In presenting the design tips below, I treat all those issues and more. As food for thought before you begin, consider some DIY landscape design basics, such as the difference between designing for real estate value and designing for your own needs. Also, browse our landscape design photos to get your creative juices flowing.
Host cookouts?Unwind and get away from it all?Enjoy time outdoors with your kids and/or pets?
The reality, for many people, is that they will be using their backyards for a combination of such pursuits. So is there a way to “have it all”? You bet! But to achieve a multi-functional space, you’ll have to get used to the concept of outdoor living spaces. The idea is to create outdoor rooms that serve distinct purposes – just as the rooms inside your house are designed for different kinds of activities. An alternative to a deck in such a case may be to terrace the land – perhaps by building small retaining walls – and build a brick patio. Consult our resources on patio ideas for information on styles, materials and overcoming challenges.
Entertaining and/orEnjoying time outdoors with the kids
One special consideration for swimming pool owners is the necessity of surrounding the pool with a structure designed to accommodate foot traffic safely. So-called “pool decks” must be durable and slip-resistant. You also need to pay attention to your selection of plants to use around swimming pools.
Outdoor kitchen appliances An outdoor fireplace or fire pit A brick oven
Some of the classier outdoor living areas sport stone kitchens. When you desire a private refuge, a place in which to unwind from the pressures of the day, how well does your backyard landscaping design accommodate you? Did you know that flower color influences mood? If you’re trying to relax, build a meditation garden – beginning with the selection of an appropriate color scheme. But color selection is just one element of your meditation garden. The next ideas will also help you create just the right mood in your private space. Build a small waterfall is you desire the natural look. For fountains, there are all sorts of styles from which to choose. At the opposite pole from the “natural look” are the striking ceramic garden fountains. A compromise style between natural and jazzy can be found in stone fountains. At the very least, this is your special space, where you can dabble in a theme garden (which is basically just a garden where all the components revolve around a certain theme). Some examples:
Moon Garden Tropical Flowers Fragrant Flowers Woodland Gardens Wildflowers Beach Theme Rock Garden Cottage Garden
The main rule: Remember it’s your relaxing space. If you prefer Harry Potter dolls to fragrant plants, that’s your business! Privacy screens can assume a number of different forms. When you hear “privacy fence,” don’t restrict your choices by thinking literally of only hardscape structures, such as wood fences. Plants can also be used for screening. Using bamboo plants is an idea that would be especially appropriate for a meditation garden with a tropical theme. But any tall hedge can be just as effective. Homeowners often choose evergreen shrubs for privacy, since they will provide screening year-round. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of mixing concrete: It’s not bad, once you get used to it. Or perhaps there’s some soggy land out there that you never know what to do with. Planting native wetland plants could be the answer here. Another common problem area is the steep slope. If you don’t terrace it or build a deck over it, the prospect of lawn mowing in such a dangerous spot raises its ugly head. The solution: Plant a ground cover over the offending area, instead. Short of providing specific play areas for your children, you’ll need to take some precautions to keep them safe. Yard safety tips are too numerous for me to furnish an adequate list, but I’ll at least mention the need to be aware of some of the poisonous plants out there. It’s not just a matter of the kids accidentally ingesting the wrong plants. Another worry are the various rash-causing plants, including poison ivy. If you share the space with cats, why not grow some catnip plants for your cats’ enjoyment? You’ll get just as much pleasure from watching them carry on in the catnip patch as they’ll get – maybe more! To dissuade unwanted strays from traipsing through your property, consult my tips on:
Keeping cats out of the yard Keeping dogs out of the yard
The Scarecrow Sprinkler (pictured at left) will scare away many garden pests without harming them.
