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Rural landscape design ideas

Alternative Landscaping Ideas For Your Rural Property

Landscaping Ideas – Homeowners look forward to turning their yards into beautiful and usable spaces where the entire family can spend some good quality time. These days, a number of garden ideas and landscaping ideas are available for those who wish to turn their yards into Edens.

We discuss some of the top ways to beautify your garden naturally with a few viable alternative landscaping ideas.

Approximately 97% of America’s landmass is considered a rural area, accounting for a large portion of the country’s natural resources. In fact, 1 out of 5 Americans live in rural areas.

Landscaping a large rural area works in a way that creates harmony with the surroundings while adding usability and functionality to open spaces where these things used to be limited, and worse, non-existent.

A well-landscaped area can help by reducing air conditioning costs by 15% and heating costs by 2%, improving air quality in rural homes. With that, there are a ton of ways to enhance your landscape to better suit your needs.

Here are some landscaping design tips to incorporate in your rural property.

Alternative Landscaping Ideas and Trends

One landscaping trend that is becoming a buzzword today is “naturescaping.”

Naturescaping involves the use of simple techniques that allow a garden to thrive sans the use of synthetic materials, and in a way, mimics nature.

It’s very popular among do-it-yourself as it saves time and money, aside from making the yard safe and healthy for humans and pets alike.

More people are also making their outdoor space an extension of their home’s interior.

The reason is more on the practical side, as homeowners want to have outdoor kitchens and living spaces to accommodate different functions outside of their house.

Also, there’s a noticeable increase in ‘working themes’ in landscape designs.

For example, Zen-themed landscape is ideal and popular among people who like to retreat to their backyard or front yard for relaxation. It’s suited for people who are into yoga as well.

Garden Living Areas

With different alternative landscaping ideas available, any yard can be transformed into a living space.

Whether you are concerned about the high costs and maintenance of grassy lawns or if you have a small yard, you might be surprised at the number of different ways in which landscaping can enhance your property.

Keep It Clean

Removing unnecessary trees, shrubs, barks, and the grass is important in keeping your landscape clean, healthy, and growing.

You can hire an expert landscaper or  opt for tree clearing services to help you deal with the first steps in improving your landscape.

In rural landscaping, landowners don’t need to renovate the area to develop it; keeping the land clear from unhealthy trees must always go first.

Maintain Your Lawn

The more traffic on the ground, the more compacted the soil becomes. This blocks nutrients from penetrating to the roots, causing it to die quickly.

Even a thin layer can impede water infiltration and gas exchange between soil and atmosphere.

Removing plugs of soil from the turf creates large pores where moisture and nutrients can be taken into the soil.

This will help maintain your lawn’s health and moisture.

Landscaping without grass

Unlike in the 20^th century when well-manicured grass lawns were a fixture in many American homes, more homeowners now prefer to have lawns without grass.

This is due to the increased awareness about the disadvantages of grass lawns such as:

Disadvantages of Grass Lawns

• Large amounts of water and gasoline needed to irrigate and mow lawns.
• Amount of fertilizers needed in maintaining grass lawns.
• Labor-intensive process of mowing lawns which takes up lots of time.

There are plenty of landscaping alternatives for people who don’t like to mow or are simply concerned about the environmental impact of grass lawns, such as:

Moss

Moss is an alternative that is best suited for areas with moist and acidic soil. It’s usually used as a ground cover in Japanese gardens and is preferred for many reasons such as:

• It is low maintenance, unlike grass lawn. Once established, it needs no fertilizer and trimming.
• Moss needs very little water unless it is extremely dry weather.
• Its texture is also a great foil for nearby flowering plants and evergreens.
• Many moss lovers also say that the green color of moss is a lot better than grass in promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

However, moss does have its disadvantages. One is that it will turn brown in warm and dry weather, so it should be watered periodically.

Fallen twigs and leaves can also discourage the growth of moss patches.

To prevent this, there’s a need for gentle raking. Lastly, it doesn’t handle foot traffic quite as well as grass.

Clover

Clover is another good alternative to grass as a ground cover. Like moss, it doesn’t need fertilizer. It thrives in sunny to partial shade areas, and can grow in a wide range of soils.

Compared to moss, it is more forgiving to foot traffic and is well adapted to grassy areas of the United States.

However, it is not ideal for homes with small children and animals because it wilts under the constant friction of running and playing.

Mondo grass

Mondo grass is another evergreen ground cover that is a good alternative to a grass lawn. It can grow up to six inches tall if not moved.

As an alternative, dwarf mondo grass grows up to just two inches.

What makes it better than clover and moss is that it can handle foot traffic very well.

Although it is native to Asia, mondo grass thrives in a good number of regions in the United States.

Lilyturf

Lilyturf is also a great choice if you are sick and tired of mowing grass lawns. Also called liriope, this plant has dark green leaves. Its leaves are wider than those of mondo grass.

These green beauties can grow to a maximum height of 1 ½ feet. When it comes to soil conditions, lily turf isn’t picky as long as it is exposed to sun all the time. It can also handle light foot traffic.

Dwarf Myrtle

Dwarf myrtle is native to Australia. It likes full sun, and once established, is drought-tolerant.

It can be sheared to a height of 1 foot. When left to grow on its own, it can reach up to heights of 2 feet.

You would also love its tiny white flowers that often appear in spring, and continues well into the summer season.

Prairie Meadows

Finally, there are prairie meadows consisting of wildflowers, low-growing flowering perennials and native grasses.

Prairie meadows love a good amount of sunshine, although some will accept shade too.

Now you know that grass isn’t the only green ground cover out there. You have plenty of other plant options for your lawn.

For areas you want to fill in, one of the popular landscaping hacks, tips and tricks is to use creeping charlie and other plants that thrive in shady areas. 

Alternative landscaping material

Plants aren’t the only ground cover option you have. You can also have gravel and other small rocks which come in numerous forms and colors.

These materials can solve drainage issues, add textural appeal and can handle foot traffic very well.

Types of landscaping materials other than plants are:

Granite

You can opt for decomposed granite, a granitic rock that comes in reddish tan color for lawns, garden walkways and rustic patios.

It can also be used as a top dressing around arid plants.

Granite is very cheap and can be bought at home improvement stores for around $3 a bag.

Pea gravel

Another good choice for landscaping filler material is pea gravel. Pea gravel is a small, rounded rock that is about the size of a pea, hence its name.

It comes in different sizes — 1/4 inch, ½ inch and 5/8 inch, for example.

These rocks are also available in various colors, from brown, white and tan. It is ideal for patio and pathways.

Like decomposed granite, it is very cheap and economical for large areas.

River rock

River rock is a lot bigger than pea gravel, usually an inch or larger in terms of diameter.

It is available in different colors and sizes. River rock is often used to direct drainage through a property.

It’s also pretty cheap like decomposed granite and pea gravel.

Mexican beach pebbles

If you’re looking for an elegant rock ground cover option, consider Mexican beach pebbles. These are small, smooth and rounded rocks with a grayish black color, which is used decoratively in gardens.

Though it may be slightly expensive, it’s a classy and sophisticated option for ground cover.

Indeed, there are lots of ways to dress up your garden or backyard!

With so many options in today’s landscaping market, you will constantly want to renovate and improve the look of the space outside your home.

Decorate With Succulents

It can be tempting to decorate your rural landscape with various plants and flowers. However, achieving a great aesthetic means limiting planting schemes.

It is also important to consider how plants go together and how they will work for you.

Decorating with succulents would be ideal when designing a rural landscape.

They are known for being drought tolerant, can grow well in challenging soil conditions, and can provide great textures for the landscape.

Yucca Plants

If you live in a dry or semi-arid climate, consider yuccas for ornamental landscaping. They make great accent plants as well, and work near entryways and focal points.

They are drought-tolerant and low maintenance. A yucca plant can grow in the native soil or potted on the patio.

Garden landscape hacks for using furniture aesthetically

Garden furniture can bring out the beauty of your garden in many ways.

Following are some ideas with which you can make the most of your garden space using good furniture and accents:

Install Fences

The fencing installed around the area will be the first thing that a passerby will notice.

However, it is more than decorating the area, it is also for protecting plants from wildlife and providing privacy for the landowners.

Using existing resources to create a landscape with a more rural atmosphere can increase its beauty and functionality.

The process of planning, designing, and implementing quality landscapes for a large rural area involves plenty of considerations, such as the local conditions, plants to use, and arrangements of decorations.

This helps in increasing its economic development and establish better use of the area.

Circular patios

If you have limited space in the front yard, a circular or round patio set is highly recommended to save space, yet give you the feeling of an outdoor setting.

Indoor dining tables are not just the only option anymore for those with patios.

They can also serve as a gathering place, especially when you put enough seats or have a fire pit. Patios are no longer just seen as a place to eat with guests, but also for relaxing.

Infinity pools

Also known as negative edge pools, infinity pools are a luxurious addition to any yard.

They create a beautiful effect for a swimming pool and adds a strong visual water element to the landscape.

It’s also easier to maintain than standard pools due to the presence of a filtration system, reducing the need to clean out the pool often.

Built-in fireplace or pit

Fireplaces lend a cozy feel to you and your guests when gathered around the flames.

These serve as rich centerpieces for your patio; a fun and visually interesting part to say the least.

Aside from being used as a source of heat during chilly evenings, a fire pit is now being seen as more of an accent in the workplace.

Fire pits are also being customized, available in round, rectangular and even portable designs.

Mixed plantings

Not all alternative landscaping ideas are costly. Try mixing your plants by adding vegetables, herbs and fruit bushes to your flowers. Plumeria flowers can mix in with trees and shrubs.

This way you can conserve space and add variety to your garden. Try to plant pumpkins, squashes and watermelons. When in bloom they’ll produce lush foliage.

Used items for planting spaces

Items like sinks, wardrobes, drawers and bathtubs can be used as decorative planting places. Other items that can serve a similar purpose are buckets, ceramic bowls, toolboxes and old pots.

They can often make a good garden accent that will draw smiles from onlookers. You can use them for growing culinary herbs and vegetables.

Glass greenhouse adds a touch of decor to your garden

Greenhouses

Greenhouses are great options not just for gardening, but also for improving the aesthetics of the garden.

You can opt for gable greenhouses, dome-shaped or glass greenhouses, all of which look good while serving their purposes of growing plants too. Consider a portable greenhouse which can enhance the look of your property.  

Greenhouses have their own furniture like garden benches, hydroponics and aquariums which can lend their own special charm to your garden.

For more information regarding greenhouses, check out our Greenhouse Learning Center for FAQs, resources and other landscaping ideas.

Best Landscaping options

Having a beautiful garden is a joy to the owner. A well-sculptured yard with many aesthetic enhancements will attract friends and family into spending more time outdoor.

In a rural setting, you may be looking for ways to define your property. Consider shade plants and sycamore trees and other stately trees. 

Today, homeowners look forward to decorating their patios and balconies with plenty of outdoor furniture in relaxed Zen-inspired settings.

Some good landscapes ideas that can enhance outdoor settings are by furnishing them well, using good quality lawn alternatives and fillers like gravel and pebbles.

These days, people prefer moss, mondo grass and clovers over using grass for lawns as they are low maintenance and less expensive.

These are also suitable for families with small children whose play activities disrupt the grass life cycle.

Garden landscapes can be accentuated by adding infinity pools, fountains, fire pits, circular patios, mixed plantings and greenhouses.

By growing different varieties of plants, the owner can harvest good quality food while enjoying the mental and physical rewards of gardening.

Altogether, good landscaping ensures that your yard will be a place of peace and joy for you, your family and the ecosystem around it.

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Country garden ideas: 31 ways with planting and landscaping

(Image credit: Garden Trading/Sadolin/East Hampton Gardens)

Classic country garden ideas have been replicated across the globe, with lovers of the look taking inspiration from both grand country houses and smaller plots that surround rustic homes with colorful blooms, heady scent and wayward wildflowers.

Country garden ideas can be replicated in urban plots, too, where the softer foliage and less formal planting takes the edge off the urban landscape.

Below, you can discover the secrets of country garden style, and we have more amazing garden ideas, whatever your style, in our dedicated feature.

Country garden ideas: a guide to rustic growing

Key to developing your country garden ideas is to create a strong connection between the well-tended garden and the wilder landscape around it.

'We tend to make a distinction between garden plants and "wildflowers" as though they were separate categories,' gardener Monty Don has said. 'Yet has any garden ever been as lovely as a bluebell-carpeted wood, a bank of cow parsley, honeysuckle, wild garlic and meadowsweet? I don't think so, and I try to incorporate the essence of the local countryside into my garden at Longmeadow.'

1. Create a focal point

(Image credit: East Hampton Gardens)

Using a feature flower bed ideas, adding a garden sculpture, water feature idea, or decorative element is a great country garden idea, as it creates a focal point that will draw you through the outdoor space – as seen here, in a beautiful circular border created by Michael Giannelli, owner of East Hamptons Gardens , a curated garden and home shop in East Hampton Village.

‘This is an example of an English-style garden that we gave a focal point by using a vintage English armillary to center your eye,’ Michael says. ‘The use of many perennials that are great for pollinators such as bees and butterflies gives the desired effect. A natural, colorful garden that performs all summer.

2. Add a greenhouse

(Image credit: Hartley Botanic)

Greenhouses can make an extremely effective focal point for a country garden and their presence as a solid, yet beautiful garden structure provides the perfect foil for soft, flowing plantings. 

'Victorian greenhouses work particularly well, with an aesthetic that evokes the sentiments of a bygone era and gardens of classic stately homes in centuries past,' suggests Tom Barry, CEO of Hartley Botanic . 'Choosing a heritage design can also add to a country look – providing a more traditional style.'

Alternatively, opt for the clean lines and concealed engineering of a contemporary glass house, which can provide a stunning visual contrast against informal, elegant plantings.

'Finally, don't forget the impact of color,' says Tom. 'For a country garden, customers choose subtle shades such as Olive Leaf, Forest Green and Verona Stone. These traditional, natural tones help to integrate their Greenhouses into a country garden.'

3. Upcycle a wooden crate

(Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe)

Raised planter box ideas offer more space than classic balcony boxes or tubs and are ideal for colorful seas of geraniums on balconies and terraces. 

For this rustic country garden idea from Pelargonium for Europe , a wooden crate was simply mounted onto an old chair base, painted to tone with the geraniums. Holes in the bottom of the wooden box will prevent waterlogging.

4. Include plants for foraging

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You don’t need to head to the fields and forests to forage for edible plants; grow them in your own backyard and you can turn your country garden into a natural feast.

‘Foraging in your own garden allows you to engage closely with nature. Plant species such as crab apple, rosehip, elderflower, wild garlic, mushroom, water mint and poppy seed,’ suggests Howard Miller, co-designer (with brother Hugh) of the H.Miller Bros Alder Hey Foraging Station garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022.

Think beyond kitchen garden ideas, too.

‘If you are thinking of including foraging plants, herbs and flowers into a cottage garden planting scheme, you might also want to consider species with non-edible foraging uses, such as natural dyes and herbal remedies,’ suggests Howard. ‘Once you know which of your garden species are edible or usable, your garden will become a journey of discovery throughout the seasons.’

5. Style a porch with a country garden view

(Image credit: Industville)

Raised front porch ideas give you wonderful perspectives onto your country garden, allowing you to see the shapes of beds and the beauty of upturned flower heads. Style it with furniture and carefully chosen lighting to create a space you can enjoy day and night.

‘Exterior lighting can accentuate the architecture, colors and textures of your property for an outdoor living space to be proud of,’ suggests Marketa Rypacek, Managing Director at Industville . ‘Make sure you experiment with different positions before you decide on a final placement. You can use a large torch in varying angles to see where it is likely to provide light. For glow without glare, opt for downward facing wall-mounted lights that create a relaxing atmosphere to be enjoyed by all.’

6. Bring the ‘cluttercore’ trend to your country garden

(Image credit: Pippa Blenkinsop / Kasia Fiszer)

The cluttercore trend – that is, an encouragement and embracing of organized chaos – is seeping its way into our gardens, too. ‘Outdoor cluttercore allows our gardens to grow naturally to create a country-like atmosphere, explains  gardening expert, Harry Bodell, from Price Your Job . 

‘As many of us are spending less time at home, especially with many of us returning to the office, we are not able to spend as much time on our gardens as we could have during the pandemic. Therefore, the cluttercore look is low maintenance, yet high impact,’ Harry explains.

‘Overgrown wildflowers not only look beautiful and picturesque, but they help to encourage wildlife which helps boost our ecosystem. Wildflowers attract pollinators, such as bees, as well as a wide diversity of birds and butterflies.’

7. Decorate an al fresco table with garden blooms

(Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe)

Associated with country and Mediterranean gardens, versatile geraniums are always a favorite.

Countless varieties and colors offer something to suit every taste. Once planted, they effortlessly transform sunny to semi-shady balconies and terraces into magnificent seas of flowers from spring to fall. Their scent is also said to repel flies, which makes them the perfect kitchen window plant.

For a fresh and pretty tablescape in a country garden, cut geranium blooms and display the sprigs in posy vases. Intersperse taller blooms and elegant candles to add height to your display.

8. Add interest with painted surfaces

(Image credit: Sadolin)

It’s not just flowers and plants that can add color and pattern to your garden. Painting plain surfaces with repeat motifs is a fun garden decorating idea – and a characterful way to add interest, especially where you have large areas of wall or porch.

Choose paint shades that complement your planting, but don’t be afraid to add an exotic touch to your country garden ideas. ‘A Mediterranean themed space with warm, earthy tones such as reds, browns, oranges, as well as blues, makes for a stunning environment,’ says Matthew Brown, Sadolin and Sandtex Technical Consultant.

‘Alternatively, a Caribbean-inspired garden using plenty of vibrant tones using blues, greens and yellows can be just as effective.’

9. Sit in a sunny spot

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

More than just a boundary, a stone wall can act as a ‘radiator’ in your garden, absorbing heat in the day and gently releasing it as the air cools around it. Just one of many garden wall ideas, this heat-giving bonus makes it the perfect backdrop for a garden bench.

‘Turn a simple seat into a destination by setting it under a pretty metal arch, with roses trained to grow over it,’ says Andréa Childs, Editor of Country Homes & Interiors magazine.

10. Put up a pergola

(Image credit: Lights4Fun)

If you don't have a porch or patio, or simply want to create another seating and entertaining space, then a pergola is the ideal addition to your country garden ideas. Choosing an area of your garden screened by hedges or planting will give this space the feel of an outdoor room – especially if you decorate it with garland lights and paper lanterns for color.

Pergola ideas like this are also a great way to add height and structure to your backyard.

11. Fill borders with colorful blooms

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny/Future)

Take inspiration from the cut flower garden trend for your country garden ideas and make your borders work even harder by filling them with colorful blooms that you can enjoy outdoors or cut and bring into your home.

'Depending on the size of your outside space, flowers for cutting can be grown in tubs, large pots, raised beds, or empty spots in the border,' says Selina Lake, author of Garden Style . 

'When it comes to planting, choose cut-and-come-again plant varieties with long stems, as the more you pick, the more you will get.'

12. Create country garden 'rooms'

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

Hedging, fences, trellises, trees and other structures can be used as dividers within your design to create 'rooms'. Within a country garden, you might use this idea to zone specific areas for sitting, dining or play; to create distinct planting themes, such as a tropical garden, or a room of white flowers; or to give your garden an element of surprise and mystery.

The classic English country garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in the county of Kent, created by famed garden designer Vita Sackville-West, popularized the concept of garden rooms. But you don't need the grounds of a huge country house to create your own version. In fact, dividing a small garden into separate spaces can actually make the plot seem larger, as you don't see the whole area at once.

13. Add a garden gate

(Image credit: Camilla Reynolds/Future)

Figure a gate into your plot planning and country garden ideas – there's nothing like pushing it open to create a sense of expectation about the garden beyond.

Gates aren't just for entrances. They are a useful framing and dividing device within a larger garden, helping to create defined zones – or keep your pooch from trampling your prized plants!

14. Cover garden structures with climbers

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

'Nothing speaks of an English country garden like a beautiful wisteria or climbing rose, framing your windows and doorways, and adding character to your home,' says TV gardener David Domoney .

Natural climbers, such as ivy and Virginia creeper, will cling to walls but will leave marks on brickwork. Honeysuckle, roses and clematis will need to be supported with trellis or wire, but will clamber rampantly across these to decorate the exterior of your home.

Wide eaves may restrict the amount of water reaching the plants, while the aspect of the wall will dictate the best plants to position in the spot.

15. Plant a country kitchen garden

(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)

A desire for more outdoor space is often a driver for a move to the countryside – and that means more ground in which to expand your horticultural horizons.

Traditionally, every country home – large and small – would have a dedicated area in the garden for growing crops to eat. In small spaces, that might mean a few herbs and salad leaves, while grander country piles would have beautiful kitchen gardens that would stock the kitchens with fresh produce.

The kitchen garden trend is seeing a resurgence, as we seek a greater connection with nature and want to be certain of the provenance of our food. If you're new to tending a veg plot, or planning your homegrown larder, take a look at our kitchen garden ideas for easy ways to get started.

16. Provide shaded areas to relax in

(Image credit: Clive Nichols/Room in the Garden)

For an ornate garden shade idea that doubles as a decorative garden focal point, consider a gazebo. These open-sided garden structures require little groundwork beyond laying a flat base.

'Our handcrafted rusted iron design can be left as an open structure for climbing plants or fitted with roof liners,' says Jan Howard, owner of Room in the Garden . She sited the gazebo in a walled garden, where it provides a destination at the center of the space.

17. Mow a meadow path

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny/Future)

If you're looking for an alternative idea to the traditional sward of grass in your country garden, there is a greener solution than paving. 

'A meadow is much more interesting than a regimented square of lawn – as well as being much more ecologically sustainable,' says gardener Monty Don. 'However, it's not enough to let the lawn grow. '

Don suggests adding plug plants to your lawn, such as fritillaries, narcissi, meadow sweet, cowslips and scabious. 'These should all cope with the competition from the grasses,' he explains.

You'll need to find the best time of year to plant grass seed. Meadows should be cut once or twice a year, with all the cuttings removed and composted. So that you can cross easily through the long grasses in the meantime, mow a wide path – it will create a romantic walkway that leads you on into the garden.

18. Attract butterflies and bees

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny/Future)

Making our garden more attractive to bees, insects and other creatures is a superb way to connect with nature. Not only will it increase the health of our plot by increasing its biodiversity, this gentle, green-fingered approach is better for the planet, too.

'Making your garden more biodiverse means creating an environment that is not just about you and the plants you grow but encouraging all the world’s species into it,' says gardener and TV presenter Frances Tophill. 'That includes fungus, bacteria, insects, birds, even foxes.'

Ideas for your country garden include growing pollen-rich flowers, such as sunflowers or lavender, for insects to feed on. 'Once you have insects in your garden, then all the other wildlife will follow,' Tophill explains.

'Make sure you have flowers for as much of the year as possible and choose varieties that produce fruits and berries. Include white, scented flowers that are at their best at night as that’s when pollinators like bats and moths are most active,' Tophill suggests in her 'Get Green Fingers' campaign with Weleda.

19. Break up bowling-green lawns

(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)

However green and well kept your lawn is, it can tend to look a bit flat and lacking in interest. All that grass also creates a monoculture – a lack of plant diversity that will diminish the wildlife and natural wellbeing of your plot, both fundamentals of a country garden.

To keep the greenery but to give it some additional gardening 'oomph', break up your lawn by digging out beds, planting shrubs and trees, or simply adding a path or a trail of stepping stones across the sod.

20. Repair rustic walls

(Image credit: Andrea Jones/Future)

Just as the architecture of your home will inform your decor decisions, looking to existing structures within your plot can help when planning your country garden ideas.

Rustic stone and flint walls are likely to have been made from local materials, so will echo the surrounding landscape. Preserve these where you can, calling in specialist stonemasons if necessary, and use these as the backbone of your rustic plot.

Natural weathering, as well as moss, lichen and self-seeded wildflowers, will soften the look of these hardy borders, bringing a beautiful patina and depth to your country garden.

21. Plant up pots and containers

(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)

Whatever the size of your country garden, from tiny courtyard to expansive acres, groupings of pots filled with seasonal blooms will add extra depth and dimension.

'Pot gardening is quick and satisfying because the whole job of planting and replanting is done very quickly – a sharp look for a whole season can be prepared within an afternoon,' says gardener Arthur Parkinson, author of The Flower Yard .  

'You can also treat a container garden like a profoundly changing stage, with the pots as props that can be moved around as you see fit.'

22. Make space for a pond

(Image credit: Alun Callender/Future)

'Water reflects all the changes and characteristics of the surrounding landscape and brings an enchanting quality to the garden,' says award-winning gardener, Chris Beardshaw . 

Unless you are lucky enough to have a stream running through your garden, or an existing pond, you'll need to dig out a hole to be lined and filled with water.

'Introduce oxygenating plants that will create a vibrant, evolving pond ecosystem and stop the water stagnating,' recommends Beardshaw. He suggests a mix of free-floating, submerged and rooted marginal plants, including water starwort, flowering rush and water forget-me-not. 

23. Put a mirror in a shady corner

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Increasing a sense of space and bouncing light in shady corners, a mirror can add a new dimension to a country garden.

'Pop it on a potting table or hang it on a wall,' suggests Homes & Garden content editor, Tara King. 'Just make sure it won't reflect direct sun, as this could cause a hot spot that might cause flowers to scorch and burn, or else shine into your eyes as you enjoy your garden.' 

Don't worry if the glass becomes mottled over time; it adds a rustic feel.

24. Let chickens roam

(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)

Keeping chickens is a wonderful addition to a country garden. 

'Hens love to have a lawn to peck on – grass is what makes for a rich egg yolk, along with calendula petals,' says gardener Arthur Parkinson . 

'Given the liberty of the garden, they will bring it wonderfully alive. My hens are on bug patrol and weed in between the brick pavers in the yard. Bantams are lovely and better for a small garden as they are gentler with the plants.'

25. Set up a sheltered seating area

(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)

Stone walls will absorb the heat of the sun during the day and radiate it in the evening, making a sheltered corner the perfect place to set up an outdoor living room in your country garden. Add cushions and throws for extra comfort.

26. Introduce woodland plants

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

'You can echo woodland planting in a relatively small space, with just a single tree underplanted with a vibrant mixture of small shrubs and bulbs,' says Chris Beardshaw, winner of numerous Gold Medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Foxgloves, primroses, bluebells, snowdrops and sweet violets are quintessential country garden plants that will bring colour to dappled borders. The first two are also bee-friendly and will attract bees to your garden.

27. Potter in a potting shed

(Image credit: Emma Lee/Future)

'Pottering about in the shed is one of life's greatest pleasures,' says stylist Selina Lake.

'If you're a keen gardener but have only enough space for one structure in your country garden, it has to be a potting shed. It will prove an invaluable garden headquarters – somewhere to store essentials, pot on seedlings and take shelter from the rain. '

If you don't have room for a shed, Lake suggests squeezing a potting bench into a corner of the garden.

'All you need is a sturdy and fairly weatherproof table to work on,' she says. 'For something more permanent, position the table against a wall and add a shelf or two above and large crates underneath for storage.'

28. Celebrate historic features

(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)

If your country garden has a feature such as an old well, keeping it will add to the narrative of your home and provide a focal point in your outdoor space.

Make sure the structure is secure, repairing any brick or metalwork, and make it safe – here, a grid seals the opening of an old well, while revealing its depths.

29. Grow vegetables and flowers together

(Image credit: Mark Bolton/Future)

Companion planting is a staple of country gardening – and a great idea if you want to maximise your crop and make your beds look prettier.

Planting flowers and vegetables side by side can help keep bugs and pests away from your prize produce. 'Nasturtiums helps to deter aphids, while the scent of marigolds confuses pests,' says Emma O'Neill, head gardener at the charity Garden Organic .

For more brilliant plant and produce pairings, take a look at our complete guide to companion planting.

30. Use characterful planters

(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)

Barn sales, rural reclamation yards and country antiques markets are great places to pick up interesting rustic pieces to use in the garden. Trolleys, trailers, grain bins and reclaimed timber can all be used as characterful planters that reflect your rustic setting.

Ensure there is drainage at the bottom of the container so that the flowers or vegetables you plant don't become waterlogged.

31. Accessorize a deck with pretty cushions

(Image credit: Max Attenborough/Future)

When layering soft furnishings, try taking the inside out,’ advises Sue Jones, Co-founder and Creative Director at OKA . 

‘Incorporating cushions and throws from your sitting room into your garden makes the space more inviting, but it also continues the color scheme and enhances the feeling of having an extra room. If you’re planning on sitting out past sunset then throws are essential for cozying up but also for creating a welcoming aesthetic.’

What plants should I grow in a country garden?

'For a country garden, you want a mix of plants, roses, perennials, edibles such as herbs, annuals and a few shrubs such as hydrangeas,' says Sarah Raven , who runs a gardening and cookery school at Perch Hill in East Sussex. 

Raven recommends five classic plants when you're planning your country garden ideas.

'The first is a lovely, scented pink rose such as the Getrude Jekyll, which will bring a delightful pop of color with its large, rosette flowers. It also produces the most quintessential rose scent, which is perfect for an English country garden,' Raven shares. 

'I also recommend lupins. The amethyst purple is irresistible and with its architectural flower spikes, it will add an interesting texture.

'Scented climbers such as honeysuckles or akebia quinate are a must for a country garden. These are perfect for a garden arch or pergola or to clad external walls.

'Annual, self-seeding flowers such as nigella are a staple classic for country gardens too.

'I would also plant some architectural edible such as artichokes in a country garden.'

'You want to use sympathetic materials with a strong sense of place in a country garden, continuing the textures and tones from the house into the garden,' suggests Sarah Raven. 

'So, if you’re in flint country, go for a lovely natural grey flint path and terrace or patio. If the house is built in brick, then stick with lots of bricks or stone. 

'By doing this, you’ll build a connection between the home and the garden, which is very important when working with a country plot.'

Andrea has been immersed in the world of homes, interiors and lifestyle since her first job in journalism, on Ideal Home. She went from women's magazine Options to Frank. From there it was on to the launch of Red magazine, where she stayed for 10 years and became Assistant Editor. She then shifted into freelancing, and spent 14 years writing for everyone from The Telegraph to The Sunday Times, Livingetc, Stylist and Woman & Home. She was then offered the job as Editor on Country Homes & Interiors, and now combines that role with writing for sister title homesandgardens.com. 

Landscaping of a country house from idea to implementation by one's own hands

You can live without an attractive landscape design of a country house. However, why deny yourself the pleasure, if you can create a beautiful courtyard with your own hands, with minimal material costs. To create a project, you need to make a little effort, to decide on the main idea. Such a task is within the power of any person. This publication discusses all the most useful tips, recommendations for creating an extraordinary landscape design for a country house site.

Starting the improvement of a suburban area, get ready for the fact that you will always do this. Plants cannot freeze in their original state, they grow and change the surrounding design

Contents

• 1 Essentials at a Glance
• 2 Where to start?
• 3 Design styles
• 4 Site design depending on the area
• 5 Spectacular green lawns
• 6 Lawn layout rules
• 7 Site decor elements
  • 7. 1 flower beds
  • 7.2 Garden figures
  • 7.3 Alpine hill
  • 7.4 Garden tracks
• 8 videos on how to design and plant a beautiful flower garden
• 9 photos of beautiful landscapes
  • .1

    Briefly about the main

    On the Internet there are many vivid examples of the interior of the garden, backyard territory. Many people think that you can choose any of the options presented. However, it is not. Even the highest quality finished work will look different in specific territories. It's all about the topographical, climatic features, the wishes of the owner. You can create an individual interior only to order. Such a service is expensive. But you should not take ready-made ideas from the Internet in order to save money.

    Never copy a finished landscape composition. Consider, study, criticize and choose the best options, note the details you like and use them to create your own unique design

    It is better to create a project yourself, emphasizing a few basic ideas from the examples. To do this, it is enough to study a few simple rules, take the work responsibly.

    See alsoCreating a flower garden is a form of creative self-expression

    Where to start?

    It is necessary to develop the landscape design of a country house in stages. Only such an approach will lead to a harmonious result. The first step is to create a plan. It is not necessary to use newfangled programs, applications. It is enough to prepare a simple piece of paper, a pencil, and measure the territory. The next stage is the breakdown of the land into zones. It should be noted functional, problem areas. Pits, hills, sharp lowlands are considered problematic. They do not need to be leveled by excavation. Such problems can easily be turned into advantages. In the pits you can build a small pond, on the hills - plant beautiful plants. There are a lot of similar ideas for landscape design of a country house.

    Draw a diagram of your site on a piece of paper and mark the location of all significant objects

    The simplest of them are discussed in this article. Functional areas in each case are different. It all depends on the personal preferences of the residents. On the territory you can build a gazebo, a summer kitchen, a place to relax on sun loungers, and more. The next step is choosing a style direction. This is discussed in more detail in the next section.

    See alsoCountry design with your own hands from improvised materials

    Styles

    There are many styles of country house design. The most successful options are shown in the table.

    Style name	Features
    French	Favorite style of romantic, dreamy persons. The French style is gentle, easy to arrange. For the lawn, you should choose grass with flowers, the furniture should be vintage. You can pick up such items at a flea market, in a specialized store. The design of the pool can be artificially aged, the garden can be decorated with wrought-iron fences. However, any forged elements to order are quite expensive. To give a delicate aroma to the yard will allow flowers with a delicate smell. Lavender is perfect.
    Eastern	Oriental landscape design of a country house will be a real find for practical people with a special attitude to order. Dwarf trees, beautiful stones, grapes, and other weaving plants are bought for the interior. The whole project must correspond to the real wild. There should be little furniture. A few benches, a small table are enough.
    Contemporary	An excellent solution for decorating the territory around a modern cottage, summer cottage. Modern style provides order, accuracy in everything. Flowerbeds, borders, a pond should have clear, even boundaries. The sizes of plantings must look harmoniously with each other. In the design, you need to beware of excessive brightness. A motley garden will resemble a flower shop.

    The main color of the French garden has always been and remains green

    The Eastern Garden can be different, but there should always be water in it, in the form of a pond. reservoir or simple fountain

    Lovers of all things modern will love the modern style garden

    See alsoLandscape plants

    Depending on the area, the design of the plot of a country house has its own characteristics. Let's consider them in detail.

    See alsoCreating a harmonious garden design

    Spectacular green lawns

    It is impossible to make a plot attractive with your own hands without planting a quality lawn. A green lawn will give the interior freshness and will be the real pride of the owners. It is necessary to decide on the type of lawn in advance, even before the start of earthworks.

    Green lawn - quite simple and very effective

    The choice of view should be based on several points:

    • purpose of the lawn;
    • budget;
    • style.

    The lawn for children's games, parties, meditation in nature will be significantly different. For these purposes, it is necessary to choose different varieties of cereals. In animal walking areas, you can lay a sports lawn. In the recreation area, landscape gardening will ideally fit. All these nuances can be found at the place of purchase of cereals. The seller will help you choose the right type.

    Children's playgrounds use a specially selected composition of herbs that require special care

    A lot also depends on the ability to care for the lawn. If it is not there, they choose meadow bluegrass, bent grass, fescue. Such a grass mixture does not need regular care. When there is no time to grow grass, roll strips should be preferred. They are sold in nurseries. Rolled strips of good quality look amazing, immediately ennoble the site.

    Rolled lawn is not cheap, but it allows you to get a full-fledged grass cover in a week

    0003

    Rules for laying out lawns

    Green landscaping of a country house can only be done subject to certain rules:

    1. The best period for breakdown is April-May. At this time, the earth completely thaws, becomes soft.
    2. Grass sown in spring needs abundant watering. However, this is not scary. It often rains in April and May. This will greatly facilitate the task of the owners.
    3. Ready-made seed mixtures are sold in stores. They are garden, sports, elite, etc. Each mixture has its own purpose, characteristics, cost. When choosing, be sure to consider the property of the soil, the purpose of the site. Detailed advice on this issue can be obtained directly from the nursery.
    4. Do not use fast growing plants. They are suitable only for point "repair" of the lawn. Such plants do not last long, look of poor quality.
    5. Pay special attention to soil preparation when laying out the lawn. The optimal thickness is considered to be a layer of 25 centimeters. If there is not enough land, be sure to bring it. In the presence of excessive moisture, drainage ditches will have to be built. Their depth should reach one meter. Ditches should be placed at a distance of 5 meters from each other. Before planting plants, clear the surface of debris. Stones, weeds, construction debris - all this must be removed when digging the topsoil.

    Soil preparation for lawn planting

    Sowing lawn grass seed

    The strength and beauty of the lawn will depend on timely watering

    See alsoCreate a cozy and beautiful personal plot with your own hands

    Plot decor elements

    Decor elements will give the landscape design of a country house a special glamor. Today, the choice of such elements is huge. You can emphasize original ideas on the Internet, on the sites of your relatives and friends. This publication will consider the most simple, inexpensive ways to decorate the interior of the local area.

    Recently it has become popular to plant flowers in flowerpots. Such a composition looks spectacular, and it is easier to care for plants

    See also How to decorate a summer cottage

    Flower beds

    What could be easier than building flower beds with your own hands? This simple element of decor is able to qualitatively transform the garden, make the territory orderly. Flowerbeds may be different. The simplest type is parterres. They are regular flowers. Parterres are usually made of concrete and have a rather strict shape. This option will suit the classic style. Mixborders are a more modern solution. When arranging them, compositions made of stone are used. Creating such a flower bed yourself is not difficult at all. The most important thing is not to plant too many different flowers in the flower bed. Better to get by with one or two types.

    Empty lawns get bored pretty quickly, flowers give the dacha a more festive look and a positive attitude

    When choosing flowers for a flower bed, the frequency of flowering of each plant should be taken into account

    See also How to decorate the yard with your own hands

    Garden figurines

    Various garden figurines sold in specialized stores are an original decorative element. When choosing them, the buyer needs to consider several important criteria.

    • Interior style. You need to buy thematic figures suitable for the chosen direction. Then the site will look harmonious.
    • Quality of performance. Figures should be believable, without defects.
    • Resistance to natural phenomena. Constantly taking out, bringing decorative elements into the room is not an option. It is better to give preference to figures that are resistant to water, temperature changes.

    All figures must be in proportion. For a small area, it is worth choosing low models

    Before purchasing a sculpture, consider the whole composition you want to create

    See alsoLandscaping tips for beginners

    Alpine slide

    Today it is difficult to imagine landscape design of a country house site without an alpine hill. You can find a lot of variations, compositions of such a decorative element. It is not difficult to make an Alpine slide on your own. The most important thing is to clearly think it through from beginning to end. It is advisable to fix the slide plan on paper. Then the creation process will take less time, and the result will please the residents.

    For an alpine slide, it is better to choose wild herbs and unpretentious specimens from undersized flowers

    When designing a mountain valley in a garden, various materials are used: marble slabs, pebbles, clay vases, sand. Plants can also be used in a variety of ways. The most popular are undersized perennials. Rejuvenated, edelweiss looks amazing in this composition.

    See also Façade design as an integral part of house design

    Garden paths

    Tracks are required for obvious reasons. On them it will be possible to get to a specific local area without spoiling the lawn. However, another important function of the tracks is decorative. Winding, bright, unusual paths will decorate the site.

    The appearance of the path depends on the preferences of the owner of the site, the style of buildings, the relief of the garden or yard, as well as the composition of the soil

    These materials may be used in the manufacture of walkways.

    • Concrete. This material looks great, but can crack at the slightest violation of production technology.
    • Wood. Wooden paths in the garden need to be treated with special mixtures. They will prevent rotting, cracking of the material.
    • Gravel. The most affordable, easiest way to make a path in the garden. Gravel can be colored. With its help lay out various ornaments, drawings on the surface.

    Use pebbles, gravel, siftings, or crushed stone for an unpaved path

    Paved paths are laid out of cement tiles, clinker bricks, artificial or natural stone

    Materials can be combined to create unique compositions

    Expert opinion

    Alina Kvileva

    Landscape designer

    Ask an expert

    Hello, my name is Alina and I am a landscape designer, if you have any questions regarding landscape design, ask with pleasure I will answer them.

    See alsoRequirements for the interior of the sauna

    Video on how to design and plant a beautiful flower garden

    Photos of beautiful landscape compositions

    105 photos of the best decoration ideas

    The territory of the earth surrounding the house helps to feel freedom. The man knows that she is his property. And there is no need to care what the neighbors below him or those living above his apartment will think. But there are side neighbors who will sometimes cause trouble. But - it's better than an apartment and all the complex issues associated with it. Although, perhaps there are opposing thoughts associated with this issue.

    Some people like an apartment rather than their own house. You have to agree, there are many nuances. But now we will discuss how to create a design for a country house plot of 10 acres so that it will be liked and have a number of functional characteristics.

    Let's use our imagination by using the natural environment in the form of trees, flowers, stones or water. But some knowledge is required. The best option is to contact a specialist if it's hard on your own. But due to the advice, a green beginner will be able to do a lot on his own.

    We recommend that you do not rush to complete the work. It is advisable to study all the important points and learn how to create design elements. Try to create a flower bed, a barn, an artificial waterfall or decorative elements yourself.

    
    

    The final positive result in the case of independent work may appear for a long time. But there will be an opportunity to do something, create, study, read a lot and try to use the information received through your own land.

    It is possible that you will like it and it will be difficult to stop. This can drag on for years to come. For many, this aspect is considered the main engine of interest in this activity.

    Now we offer you to see ready-made landscape design options for a country house, created on the basis of the work of professional designers. They are distinguished by completeness and a clear fit into the chosen style.

    Brief content of the article:

    Where to start?

    How do you create a beautiful garden design that grabs the attention of your neighbors and gets positive feedback from your guests?

    Evaluate the positive aspects of the site, and draw a conclusion as to what can be improved. It is important to find a starting point and, taking into account financial possibilities, start the workflow.

    Of the important points, we highlight the following features of the site:

    • Position of the future plot based on cardinal directions. This is important in order to qualitatively protect it from the effects of strong winds;
    • Appearance and location area. Where is it located or will it be created? This is a hilly area, a lowland, maybe some other land;
    • Are there any trees already planted and what species they belong to. These are perennial species, shrubs, ornamental trees or wild fruit-bearing cherries or without fruits. Some of them may need to be removed and planted with something else to form a better design;
    • Soil condition. If there are herbs that grow on its territory, then this may indicate a good composition of the soil. But in this matter it is better to rely on information from a specialist;
    • The current location of the residential building and existing buildings of various types. Some will have to be demolished and others built. Well, if everything is ready at once, and nothing needs to be changed;
    • An important point is the study of the level of groundwater.
    
    

    Important: If you get involved in the process of creating a quality site design, you must take into account the fact that they may never end. Some moments will have to be updated, others will have to be rebuilt, others will have to be built.

    And plants in general will have to be constantly replanted. Some of their species are able to live for a year or several years. The process of caring for the territory never ends and you always have to do something, and you must always be ready for this.

    
    

    How to organize work?

    You can carefully study examples of the design of country house plots based on the work of specialists with a name in the design world. They will definitely not offer anything bad, and you can learn a lot from them without fear that it will not be fashionable or perceived as a lack of a sense of taste from the owner.

    At the same time, if you have your own ideas, you should not give them up. It is recommended to write down everything that came to mind, but it is better to draw it on paper. This will keep a good idea in mind.

    But modern technology offers unique computer programs that allow you to create 3D presentations of private plots. They contain a unique set of features for this job. Those are the easiest to work with. They will allow you to see the image that should be obtained in the final implementation on the territory of the house.

    
    

    But these programs are designed for a foreign user and are offered in English at best. It will be difficult for a user without advanced knowledge of this language to understand. Although an experienced PC user will eventually be able to understand how to use them.

    You may also remember that Simulation of your own lot is built into the PC game called The Sims 2, 3, 4 - this feature is available in three of its parts. With its help, you can also turn entertainment into a real project that has appeared on your plot of land. It also offers extensive possibilities for creating a project. There is no need to possess the skills of an artist.

    
    

    What color should I rely on when creating a design?

    Everyone probably already understood that the design of a country house should be combined with its external reflection in the area around it. It is desirable to combine style. Although it is also possible to combine styles into something unprecedented and original, existing only on your land.

    Usually such attempts in the eyes of an experienced designer end in failure, but the main thing is that the inhabitants of the dwelling like it. Color can be selected in various variations:

    One tone. The main one will be one color option, combined with various shades. It is important to qualitatively beat the presence of their light or dark versions. It is believed that it is easier to work with this direction. It is easy for him to pick up furniture, plants for planting and other related elements of scenery.

    The two-tone version will help to create a sophisticated backyard design. You will need to work with two colors as the main ones, playing a profitable game with them through combinations and dilution with various shades. One of them is usually green in the form of various plants, and the other is any other, suitable for the idea of ​​the author of the work.

    But red and blue are considered the least suitable for combination with green. It is better to add white, woody brown or purple to it.

    
    

    Multi-color composition also allows you to create high-quality landscape design and is popular among professionals. This approach is used only by the most venerable professionals, which is associated with the complexity of the work and the presence of first-class skills.

    But it is recommended to use no more than five different colors. Although they can be supplemented, diluted with many other shades or tones.

    If you have your own design ideas for a country house, do not be afraid that they may not be as good as those of professionals. It is worth perpetuating them on various media.

    
    

    You can use what is available to you now. And then show your sketches to an experienced designer. It will help improve the idea or point to good places. Although you can do without it.

    Sometimes, if you like something, it is not necessary to rely on some authoritative opinion. You can take and make everything a reality. And then say to yourself, “I did this and therefore I admire my creation.”

    In any case, you live in this territory, and what difference does the design fit into some styles or not. The main thing is that there is functionality and the owner likes everything.

    Photo of the design of a country house plot