Your backyard can be an oasis. It can be the place you long to retreat to when the stresses of the day get you down.
But without creative backyard landscaping ideas, it can become a place of stress. If yours suffers from an overgrown lawn and garden and overflowing sheds, you need to take action. Your backyard oasis doesn’t have to be a pipedream.
We’ve compiled six unique landscaping ideas for the backyard that can transform your space. The best part is you don’t need to be a professional landscaper or home designer to make them work.
Keep reading for our backyard landscape design ideas.
Table of Contents
1. Sculpted Shrubbery
We’re not talking The Shining inspired topiary animals here. Though if you’re a pro with hedge trimmers, we say go for it.
Sculpted shrubs can add a unique focal point to your backyard landscaping. You don’t need to be an artist to sculpt them, either.
With time your trees or shrubs will start to grow into the shape you’re training them to. It may take a few years, but it’ll be worth the wait.
If you can’t stand the thought of maintaining your sculpted shrubs, there’s still hope for you. Your local tree service company can probably handle this task.
2. Raised Flower Beds
If your backyard has a lot of clay or sandy soil, raised flower beds are a perfect solution. You can then control and modify the soil your plants need to thrive.
If you’re handy with lumber, you can build your own raised beds in an afternoon.
But don’t be discouraged if you’re not the best at woodworking. You can create these flower beds from almost anything. Bricks, troughs, or even old repurposed and upcycled dressers.
3. Add a Living Space
If you do a lot of entertaining throughout the year, consider adding a living space to your backyard.
You can make your living and entertaining space to be whatever you need it to be. If you throw a lot of parties, consider building a bar and grilling area.
Lay bricks and put a patio set, outdoor sofa, or fire pit on top. Hang string lights for use during parties that extend late into the night.
While it might cost a little out of pocket, the time and money you’ll save on landscaping will make it worthwhile.
4. Use Mulch
One of our favorite backyard landscape tips is to use mulch in place of grass.
Mulch, unlike grass, will break down. This creates a natural fertilizer for your plants and even will help prevent weed growth. Mulch is also very low maintenance – no mowing or watering necessary.
You will need to replace it every spring, but the time saving might make it worthwhile for you.
5. Think Lavender
If you’re a bit of a brown thumb, consider planting lavender in your yard. This easy-to-care-for perennial plant grows every year without any prompting from you. It also only needs to be watered twice a week if your area doesn’t regularly get rain.
Not to mention, its beautiful color will add a dose of feminine energy to your yard. And its aroma will work to help relax you.
6. Create a Cozy Corner
Imagine a sanctuary in your yard that you can retreat to on those hot summer days. A place where you can lounge with a book and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Tuck a small sitting area in amidst your flower bed. Choose a lawn chair, lounge chair, or even a hammock, whatever suits your fancy.
Put Our Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Work
Use our six backyard landscaping ideas as a jumping-off point for your backyard. Think about what kind of vibe you want your yard to give off.
Do you want to create a party space that everyone feels at home in? Lay some bricks and invest in a firepit for summer parties.
Do you want a place to retreat to when life gets stressful? Focus on creating a special sanctuary just for you.
Check our Decor and Design section for more ideas on creating the home of your dreams.
