One of the challenging aspects of any backyard is deciding how you want to landscape it. Not only are there many options, but if you need more space, this presents its own difficulties, too. Maintenance is another concern that many homeowners worry about when changing up their yards.
Fortunately, landscaping is about more than just about large amounts of plants, gardens, and other demanding features. The following ideas can help you achieve a pleasing backyard aesthetic and avoid dedicating too much time to keeping up its appearance.
1. Low-Maintenance Trees and Plants
One of the best elements of landscaping is plant life. They add depth and texture while pleasing all the senses. Choosing foliage that requires minimal care can also help your yard look lush and healthy without constantly seeding your grass. Low-maintenance plants and trees are popular for this purpose and come in a wide variety so that you can create a truly unique yard environment.
A great place to start is by adding some drought-resistant shrubs and flowers. This not only saves on your water bill, but you won’t have to worry about them dying if you forget to water them for a few days.
Another popular backyard plant type is tall grass. These come in quite a few species, so check with your local plant and tree nursery about which type is best for your home. You can expect to maintain it once or twice a year, but other than that, they just look beautiful, swaying in the breeze while you relax on your patio.
Finally, if you have the space, you could always add some trees to your yard. You can go with ornamentals like a Japanese Maple, which require little care and provide a gorgeous aesthetic. Depending on the type you buy, it will produce blossoms ranging from white to pink every year.
2. Install a Pavilion
When planning your backyard landscape, remember to accessorize! IIf you have a larger area to work with, timber frame pavilions are an outstanding way to add height, depth, and comfort to your yard. These structures are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, even when it’s raining or overly sunny outside. You can accent your pavilion with hanging flower baskets, install a smokeless firepit in its center, add lighting, and so much more! Create a gathering place for family get-togethers or a quiet place to kick back and relax after a long day at work.
3. Rock Gardens
If you live in a particularly arid climate or would prefer not to have too many plants to worry about, you can always enhance your landscape with a rock garden. These are beautiful collections of varied rocks, pebbles, and paving stones placed in different spots around your backyard, including around the parameters of pools and patios. The color schemes and texture options are endless, so you’ll have a truly unique landscape feature that represents your personal aesthetic.
To truly set off the natural beauty of a rock garden, consider installing a water fountain and adding a few low-maintenance potted plants to add contrast. Some homeowners add features like gazing balls, bird feeders, and other accessories to create an interactive experience.
4. Add a Splash
Water fountains aren’t the only aqua-based features you can add to your landscape to create a serene getaway just a few steps outside your patio door. Whether you add a small koi pond, a temporary blow-up pool, a water-spun gazing ball, or a mini-waterfall setup, bringing the calming sounds of moving water is possible for almost any backyard.
You don’t even need water to get this effect! But, of course, you can always install a blue-tooth connected speaker on your back porch and pipe in your favorite soothing bubbling brook soundtrack.
5. Create a Landscape of Outdoor Comforts
If you love your backyard the way it is and feel adding more flower beds or trees isn’t needed, consider enhancing it with some comfort features, like loungers and oversized chairs. Add a whole new level of comfort with a shaded hammock area for Sunday afternoon naps. Gliders are another popular item that slowly rocks and help you enjoy the beauty of your yard space are extremely affordable and easy to maintain. If you have a covered patio area, consider installing an outdoor ceiling fan that adds air movement on hot, breezeless days.
You Deserve a Beautiful Backyard Landscape
With the suggestions shared in this article, you are starting to realize that landscaping isn’t just about plants and mulching. It’s about creating an inviting, beautiful, and relaxing environment. While some ideas require more maintenance than others, the result makes your effort more than worthwhile because it transforms your yard into a welcoming space. Take time to think about how you want this space to contribute to your everyday life, and from there, you can incorporate elements to help you create a spot you’ll adore. You can further enhance the overall ambiance by utilizing the services of Sequoia Outdoor Design & Build, renowned for its innovative landscaping solutions.
