Having a picturesque backyard to relax in can make the warmer months that much more enjoyable. There are a number of directions you can go, from installing a new patio to planting a garden. If you’re looking for backyard landscaping ideas, browse the photo gallery below and you’re sure to find some inspiration.

Stick Within Your Budget for Your Backyard Landscape Design

Landscaping can be expensive, between the cost of buying new plants and hiring contractors to create your dream garden. Still, if you’re looking for backyard landscaping ideas on a budget, there are a number of ways to keep costs down. You can do some of the work of planting yourself, especially if you have a small backyard. You’ll also want to plant strategically: consider more affordable, low-maintenance and native plants to keep your garden healthy.

Choose the Features that Bring Out the Best in Your Backyard

Features like a pool, fire pit or covered patio can make your backyard feel even more inviting. While you may not have the space or the budget for all of them, pick which ones best suit your yard and lifestyle. While you browse backyard landscaping ideas with a pool, consider whether a rectangular or more natural looking pool would best suit your yard. If you’re looking at landscaping ideas with a fire pit, determine whether you prefer a modern or rustic stone fire pit. For backyards in urban or dense areas, it can be nice to create your own secluded retreat. Privacy fences, dense vines, bushes and trees are all attractive landscaping ideas for privacy.

Let the size and shape of your yard guide your project. If your property is on a slope and you need backyard hill landscaping ideas, consider trees and shrubs that have strong root systems in order to avoid landslides. On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to be taking on a large backyard landscaping project, you might consider adding a pool, or breaking up the space with paved and grassy areas.

Consider the Natural Landscape Around You

While a green lawn remains popular just about anywhere, designing a landscape that matches your home’s natural surroundings can be particularly rewarding. If you’re in need of backyard landscaping ideas for the desert, you might consider a variety of pavers, gravel or rocks to decorate your yard. Installing a patio is an easy solution, as it won’t require much maintenance once it’s done. On the other hand, if you live in a northern climate, creating a landscape design that highlights your lush green yard might make a lot of sense.

If you need backyard gardening ideas for a cold climate, installing a greenhouse can be a great way to protect vegetables from frost. While just about anything can grow well in dryer climates, you may want to steer towards landscapes without grass to save water. Instead, look for examples of backyards with rocks and local shrubs, interspersed with citrus trees for greenery.