured, all areas are distributed.

Fence without gate

Increasingly modern front yards do not have gates. The strategic placement of the fences provides the necessary privacy and girth.

Freedom for front yard space

Creative centers

Miniature structures suitable for small yards. The combination of rock, water and greenery in a large pot will spice up the garden. nine0003

Wood, stone and water

Connect the three most basic elements of nature for a profitable, classic and expressive courtyard. Add some green spots to complete the landscape.

Light Paving Stones

When you have a bright home to showcase, let your front yard be a complementary backdrop with large, light colored paving stones.

Granite pavers to house design

Expressiveness of stone

The few designs of a modern front yard should be interesting, textured and as close to nature as possible. Make them out of stone to add some amazing features to the corners. nine0003

A garden without flowers

A garden without flowering plants

Very often in modern front yards there are no flowering plants.

Green and white facade

If your house has a white or light facade, make the yard completely green. Green vegetation is the best scene to showcase the white house. Vary shades and shapes for a more interesting look.

Herbaceous Perfection

Bring in a wide variety of herbs to evoke the beauty of wild grasslands. Keep your garden tidy as this style can easily look unkempt. nine0003

Plant every corner of the space

Dark Wood Fencing

Wood and Faux Wood Fencing is attractive, trendy and modern. Don't use paint, choose bare or lacquered wood to show natural patterns.

Creative Lighting

Forget poles, colorful fairy lights and spotlights. Innovative garden lights are bold and large.

Choose your luminaire to match your garden style

A nod to Japan

Japanese gardens are the epitome of minimalist garden design. Bring some Japanese inspiration into your front yard with wooden squares, water features, and footstools.

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Trees

The key to choosing a tree for your front yard should be its understated appeal. The right tree can transform a front yard by adding structural interest, seasonal color, shade and scale. The best tree choice for your front yard depends on factors including your climate, the space you have available, your landscape preferences, and the orientation of your landscape. nine0003

Trees for Small Spaces

When choosing a tree for a small front yard, look for a pattern that will create a focal point without dominating your home or landscape. There are many small or dwarf varieties of trees that will not grow above 8 meters but have eye-catching traits that more than make up for their lack of growth, such as interesting leaf shapes and unique branch directions. Good options include dogwood, Japanese maples, cherry trees, and purple plum. nine0003

Ornamental trees for small spaces

Flowering trees

Flowering trees will give your front yard a welcome splash of color after a long winter, often before the rest of the landscape comes alive. The effect will be similar to the shape of a vase full of flowers, providing a temporary but vibrant splash of color and an intoxicating fragrance. Many flowering trees also provide multi-season interest, producing bright berries and vibrant fall foliage such as cherry blossoms, myrtle, apple trees, and oriental redbells. nine0003

Shade

Planting shade trees in front of your home can block the harsh morning and afternoon sun from pouring into your windows, keeping you cool during the summer. The dense canopy of their leaves also slows the evaporation of water from lawns and garden beds. Shade trees come in all shapes and sizes, but fast-growing varieties deliver their benefits sooner. Examples include red maple, oak, poplar, birch, ash.

Slender birch near the house

For autumn foliage

Every front yard should have at least one tree that provides dazzling fall color, with leaves that seemingly turn to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red or purple overnight. Some trees, such as the sugar maple, will produce a kaleidoscope of color, from yellow to orange and finally to red.

Evergreen

While many deciduous trees will reward you with spring and autumn colors, their glory often fades in winter after the leaves have fallen, leaving you with a lifeless landscape. Almost any front yard can benefit from the year-round color and sculptural beauty of conifers. nine0003 See also: How to make paper window decorations with your own hands? (150+ Photos). Welcome New 2018 Year of the Dog Beautifully

Conclusions

Available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, needle colors and textures, conifers can transform a snow-covered front yard into a winter wonderland. You can place small evergreens in pairs in containers to create a formal entrance. Popular coniferous varieties: Alberta spruce, juniper, thuja and blue spruce.

VIDEO: Landscape design of a private courtyard

Everything you need to know about landscaping

Decorating the yard of a private house

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Landscaping of stunning courtyards

Such beauty cannot leave anyone indifferent.

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