Narrow yard landscaping ideas
23 Small Backyard Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space
Landscaping and Layout Inspiration for Your Outdoor Space
By
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 02/16/23
Reviewed by
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Reviewed by Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
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Not everyone is blessed with a big backyard, but there are plenty of small backyard ideas to make your property look and function at its best. For those who live in places with tighter outdoor spaces, it's just a matter of practicing smart design on a smaller scale. Whether you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, loft, or house that has more indoor than outdoor space, you can still carve out a yard with soil, trees, plants, patios, seating, and even water features.
We've found 23 diverse designs and solutions for small backyards and outdoor spaces, from urban to suburban and everything else in between.
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Tucson Small Yard Design
Kathryn PrideauxKathryn Prideaux works magic with small spaces in Tucson and other Arizona cities, infusing the colors of the sky, surrounding terrain, and nature into her landscape designs for patio homes and condominiums. She expertly fuses styles and materials: rejuvenating midcentury modern outdoor furniture, adding rustic materials, finding innovative uses for colorful tile, and incorporating sculptural forms and succulents.
Although Tucson's Skyline Springs condominium complex has a swimming pool, the owners of this unit wanted a private pool. Prideaux Design, with the help of Cimarron Circle Construction Company, designed a stunning blue glass mosaic-tile pool as the yard's centerpiece, with a ledge for in-pool lounge chairs when desert temperatures spike. Additional features include a poured-in-place etched concrete patio, rusted steel panels and walls, original adobe block walls, and a revitalized vintage Brown Jordan patio dining set.
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Yard for a Historic Home
Jacobs GrantGerman Village in Columbus, Ohio, is a neighborhood of brick row houses built in the 1800s by German immigrants that has been undergoing preservation and revitalization since 1959. A small backyard in the district that had faded concrete pavers and an oversized iron table was transformed by Jacobs Grant Design into a functional, enjoyable space for its new homeowners. Jacobs Grant divided the space into two areas: an outdoor living room and a dining area, surrounded by hornbeam and boxwood hedges to create intimacy and structure. Designed in collaboration with Pots Abilities, the spaces include brick and bluestone, materials used on the facade of the historic house.
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Spanish Bungalow
Dig Your GardenFor decades, lawns have been the go-to ground cover without anyone giving it much thought. That is until the ongoing drought in California and other dry regions forced landscapers and homeowners to rethink water-guzzling grass and come up with alternatives, such as xeriscape landscaping.
Dig Your Garden's solution for the small yard of an older Spanish-style bungalow in San Anselmo, California, was to replace the grass with creeping thyme and other low-water ground covers and plants. A new Arizona flagstone pathway was added, along with a small patio that repeats the terra-cotta tones found elsewhere on the home's exterior.
Other features, kept to a minimum, include an orange Fermob armchair, colorful pottery, and drought-tolerant plants like tibouchina, lion's tail, lavenders, rosemary, yarrow, sunset hyssop, dwarf strawberry tree, and various succulents and ornamental grass.
Tip
A xeriscape garden is designed to use minimal water. Though typically practiced in dry, arid climates, it's also becoming popular in other types of climates as a way to reduce water usage while saving money and time on landscaping.
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Turning the Front Yard Into the Backyard
Catherine BoslerWhat do you do when your house has no backyard? You borrow space wherever you can find it. In this case, landscape designer Catherine Bosler looked to the 560-square-foot front yard for this Los Angeles area property.
Inspired by the nearby coast, Bosler Earth Design added a wood deck painted in a distressed grey to create a living room with a fire pit. An outdoor dining area has decomposed granite (DG) underfoot and features a grill and prep counter. Bosler also incorporated a tall fountain to mask street noise and attract birds, added built-in benches of wood and stucco, privacy hedges, and a trellis with jasmine for its appealing fragrance.
"The challenge was to fit everything into such a small space without feeling contrived and overdone and to make the space very private," says Bosler.
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Backyard With a Hot Tub and Barbecue
Land Studio C
An old deck and a desire to eliminate their lawn prompted the owners of this San Francisco home to enlist Land Studio C. Measuring about 1,500 square feet, the backyard now features a hot tub with a custom bench and vertical planting (back corner), a fire table, built-in barbecue, Corten (weathering) steel accents, and string lights.
In this view of the yard, we see a pathway of concrete pavers set in pea gravel, a lounging area with an umbrella, and a delineated hardscape. The hot tub's screening wall, bench, and a side yard screen were made from the old redwood deck.
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Another Part of the Yard
Land Studio
Yes, this is the same yard in the same fairly small space, designed by Land Studio C for a house in San Francisco. Viewed from the middle of the yard toward the house, you can see the outdoor living room with the fire table, dining area, and small back porch.
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Asian-Inspired Backyard
Change of SeasonsSacramento-based design firm Change of Seasons was inspired by the dividers of a bento box for its remodel of a backyard that features stone-lined sections or compartments to add interest and structure to an eco-friendly contemporary garden.
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Tiny Toronto Backyard
Beyond LandscapingWorking with limited space, Beyond Landscaping was able to create a low-maintenance retreat in the backyard of a home in Toronto, Canada, that features a small fiberglass pool, composite decking, a horizontal fence for privacy, and artificial turf.
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Family-Friendly San Francisco Backyard
CreoThe challenge: To design a backyard for a young family in San Francisco that could include room for dining and seating along with space for two little boys to let their imaginations run wild. Creo Landscape Architecture planted bluegrass and no-mow fescue on a berm for the children to play, along with interactive sculptures. Creo used durable redwood to build the fence and bench, while Podocarpus (plum pines) provide softscape and privacy. When not in use, the kids' outdoor toys are stored inside the redwood benches.
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Neat and Vertical Backyard
Megan MaloyEmma Lam and her design team at A Small Green Space specialize in small yards: the bulk of their clients are in Jersey County, New Jersey, and nearby New York City. This 16 by 11.5-foot urban backyard is shared by three condos, making it a challenge for the designers to access via three private flights of stairs that lead to the yard. Since there is no outdoor water supply, the plants chosen are drought-tolerant. Among the upgrades to the neat, symmetrical design include:
- Lightweight furniture
- New fencing that includes vertical planters
- A bluestone patio
- An artificial lawn
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Small Backyard With Planters
KL DesignsThe owners of this small yard in the San Francisco Bay area hired KL Designs to redesign their outdoor space to accommodate raised wood planters in which they can grow vegetables and herbs. Building the raised beds allow the plants to grow in quality soil, keeps them away from city-dwelling critters (such as squirrels and mice), and provides easy access for maintaining the vegetables.
Tip
You don't need to compromise on growing vegetables even if you have a small backyard. Many veggies grow exceptionally well in containers, such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. For fast-growing container veggies, consider peas and lettuce.
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Organized Backyard Layout
Blue HibiscusFor symmetry and organization, a patio made of irregularly shaped Arizona flagstone was replaced by designers Blue Hibiscus Gardens with rectangular bluestone tiles in an ashlar pattern. A matching side patio was added using base rock and pre-cut pavers. A cozy deck features built-in seating and a concrete-top natural gas fire pit with prism fire glass. New plants include a Japanese maple and Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen'.
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Reimagined Brooklyn Brownstone
Irene Kalina-JonesWhen their children outgrew the kid-oriented yard, a Brooklyn couple, both professors, decided to renovate the garden of their Brooklyn brownstone. With the help of Outside Space NYC, the backyard was divided into three areas with different levels. A geometric pergola provides shade and creates a comfortable seating area on the ipe deck. Raised stacked-stone beds are planted with a mix of low-maintenance shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. The homeowner added a modern, lightweight outdoor sofa and coffee table for a midcentury feel.
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Brooklyn Bluestone
Amber Scott FredaAnother backyard in Brooklyn was redesigned by Amber Freda Landscape Design as a space for entertaining and relaxation. A bluestone patio, custom horizontal planter boxes with casters for mobility, and fencing made of Ipe complement the outdoor kitchen and seating area with a fire pit.
Freda's challenge for this space: using the right plants for the widely varying pockets of sun and shade throughout the yard. In addition to a lush mix of flowering annuals and perennials, Freda used sweet potato vine, trumpet vine, Japanese maple, ornamental grasses, and dogwoods. Everything is equipped with automated low-voltage uplighting and drip irrigation lines.
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Gazebo Focal Point
FernhillA stunning wood pergola is the centerpiece of a backyard in the quaint town of Lititz, Pennsylvania, designed by Fernhill Landscapes. With upholstery, pillows, and flowering plants that harmonize, the space is intimate and appealing.
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Downtown Chicago Pad
Reveal DesignBesides Wrigley Field, the next-best place to enjoy a Chicago Cubs game is your own backyard, right in downtown Chicago. Created by Reveal Design, the linear design features a patio made with Technoblock pavers, Ipe, black steel and frosted-glass fencing, aluminum powder-coated planters, and the fire table and grill area are framed with Ipe. The illuminated orbs can be adjusted to change colors for holidays or sports on TV.
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Natural Berkeley Backyard
Green AlchemyGuided by the belief that gardens should blend seamlessly with the lives of their owners, Deborah Kuchar of Green Alchemy created a casual outdoor space for a house in Berkeley, California, that features natural materials like stone along with plants that create a lush, private space. Simple, classic butterfly chairs and a fire pit are surrounded by angel's trumpet and lavender, among other growing things.
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Luxurious Lissoni in Miami
RitzItalian architect and designer Piero Lissoni created the namesake Villa Lissoni at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, a seven-acre property with more than 100 condominiums and a limited collection of 15 standalone properties. This upscale condo features a small, lush yard with tropical landscaping (including orchids), a private infinity pool (the property also has pools on-site), and patios that are accessible via floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
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Yard With Zones
Land AestheticSan Diego enjoys one of the most ideal climates in the United States (or anywhere), which is why the owners of this home in Encinitas sought assistance from Envision Landscape Studio to make the most out of their backyard space. Divided into zones or sections, the yard includes a lawn for pets and children, a fire pit with casual seating, a covered outdoor living room, a dining area, and a water feature, all surrounded by low-maintenance landscaping.
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Planter With a Purpose
Bradford AssociatesPeeking through the gate of a backyard in Providence, Rhode Island, remodeled by Bradford Associates, you can catch a glimpse of new fencing, a patio with lightweight furniture, and a raised bed that not only allows its owners to grow plants but helps to screen an adjacent raised filtration area.
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Corner Backyard in Virginia
Heart's EaseTucked into a corner of a backyard, a composite-decking bench was placed in front of a mature hydrangea bush to create an appealing nook. Designed by Peggy Krapf of Heart's Ease Landscape and Garden Design in Toano, Virginia, the space features a bench that is set on a stone pad to create a level surface. Urns planted with annual color can be changed out seasonally.
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Clean-Line Backyard Design
Christy WebberSymmetry, geometric design, and organization are often key to designing small backyards. Christy Webber Landscapes was inspired by this Chicago homeowner's recent interior renovation—modern and using clean lines—to extend living space to the yard. The patio is paved with bluestone with blue-chip joints. A privacy fence is softened with medium-sized trees, like Japanese maple trees, along with birch and spruce trees, while boxwood, rhododendron, arborvitae, and pachysandra add year-round interest.
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Super Small Backyard Turned into a Dream
Magic LandscapingAndrew Shepherd of Magic Landscaping was tasked with creating a backyard for a historic home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The challenge: "It had absolutely no backyard. What was there was about 20 feet deep and about 100 feet wide. The project scope was to create interest, beauty, privacy, and intimate spaces so that the family could go outside and spend time together," says Shepherd.
Using a combination of limestone boulders, Delaware pea gravel, cedar mulch, and lush greenery, Magic created fairytale-like paths, a fire pit, a trampoline for the kids, and a dining area.
Additional Features for Small Backyards
Among the ideas above, also take time to consider:
- Container gardens: When you lack good soil or have an outdoor space that is mostly patio or decking, add pots, low bowls, repurposed wooden boxes or crates, and urns filled with flowering or foliage plants.
- Vertical spaces: The sky's the limit when you grow your succulents, herbs, flowers, or even vegetables in a vertical container that is attached to a wall.
- Hanging gardens: Plants can be suspended from beams, eaves, or wall hangers; it's up to you what to plant and what works in your region.
- No-fuss patio or deck: This allows you to get outside and if the space has water-wise plants, you won't need to spend time on maintenance.
- Small kitchen and dining area: Love to grill? If space allows, you can add a basic grill, counter, outdoor refrigerator, and even grow a small herb garden to add flavor on the spot.
- Private gardens: City-dwellers often crave outdoor space. High walls and espaliered or climbing plants help to create a sense of seclusion.
Once you start researching, you'll find that garden styles and solutions are limitless—there's a backyard for every petite plot of land.
30 Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas That Will Transform Your Space
Andrey Sayfutdinov/iStock
By Marlen Komar/Oct. 8, 2021 2:13 pm EST
Small backyards are just as great as huge backyards. While you might not have as much space for grilling, lounging, or playing as you would in a big backyard, you can still make the most out of your postage-stamp-space by using it wisely. You can transform your space by using clever landscaping ideas for small backyards, per Bob Vila, which will help you use every inch of grass and pavement that you own.
These small backyard landscaping ideas will prove that you can have everything from rock gardens to Buckingham-Palace-worthy rose beds to charming lounging areas in your yard if only you plan it out appropriately. You can make your small backyard feel bigger by incorporating certain plants and trees, and you can make it feel more organized by sectioning off space with hedges or iron arches. If you have a small plot of land and have been itching to give it a makeover, then you have come to the right place. Ahead are 30 of the most clever landscaping ideas for small backyards.
1. Surround yourself with lavender
HannamariaH/iStock
It's possible to create a welcoming atmosphere in your backyard, even if you have very little space to work with. Choose plants that are known for their scent, like lavender, to make the small yard feel cozy and delightful.
2. Add short hedges
Julia700702/iStock
Make your small backyard feel bigger by dividing it into different spaces using small hedges. The hedges will act like fences and allow you to carve out a garden area that is separate from a lounging area.
3. Surround the space with shrubs
Andrey Sayfutdinov/iStock
If you don't want to commit to watering flowers in your backyard weekly, then swap out the flowers for leafy bushes. Layer different heights of shrubs together to create a bushy, overgrown garden that is as inviting as it is green.
4. Create a focal point
Ben Ashby on Unsplash/Unsplash
Make your small backyard feel like a palace courtyard by swapping out your grass for pebbles and creating a floral focal point in the middle of the yard. Add flowers in stone planters in the center, and add stepping stones that ring out from the centerpiece.
5. Create designated quarters
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Make the most of your small backyard landscaping by segregating your backyard into designated quarters using fences. One section can be your garden, another can be your flowers, and a third can be the lounge area.
6. Add statement flowers
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If you like to keep things simple in your backyard, then focus on choosing one statement floral shrub, like a blooming rhododendron. It will instantly attract the eye and bring something special to the space.
7. Layered landscaping
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Outline your backyard in layered landscaping, which includes tall bushes in the back, a line of colorful flowers towards the rear, and colorful foliage plants.
8. Add cobblestone pathways
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Make your small backyard feel like an English garden by adding cobblestone pathways flanked with blooming flowers.
9. Create a small blooming garden
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While it might sound counterintuitive, filling a small space with oversized items helps make the area feel bigger. Try planting tall firs and large rose bushes into your small garden to create a statement backyard.
10. Avoid straight lines
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Make your small backyard look more attractive by carving out rounded edges and bowed corners to plant in. This will make the space feel more natural and look more appealing than planting flowers in straight lines along the fence.
11. Create a relaxing vegetable garden
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Turn your backyard vegetable garden into a charming focal point by adding a wire arch. Your vegetables' foliage will envelop the arch, creating a relaxing spot to sit in.
12. Create a Japanese garden
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If you don't have a lot of grass or soil to work with, transform your backyard into a Japanese garden by incorporating bamboo, stone, and lanterns.
13. Fire pit garden
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Everyone loves gathering by a fire pit, so make that the focal point of your small backyard. Add landscaping around the lounge area by planting leafy bushes, blooming rose bushes, and metal arches covered in vines.
14. Create an organized vegetable garden
:Fotofantastika/iStock
If you want an elegant vegetable garden, try building vegetable beds out of brick rather than wood. You can also swap out the grass for beautifully paved sidewalks.
15. Colorful backyards
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If you love lots of color, then create a backyard filled with annuals and perennials in rioting hues.
16. Plant blooming rhododendron
irina88w/iStock
Add lots of drama to your backyard by planting a large bush of blooming rhododendron. It will add a huge pop of color and make you feel like you're in a botanical garden.
17. Create a privacy fence
Kyryl Gorlov/iStock
If you don't have a lot of room in your backyard and aren't interested in watering flowers weekly, then make the most of your space by planting an attractive privacy fence. Use thuja to block out any surrounding neighbors.
18. Create a floral arch
Dmytro Duda/iStock
Bring a touch of romance to your backyard by creating a floral arch that sits at your gate or patio entrance.
19. Outline your house with flowers
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Transform your backyard from drab to charming by outlining the side of your house with bushes and flowers in one hue. It will look neat and whimsical all at once.
20. Add an explosion of roses
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The fastest way to add a touch of class to the side of your house is to plant an explosion of roses in the tight corridor.
21. Plant trees
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There is something special about a backyard with trees, so if your own backyard doesn't have one, consider planting one. You can then set up a table and chairs underneath it for a charming dinner spot.
22. Create a hummingbird corner
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Turn your small backyard into a fantasy land by planting flowers and shrubs that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. You can also section off the small garden by flanking it with wooden pathways.
23. Create a vertical garden
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Make your fence work for you by transforming it into a vertical garden. Attach small pots to the fence, and plant everything from herbs to vines in the planters.
24. Landscape near your deck
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If you're lucky enough to have a deck in your small backyard, then make the space feel more inviting by planting leafy greens around it. You will love watching your flowers bloom and shrubs grow from your deck chair.
25. Create little islands
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Make your backyard stand out from the rest by creating small islands of flowers and shrubs across your lawn.
26. Create a moon garden
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Create a small reading nook in your backyard surrounded by white flowers, creating a moon garden that will glow underneath the moonlight. You can also include large stepping stones to add a unique touch.
27. Add a small pond
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You don't have to live near a lake or ocean to enjoy the water. Simply install a small pond in your backyard!
28. Add planters
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Add some symmetry to your backyard by planting your flowers inside a row of identical planters. It will add a modern touch to your space.
29. Create an ornamental garden
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If you have a tiny backyard, it might make more sense to get rid of the grass and turn the small spot into a patio. If you choose to go this route, surround the patio with various flowers to give the space a "secret garden" feeling.
30. Add a bench
YuraWhite/iStock
Make the most of your backyard by transforming it into an oasis. Dedicate a spot to a bench, and then surround it with leafy bushes and growing vines. You can also install a soothing fountain in the corner if you have the room.
How to design a narrow side yard? Ideas, photos - Botanichka
The side parts of the yard between the house and the fence are often long, dark and narrow, which can be especially challenging for landscaping. Because of these complexities, side yards are often poorly landscaped and not functional. Despite the fears of homeowners, with the right layout, this abandoned space can become a worthy part of the site, which will serve the owners well and will not be ashamed to show it to guests.
How to design a narrow side yard? © InnovativeDecorIdeasBefore you start landscaping, you need to ask yourself how often the side yard is used? More often than not, the answer can lead to a thoughtful design plan. If this part of the site is used frequently, it may be a smart idea to add a walkway made of concrete, stone slabs or paving stones. In this way, you will prevent shoes from getting dirty in wet weather and create a safe area for those who often use this track.
If the side yard is used infrequently, you can consider a more original concept with steps, mulch or grass. In addition, a cover of ground cover plants may be appropriate. How else can you design a narrow side yard?
1. Decorative gate
Part of the garden between the wall of the house and the fence can be separated from the main area with an additional gate. Usually they are made of wood, they may not be transparent, or they may consist of decorative lattices. These side gates are high enough to provide privacy, but warm wood tones give the structure a welcoming feel.
Behind them you can arrange an intimate relaxation area, hidden from prying eyes. In addition, if there are small children in the family, objects dangerous for babies can be placed outside the gate in this part of the garden. Poultry lovers can set up a small poultry yard outside the gate.
2. Add a step track
If your side yard is more like a back yard that is used a lot, support this function. For example, if grass grows there, to reduce wear and tear on the grass cover, you can equip a step path in this place.
To do this, you need to purchase natural flagstone and lay out the layers of stones at a small distance from each other so that every step falls on the stone. Concrete slabs can also be used instead of natural stone. The step-by-step path is not only functional, but also looks very impressive.
Walkway in the side yard. © The Ofy3. Create a border with container plants
If the side yard is very narrow and heavily paved, it will be very difficult to set up a flower garden there. Container gardening will help. Ennoble this part of the yard with a row of potted plants placed along the fence or wall of the house.
There are not so many annual plants growing in partial shade, but they do exist. First of all, these are balsams and begonias. You can diversify the compositions of these flowers by adding small shade-tolerant perennials to the company - dwarf hosts, ferns, loosestrife, lamb and others.
4. Use verticals
In most side yards, the garden space is very narrow in width, but sufficient vertically. In this part of the garden, it would be very appropriate to turn to vertical gardening. Install decorative trellises on which ornamental grapes, clematis, wood pliers, lemongrass and many other climbing plants can curl. Additionally, a narrow long space can be broken with an arch decorated with bindweeds.
Read also our article Garden by the townhouse. 12 tricks for comfort in a minimal area.
5. Set up a shade flower garden
A paved or concrete side yard is certainly convenient, but still such a solution is heavy and does not resemble a garden. Use ornamental plants to give the space a sense of warmth, coziness, and dimension. Since this area is sandwiched between the house and the fence, and often your neighbor's house, the side yard is likely to receive little sunlight. The best choice for lush flower beds in this area are plants that do well in low light conditions.
Various ferns, hostas, sedges, hakonehloa, buzulniks and many other plants will grow well here. All these perennials have many varieties, including dwarf ones, so they do not take up much space. With their help, you can create a contrasting color and texture and add mood.
Plants that do well in low light conditions are the best choice for side yard flower beds. © JuniperHillFarm6. Tropical Paradise
Turn your side yard into an exotic outdoor space. Since this part is visually separated from the main garden, it can be designed in a style opposite to the main appearance of the site. For example, to implement the theme of the jungle or oasis, for which tropical houseplants are well suited, which can be taken out into the air during the warm season. You can also create a relaxing Zen garden with a fountain for meditation and relaxation.
7. Ground covers between tile joints
More effective paving than a concrete path, but less expensive to maintain than a regular lawn area - a stone path bordered by a cover of undersized perennials. This solution will be an excellent choice for a side yard. When choosing a groundcover, look for species that will withstand foot traffic and grow densely enough to block weeds.
Most often, paths are planted in the seams between the tiles: loosestrife, bryozoan, stonecrop, saxifrage, hernia, mazus and others. When choosing plants, be sure to consider the level of illumination.
8. Position the composter
The side yard is a good place to set up a compost bin. A compost bin is an indispensable part of a country house with a garden and a vegetable garden, because this is a good opportunity to use organic waste for good, turning it into nutrients that can significantly improve the soil. Because an open compost pile can be unsightly, buy a container or make your own. In this part of the garden, the composter will not be very conspicuous.
The side yard is a good place to set up a compost bin. © hometalk9. Space to play
If you have small children, turn the unused space into a place to play. A playhouse can form the entrance to this side yard. Also there you can arrange figurines of fairy-tale characters, hang a hammock, swings and other sports equipment that do not take up much space. Children will enjoy playing in this part of the garden. And in order for them to eat, you can plant shade-tolerant berry bushes, for example, currants.
10. Artificial brook
You can revive this part of the garden by creating an artificial brook. Since the side yard will usually be too narrow for a full-fledged pond, it can be replaced with a narrow stream. You can line its bottom yourself with the help of special textiles, or buy ready-made plastic molds for streams. If the use of water is not desirable, then a dry stream can be made using small stones.
11. Dog pool
If you have a pet, you might want to think about it too. It is very easy to create a swimming pool in the side yard, suitable for dogs who like to cool off in the heat. The main thing is that it is safe and easy to clean. For these purposes, it is better to choose a durable molded plastic paddling pool, rather than an inflatable one, which is too easily pierced by a dog's sharp claws. Make sure the pool is shallow enough for your pet to easily get in and out of it on their own.
See also our article 25 ideas for cozy garden seating areas.
12. Tool shed
There is nothing more unattractive than tools scattered around the garden. In addition, it is very inconvenient, because the necessary tools should always be at hand in a certain place. In the side yard, you can build a neat place to store garden tools, hidden from view.
A neat storage space for garden tools can be built in the side yard. © Awesome Decors13. Set up a workbench
Use a quiet, shady spot on the side of your house to set up a workstation where you can work with potted plants, pick seedlings, do some crafting, etc. You can buy such a table in any garden department of the supermarket, or you can construct it yourself from pallets or an old chest of drawers.
14. Outdoor bathroom
We are used to the outdoor shower and toilet being installed in the far corner of the site. However, the side yard is a great place to set up such intimate structures. In addition, here they will not be so conspicuous and spoil the overall appearance of the site.
15. Mini-alley
A row of dwarf trees with a compact crown can be planted along the fence. So that such a row does not look boring or monotonous, you can alternate trees with different crown colors or alternate trees with shrubs. When choosing trees and shrubs, be sure to find out the maximum crown diameter in adulthood, as many young trees look compact, but grow strongly over time.
Landscape design of the courtyard of a private house (57 photos)
A private house is nice because it has its own yard. It is good to relax in it, you can decorate it the way you want. But everything should be done according to certain rules - landscape design of the yard, that's what it's called. The task is not as simple as it seems.
Contents of the article
- 1 General principles
- 1.1 Preparing a site plan
- 1.2 Deciding on the central object
- 1.3 Finding a place for everything
- 1.4 Laying paths and developing a lighting system
- 2 PLAMS OF THE SCIENTS FROM INSTALLY ACCESS
- 3 Programs for landscape design
- 4 Examples of layout of the house territory
- 4.1 Example- with water bodies
- 4.2 Example of the recreation zone
- 5 photo- ideas for beautiful corners of private yards
- 5.1 Front garden
- 5.2 Entrance / entrance group
- 5. 3 Path design
- 5.4 Backyard
- 5.5 Just a photo
General principles
To make your yard beautiful, harmonious and comfortable, it is advisable to create a plan before starting work, and then to translate this plan into reality. And by the way, in most cases, with the independent development of landscape design, the result is very different from the project. Either they saw a new plant that was not on the plan, or they didn’t like in reality what looked “super” in the picture. Nevertheless, the landscaping of the courtyard of your house should be done according to the rules, otherwise you may end up with an uncomfortable yard and an unpresentable view.
Without a plan, you can hardly create a beautiful yardPreparing a site plan
The first thing you need is a site plan to scale. You can draw it on a sheet in a cage or on graph paper. Take a certain scale, for example, one meter is one or two cells. In the second option, it will be possible to draw small details in more detail, but the plan will be large. The plan should be marked:
With this initial plan, you can start planning the yard. On this plan, it is immediately necessary to highlight shaded places (the sun appears only for a few hours), partial shade (half a day is illuminated by the sun) and sunny (there is almost no shadow at all) zones. To do this, it is best to take colored pencils and shade the zones with different colors.
- A lot of trees are planned on the site
- Large area for parking cars, a little less for barbecue, pool and summer holidays
- This looks more clear
- Big or small, it doesn't matter. Anyone can be cozy
- Plantings only along the perimeter of the site, the main area is free - for lawns, flower beds
- Much attention was paid to the design of the entrance area: paving, a round flower bed and a driveway
- Several large venues and smaller ones
- The most difficult triangular plot in planning
If there are lower and higher zones on the site, they should also be distinguished. It is also necessary to designate sources, springs, retaining walls or the intended places for their installation, all other features of the landscape. All this information should be taken into account when developing the landscape design of the yard.
Deciding on the central object
Before starting work on landscaping the yard, you need to decide what you would like to focus on. This refers to a large object: a pond, a fountain, a gazebo with or without a barbecue, a pergola. This object is placed in the central place, and all the other, smaller ones are placed around it. Moreover, if you have chosen a pond, it does not mean that there will be no gazebo or fountain on the site, just the pond will be the main object. It is the main "chip", and all other structures will only beat it, complement it.
In this case, the central area is a recreation area and a lawn.The same rule applies if you want to make the recreation area a gazebo or pergola, just a platform with sofas, benches, a hammock, etc. as the main "theme of the yard". A pond, a fountain, and small architectural objects may well be located next to them. The idea is that this zone is the highlight of your yard, and all other objects will beat it. Because, in a usually small space, two or three competing ideas are chaos and lack of harmony.
Finding a place for everything
Having decided on the set of desired objects, we take a sheet of cardboard and cut out all the objects from it. We cut it to the scale at which the map was drawn, of the form in which the construction is planned. You can color, you can sign.
We take images and arrange them on the plan. Place the selected “main object” in the center of the composition. This does not mean that his place is strictly in the center - maybe on the side of the site. It's just that this corner should be visible from the windows and / or from the entrance. After all, you should get aesthetic pleasure from your yard.
It is easier to decide on the patioWhen we have found a place for the central zone, we begin to figure out where to put all the other larger objects. Some may be located close to each other, others at a certain distance. If everything you want does not fit, you will have to sacrifice something or reduce the size. Here everyone decides what is more important to him.
Laying paths and designing a lighting system
When everything you want to see on the site is placed on the plan, it's time to lay paths and think over the lighting system. Why do these two different systems need to be planned at the same time? Because the paths are usually illuminated, otherwise it is not very convenient to walk along them at night. So they pull the cables along them, supplying voltage to the lamps, and also extending the lighting to all the key points of the yard - to the gazebo, fountain, stream, etc.
When planning lanes, there are two basic rules. First, if you need to visually bring the object closer, we lay a straight path. This rule applies if the site is large in area or long and narrow. Another possible area of application is a courtyard decorated in a minimalist style. It's just that other forms are unacceptable - only strict geometric forms. Although, broken lines are also welcome.
Paths can be made from various materialsIn all other cases straight paths are avoided. There is no need to “wind” too much, but winding, smoothly turning paths harmoniously fit into any other style of courtyard design.
When you have marked the paths on the plan, draw lamps to illuminate the yard. Along the paths - after a meter and a half or two, to illuminate gazebos and playgrounds - more often. And the backlighting of water looks beautiful if there are “water” objects.
Land plot model from improvised means
How else, besides the site plan on graph paper and cardboard analogues of various landscape objects, how else can you visualize your design project? There is a simple way - using ordinary plasticine or other improvised means. It is better to make a house and other buildings from foam and cardboard, a gazebo from sticks. Lay out the tracks from material similar to the planned "original". This will help to evaluate the invented texture and color scheme. Everything else - benches, a pond, fountains, trees, bushes, flowers - we sculpt all this from plasticine. For plausibility, trees and shrubs can be made from twigs by sticking "foliage" of about the same shade. And yes, we do everything on a scale (for example, 1 meter is equal to 1 cm or 2 cm). This is exactly a three-dimensional 3D image, which will accurately convey to you the proportions, convenience and all other nuances of the yard landscape design you have created.
Plasticine courtyard design project - excellent 3D visualizationLandscape design software
If you are a confident PC user, landscape design software will help simplify the design task. The bad news is that they are paid, but it will be easy and interesting to create a landscape design for the courtyard of a private house. There are about two dozen programs, but here are the most popular:
- Our Garden . There is a large built-in library of plants, a planner for paving, fences, gates, etc. The ability to download the missing materials or textures, plants is available.
- Google ScatchUp . This is not a profile program, but it has a landscape planning section, which is very good - it is full of lessons on working with landscape creation.
- Punch . The disadvantage of the program is that it is not possible to add your own objects. You can only use those that are in the software library. Another disadvantage is that there is no way to export the results, that is, you will not be able to use the created project in other programs. But it is simple, and requires almost no time to learn.
- Sierra LandDesigner 3D . Large base of plants and other objects. It is possible to enter your own data and use it in your work. Each possible action has a hint, so it's easy to figure it out along the way. The program indicates the type of soil and the style in which you want to decorate your yard. The program will automatically select suitable objects. At the end of the project, you can print the project and get an estimate.
Examples of house territory planning
Independent landscape design of the courtyard of a private house is not an easy task. The difficulty is that often what looks good in the picture or “in the head” turns out to be “not very” in reality. Therefore, it is easier to rely on photos of real objects. At least there you can see what happened. The idea can be taken “as a whole”, or it can be partially adapted to suit your own desires or conditions.
If you are planning your own swimming pool in the local areaThe first example is with water objects
For example, the center is a pond. Do you still want to have a gazebo, a fountain and a stream, a rock garden, flower beds, benches? In this case, this option would look good:
- The gazebo stands right on the bank of the pond, surrounded by plants. If desired, it will be possible to start up climbing plantations, which in a few years will turn it into a secluded corner.
- We carry the fountain far enough from the pond. You can - to the other end of the yard.
Bridge over the stream
- Between the fountain and the pond we are laying a "track" for the stream. It is better if it is sinuous, maybe even with loops.
- Along the way of the stream we find a place for benches, rock garden and flower beds.
The “real” brook option is easy to implement if there is even a slight difference in height on the site. The fountain is then placed at the highest point, the pond at the lowest. Water with this arrangement runs by gravity, it is only necessary to organize its supply from the pond to the fountain (using a pump of a certain power and a pipe system).
Landscaping of the yard of a private house with a swimming pool opposite the doorsIf there is no elevation difference, there are two ways out - to do it artificially (a very large amount of work and significant material costs) or to make two autonomous water objects - a fountain and a pond, and to make a "fake" stream , from stones. Another option is not to make a stream at all. An unconnected pond and fountain is also a very viable and beautiful option for decorating the local area.
Second example - recreation area in the center
If the pond is usually taken some distance from the entrance to the house, then the recreation area is often made nearby. But "recreation area" can be perceived in different ways. For some, these are comfortable sofas, benches, swings on which it is convenient to read, for someone - a platform with a gazebo and a table located next to the barbecue.
Recreation area - everyone understands it in their own wayDepending on the wishes, a recreation area of any type can be near the entrance, or maybe at the opposite end of the site. And near the same gazebo there may be a pond or a fountain. But not a gazebo near the pond, but a pond near the gazebo. Here is the difference. The path from the entrance leads to the gazebo, and from it you can get to the pond.
Flowerbeds, rock gardens, rockeries can be located near the gazebo, covered or open area for recreation. There are flower beds along the path, taller plants are bushes and trees, in the shade of which it is reasonable to place benches. But no matter what you plant along the path, the main object should be visible in the future - a gazebo or a platform with sofas.
Photo-ideas of beautiful corners of private yards
Landscape design of the yard is not an easy task even for professionals, and even more so for amateurs. There are too many nuances to know. It is much easier to find the design you like, and then reproduce the photo on your site.
Right next to the entrance there is a platform where you can put armchairs, a table, chairsFront garden
A front garden is a small part of the area between the facade of the house and the fence. Not everyone wants to put the house close to the sidewalk, as well as move it far into the plot. So it turns out in front of the house a narrow (a meter or two) strip of land, which, except for flowers and shrubs, can no longer be ennobled.
No matter how narrow the strip between the fence and the house, it is desirable to divide it into two zones - a flower garden and a path. A walkway is not necessarily a completely laid tile or other covering. It can be lawn grass with tiles laid in random order (with gaps).
A path is desirable - after all, you will have to take care of the plants once again without caring about the cleanliness of shoesIf the climate is hot, the area is arid, or there is no desire / opportunity to mess with the lawn, you can replace the grass with mulch or fine gravel. An excellent composition is obtained from painted colored gravel and several beautiful plants.
Pay attention to the arrangement of plants - it depends on the type of fence. If the fence is solid, you need to develop a planting plan so that they look good from the windows. In this case, the tallest plants are located closer to the fence, the shortest - closer to the house. If the fence is rare, more decorative, and you want a beautiful view from the street, we change the planting plan exactly the opposite: the tallest plants are along the house, the shortest ones are closer to the street.
- Plant placement plan for a front garden with a blind fence
- This is what it looks like in reverse
- If the "face" of the front garden is facing the street
- Flowers or plants of approximately the same height - if you need everything to look decent from all sides
- An interesting option - comfortable, beautiful and unusual
- Chips as mulch and decorative gravel will save while the plants are small
- You can put a bench
- This is already a whole composition in front of the house of stones and plants.
- Traditional design of the site in front of the fence
If you want a beautiful view from both sides, there are two options. First - we plant small and medium-sized varieties of flowers and greenery in the flower garden. Second, we divide the front garden into several zones, make separate flower beds or alpine slides / rockeries that look good from any point.
Entrance / entrance group
The entrance group is the area near the porch, the entrance group is near the gate. As you understand, the design is different, although there are common features: all the "decorations" should not block the view. You should be able to clearly see who enters or drives into your territory. Therefore, mainly medium and small plants are used.
The traditional way to decorate the area near the porch or gate is flower beds or flower beds. They can be of the standard type - only plants of different types that create a constantly flowering or green carpet.
- Dwarf trees - unusual and beautiful
- Registration of entrance to a private house
- Taller plants are planted closer to the fence
You can also follow the latest trends in landscaping - cover most of the area with decorative gravel or mulch, plant plants at a distance from each other. In addition to the modern look, this option is good because less care is required for fewer plants, and less money will be spent on the purchase. This will really help to get by with "little blood" if you have just begun to translate into reality the landscape design of the courtyard of a private house that you created. Too many plants to buy and plant at a time - a lot of money and time is needed. And so, you can gradually add plants, at the same time adjusting the plan along the way.
Lane design
Having planned the lanes, you still need to choose the material from which they will be made. The standard approach is paving slabs, but it requires a lot of money, although the coating is reliable and convenient. If finances are tight, you can temporarily make paths and paths from inexpensive materials. Some of them require a little money, but they look great, and they are good in operation.
Small bushes can be planted along the edge of the paths - make a low-growing green hedge. If you wait until the shrub grows once, plant low-growing varieties of flowers. They come in a variety of heights, colors and flowering times.
Path of bricks. Looks nice, but quickly starts to break down. Although, as a temporary option,is very good. The second often built-in option for decorating a place along the paths is flower beds. And, again, they can be made “in a modern way” - against the background of backfilling with rubble or mulch. This cannot be called a rockery, although the idea is taken from there.
Backyard
All the theory about landscaping the yard was actually about how to equip the backyard. It is this part of the courtyard that is closed from prying eyes and it is here that you want it to be beautiful, cozy and comfortable. We will not talk about planning again, but we will talk about how and with what it is better to pave this area.
If you are planning a corner of paradise in your backyard, you have no problem. Plants, lawns, paths, everything will be painted, how and what to do is clear. But if you want to make a recreation area here so that you can put a table for the summer, sun loungers - lie down in the sun, maybe install a pool? How then should the backyard cover be? There are options:
- Lawn. This is a great option if the groundwater level is low, the soil drains water well, or the site has a good drainage system. If not, there will be puddles, mud, grass problems.
- Paths do not have to be continuous
- For someone, comfort is tall grass
- A barbecue area at the far end of the yard is reasonable
- Beautifully designed private courtyard backyard
- In the backyard of a private house, you can arrange a waterfall, and also a brick grill
- The most natural landscape - perhaps this
- For those who love order
- Lay paving slabs or pave everything with limestone - a good option even for clay soils with high water tables, easy to care for.