Backyard Landscaping Ideas
Landscape Design Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space
Looking for fresh backyard landscaping ideas? Start with the big things -- like layout and mood.
Build on your ideas with structures and patios. Finally, the finishing touches will pull it all together.
LAYOUT
Whenever I'm on a Design Consultation, I walk through the space with my client and give ideas. When it's time to pull all of these ideas into a design, I start with the layout. There's no sense talking about a huge patio addition if it won't fit, right?
If you're looking at the basics on your own, you can start with some simple graph paper. Take the basic measurements and make your sketch. Once the layout is on the page, consider convenience and your furniture.
MOOD
Mood and style put the emotion into your backyard. When you find backyards that really get you excited, ask yourself 'Why?'. Is it the exciting new fireplace? The feeling of luxury? The tropical mysteriousness that reminds you of your last vacation?
Get inspiration and backyard landscaping ideas from favorite places, if you like. Cut out pictures from magazines that you love. Keep them front and center when you're thinking of your backyard landscaping ideas.
STRUCTURES
Structures in a backyard serve many functions. The deck could be a place for entertaining or relaxing. The shed stores lawn tools. The fence screens the view to the road (or keeps the puppy in the yard).
Multi-level decks make a long stair seem less of a trek.
Consider what you want your structures to do regarding function, and you may find that it's easier to plan them. Screening, storage, or even creating intimate rooms with a pergola in a large, open yard -- all of these things can be solved with structures.
What do you want to do in your outdoor space? A fire pit is a fun way to gather the family together all year. Romantic evenings are ahead!
Ready? Now, take your structure ideas, and make sure they fit your layout and mood.
PATIOS
Backyard landscaping ideas might even begin at the patio. Requiring little maintenance, these garden additions gather your family together. Here are some quick thoughts...
Use your furniture to make sure your patio won't be too small. If you'll be grilling, grab your grill, too. If your patio functions well, you'll be patting yourself on the back for years.
After you've got size and location figured out, you can have fun. Have you thought about bench walls? Short, free-standing block walls are great around a patio. They give a sense of space enclosure and, in a snap, can function as seating.
Retaining walls can raise your patio to new heights. Multiple levels add interest to any garden. If you're on a hill, you probably know that you'll be needing retaining walls to get the most out of your garden. Design them well.
PLANTS
Plants can serve as structures in the garden -- creating walls and screening views. They can also serve as artwork -- making your everyday life more beautiful.
In Wisconsin, we need to plan our plants for every season. Above all, winter often gets overlooked. Face it, when summer is here, who wants to think about winter? ...When winter comes and your plants are beautiful, it will be worth it.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Hardscaping (patios and structures) are something we plan and plan. And, why not? They're great additions to a garden. When it comes to the finishing touches, don't rush it.
Furniture -- make sure it not only functions well, but also matches the mood of your garden. I've seen perfectly beautiful gardens fall flat on this note.
Artwork puts your signature in the garden. Choose each piece well -- and consider where it will be placed. That way, you'll get the most out of it.
Pottery -- the color, the shape, and the size -- are a bit like artwork. Are your container garden designs clashing with your garden? Do they get overlooked because they're too small? Do something daring and go bold.
Beautiful garden spaces are a functional work of art. They're where you live and laugh with friends. They're an extension of your home. Plan them well.
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