Landscaping Ideas
Before starting on your new landscape design, survey your area and make some notes; you cannot concretely consider certain landscape decorating ideas unless you identify what kind of climate you are living in, how much you are willing to spend and how much space you have to work with. Additionally, as you browse several landscape ideas and landscape pictures and make notes about the designs and landscapes that really jump out at you, keep in mind what level of ongoing maintenance is actually feasible.
If you love working with plants, a large rose or vegetable garden is the perfect use of land; if you live in a hot or dry area, consider drought-tolerant landscape ideas. If you have younger kids, consider what they would enjoy as well, such as a large grassy area or a playground, swing set or pool. Think about what your family would use the most, as well as what would help boost your resell value in the long run. Lastly, when it comes to landscapes, be sure to consider different front and backyard ideas, as they are separate entities that serve two very different purposes.
What plants should I add to my landscape?
When browsing landscape photos, think about curb appeal above all else; landscape designs are your chance to make a great first impression. A flower garden is a great option, but if ongoing care is a concern, you can simplify the process by opting for low-maintenance succulents, bushes or hedges instead. If you don't have a green thumb, consider simple and easy-to-implement landscape design ideas, such as grass, gravel pathways, water features, statues, wood fences or stone walls.
What features should I have in my garden or backyard?
While landscapes are seen as a primarily aesthetic component, there are additions you can incorporate in your landscape design to make it as functional as possible. The garden can be designed for entertaining and playtime with seating, dining areas, play spaces and sunny relaxation spots. A vegetable or flower garden is a common yard staple, especially if you add an interesting element like a pergola, arbor, walkway or fence. If you’re looking for lively landscape decorating ideas, consider adding fun accessories like birdbaths and feeders. For the ultimate party house, incorporate a pool and patio, or consider a deck with a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, barbecue and/or outdoor kitchen. If you're an active, sports-loving family, add a basketball or volleyball court, or set up a bocce ball or croquet area. And don't forget about furniture! A bench in a garden makes a great reading or meditation spot, while a weatherproof chaise lounge, sofa and chair are nice for soaking up those sunny days.
Browse more popular ideas on Houzz
- Container Garden (8499)
- Desert Look (80)
- Fire Pit (9978)
- Fireplace (410)
- Flower Bed (128)
- Fountain (22332)
- Garden Entry/path (40586)
- Lawn Edging (81)
- Outdoor Playset (1381)
- Pond (5360)
- Privacy (66)
- Raised Garden Bed (77)
- Retaining Wall (19716)
- Rock Feature (83)
- Vegetable Garden (3512)
- Vertical Garden (1824)
- Walkway (124)
- Waterfall (62)
Inspiration for a large eclectic drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone garden path in Denver.
I love rocks and the way they add height. - annehead66
Design ideas for a small modern full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in San Francisco for fall.
Zero yard work, easy, pretty yard - webuser_396682674
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in DC Metro.
Stepping stones lead you to...
Photo of a small traditional partial sun backyard stone garden path in Portland for spring.
Peaceful. Natural Beauty. Floral. - elizabeth_criswell
Design ideas for a midcentury modern landscaping in San Luis Obispo.
Decomposed granite, blue fescue, pea gravel - ithiriomha
Inspiration for a contemporary partial sun side yard concrete paver water fountain landscape in Orange County.
Door to back yard/gate off Wellesley - alexboyar
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Neave Group Outdoor Solutions
Design ideas for a large traditional full sun backyard gravel landscaping in New York.
I like the different levels, textures, mix of evergreen and blooming, curved edges and black mulch - adnelson75
The inviting fire draws you through the garden. Surrounds Inc.
Photo of a large traditional backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro with a fireplace.
I like the curved path and the low stone wall and the lighting, and the plantings. Not the giant stone fireplace. - beatles1
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Boston.
Lovely and doesn’t seem too ambitious - chloe_morakis
Rose Creek Golf & CC
Landscape & Containers: Unique by Design l Helen Weis
Design ideas for a traditional full sun front yard landscaping in Oklahoma City for summer.
How realistic is something like this long term? - aartim
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Other.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun and drought-tolerant backyard stone landscaping in Denver for summer.
mix of evergreen and perennials - jauhruska
Neil Michael - Axiom Photography
Inspiration for a small modern shade courtyard landscaping in Sacramento.
pavers with rocks, overall feel - margaretmd11
Design ideas for a mediterranean backyard gravel landscaping in Amsterdam.
I like the path and the yellow/orange flowering shrubs. - webuser_364831
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional front yard brick landscaping in Wilmington.
front yard replace with dark mulch - ashleigh_jeter
Inspiration for a large farmhouse full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco for summer.
Raised beds for planting in backyard - atate527
Behind the Tea House is a traditional Japanese raked garden. After much research we used bagged poultry grit in the raked garden. It had the perfect texture for raking. Gray granite cobbles and fashionettes were used for the border. A custom designed bamboo fence encloses the rear yard.
Loved the diff rock outline look - zeliger
Design ideas for a large transitional full sun backyard landscaping in Dallas with a fire pit for summer.
Top finish, caps and overlapping slats - michael_weimorts36
The project was a complete rear renovation involving a new swimming pool, patio areas, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, deck renovation, and surrounding landscape, and lighting.
The site was very challenging due to very steep slopes and a limited amount of land area to accomplish the overall goals of the project. Those were lawn areas for the kids to play as well as patio space for entertainment and a swimming pool. Due to county requirements, multiple infiltration trenches were needed to accommodate the Chesapeake Bay ordinances.
Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Chad Talton, Surrounds Inc.
This is an example of a small transitional partial sun backyard mulch landscaping in Austin.
Looks like it’s throwing up flowers. - webuser_586124862
Location: Hingham, MA, USA
This newly constructed home in Hingham, MA was designed to openly embrace the seashore landscape surrounding it. The front entrance has a relaxed elegance with a classic plant theme of boxwood, hydrangea and grasses. The back opens to beautiful views of the harbor, with a terraced patio running the length of the house. The infinity pool blends seamlessly with the water landscape and splashes over the wall into the weir below. Planting beds break up the expanse of paving and soften the outdoor living spaces. The sculpture, made by a personal friend of the family, creates a stunning focal point with the open sky and sea behind.
One side of the property was densely planted with large Spruce, Juniper and Birch on top of a 7' berm to provide instant privacy. Hokonechloa grass weaves its way around Annabelle Hydrangeas and Flower Carpet Roses. The other side had an existing stone stairway which was enhanced with a grove of Birch, hydrangea and Hakone grass. The Limelight Tree Hydrangeas and Boxwood offer a fresh welcome, while the Miscanthus grasses add a casual touch. The Stone wall and patio create a resting spot between rounds of tennis. The granite steps in the lawn allow for a comfortable transition up a steeper slope.
Possible border in front of wall - cyanbe