You know that feeling you get when your eyes are itching with impending spring fever? That’s right, it’s almost time to start thinking about overhauling your garden.
And while we’re sure you have a few ideas on how to spruce up your outdoor space, we bet there are some things you haven’t even thought of yet (like adding stone or changing up the lighting).
We rounded up our favorite tips from around the web for improving all aspects of your landscaping design—from decluttering and planting new plants, to adding walkways and water features:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Proper planning is essential for creating a stunning and functional landscape. |
| – Choosing the right plants and hardscaping materials can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. |
| – Sustainable landscaping practices not only benefit the environment but can also save you money in the long run. |
| – Outdoor living areas can provide added enjoyment and extend your home’s living space. |
| – There are plenty of affordable landscaping renovation ideas that can give your yard a fresh new look. |
| – Hardscaping trends are constantly changing, so staying up-to-date on the latest design ideas and materials is important. |
Declutter Your Yard First
As a general rule, it’s best to declutter your yard first. Remove any old equipment or furniture that is no longer being used, as well as any weeds and other plants that are not being used.
This includes dead trees and shrubs if you don’t feel like having them removed professionally. If possible, remove any debris that has accumulated in the yard over time; this could include litter or trash (especially if there is a lot of it).
The more organized your landscaping project becomes, the easier it will be for you to get started!
Sustainable landscaping not only benefits the environment, but it can also save homeowners a lot of money. Check out our 10 Surprising Tips for Sustainable Landscaping to learn how to create a beautiful outdoor space that’s both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Start Small And Work Your Way Up
Starting small is the best way to ensure that your landscape renovation is a success. If you have never done any landscaping before, it can be overwhelming to think about how much work needs to be done, and how long it will take.
Starting small will allow you to get used to working with the materials and tools required for landscaping before adding more projects onto your plate.
You may want to start by doing something simple like adding some mulch around plants or laying a path through your yard. This will give you some experience with these types of projects before tackling bigger projects later on down the line!
It’s Not Just About The Plants
Good soil, good drainage, good lighting and water supply, and good air circulation are just a few of the important factors that go into making your landscaping look as beautiful as it can be.
Soil that doesn’t drain well causes all sorts of issues: roots stay wet too long, which means they’re more likely to rot; they also have trouble taking in what they need from the soil because their roots are submerged or partially submerged.
If your plants’ roots don’t get enough oxygen at the right time of day (during daylight hours), they won’t grow very well or produce many flowers or fruit.
Finally and this is probably one of the most common problems if you’re having trouble with drainage on a landscaped area where there isn’t much natural drainage anyway (like around a house foundation), there’s likely an issue with either how much water seeps down into your yard from overhead sources like rainwater collection systems that collect runoff from roofs or even wildlife such as birds drinking from birdbaths around your property.
A professional landscaper should be able to help solve any drainage issues you might encounter during their consultation process prior to beginning any work on site!
Choosing the right plants for your landscaping can make all the difference in the overall look and feel of your yard. Our experts share their top tips for selecting the best landscaping plants on our article about Choosing the Right Landscaping Plants.
Don’t Underestimate The Power Of Paint
One of the easiest ways to give your landscape a facelift is with paint. You can use it to create a cozy atmosphere, or make your yard look larger and more modern.
You may also be surprised at how much paint can change the overall appearance of your home!
Even if you’re not an artist, painting is easy enough that anyone can do it and it’s a great way to add some personality to your home while making it unique.
| Paint Applications | Description |
|---|---|
| Outdoor furniture | Give your old outdoor furniture a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint. Brands like Rust-Oleum and Behr offer durable and weather-resistant spray and latex paints for a variety of surfaces. |
| Fences | Painting your outdoor fences can help define your landscape and give it a cohesive and finished look. Brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer a range of exterior fence paints in different finishes and colors. |
| Pots and planters | Add some color and personality to your garden beds and patio with painted pots and planters. Rust-Oleum and Krylon offer spray paints specifically designed for use on plastic and other outdoor materials. |
| Decorative features | Whether it’s a trellis, a birdhouse, or a garden statue, a fresh coat of paint can instantly jazz up any decorative element in your outdoor space. Consider using specialty paints, such as glow-in-the-dark or metallic finishes, for added interest. Plaid and Martha Stewart Crafts offer a range of specialty paint options. |
Using paint creatively in your outdoor space can add a pop of color and personality while also helping to protect and extend the life of your outdoor features. With the wide range of paint options available, from durable spray paints to specialty finishes, the possibilities are endless.
Mix Things Up
The landscape is so much more than just a collection of trees and plants. It’s the sum of its parts, and it’s your job to make sure everything fits together nicely. So if you have a big, open lawn, adding some tall flowers will make a big difference (and they’ll look great in photos).
Or maybe you have an area that gets lots of sun add some shade-loving plants there! Mixing up different textures (think: grasses vs. flowers vs., maybe even rocks), heights and plant types all add interest to landscapes, so don’t be afraid to experiment before settling on one type of plant as “the” plant for your yard.
Consider Adding A Patio Or Pergola (Or Both)
Patios and pergolas are a great addition to any yard. They can be used for entertaining, relaxing, dining, reading and enjoying nature.
Patio furniture is one of the most popular options for furnishing a patio or pergola. A well-designed patio will provide your family with an oasis of calm and beauty throughout the year.
Creating an outdoor living area can be a great way to extend your home’s living space and enjoy the great outdoors. To avoid costly mistakes, make sure to check out our Do’s and Don’ts of Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Living Area for expert tips and advice.
Think About Adding Stone To Your Designs
- Stone is an excellent choice for patios, paths and borders. You can also use stone for walls and fireplaces.
- Use stone for outdoor furniture like benches, tables and chairs. This will make your yard look more elegant and sophisticated.
- Stone is great for outdoor kitchens as it adds a touch of elegance to it that you won’t be able to find in any other material!
- Stone can be used as water features or retaining walls which will add beauty to your landscape design as well as serve a functional purpose such as storing rainwater in reservoirs or preventing soil erosion by holding back tons of dirt from flowing downhill during heavy rains!
If you want something more natural looking than concrete or brick but still want durability then go with bluestone pavers because they’re durable enough to withstand even harsh weather conditions while also being very beautiful at the same time!
Soil around these areas tends not get compacted over time either which means less maintenance required later down the road after installation has occurred; no need to spend hours each week trying our best keep everything looking nice when there’s already been done beforehand.”
| Stone Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Pavers | Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, pavers are a popular choice for creating walkways, patios, and outdoor living spaces. Brands like Belgard and Unilock offer a wide selection of paver options. |
| Retaining walls | These structures help level sloped landscapes and prevent erosion while adding depth and visual interest. Brands such as Allan Block and Versa-Lok produce durable retaining wall systems. |
| Stone veneer | Natural stone veneer can bring a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor space. Brands like Eldorado Stone and Cultured Stone offer a range of profiles and colors to choose from. |
| Steps | Stone steps can be both functional and visually appealing, providing a durable and attractive way to traverse a slope or change elevation. Brands like Techo-Bloc and Rosetta offer a variety of step options. |
| Boulders | Large boulders can be used to create a dramatic focal point or add texture and interest to a garden bed. Suppliers like Midwest Decorative Stone and Landscape Supply offer a range of sizes and types of boulders. |
Using stone elements in your landscape design can add natural beauty, texture, and durability to your outdoor space. With the variety of stone options available, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your style and budget.
Don’t Forget The Sprinklers
You don’t have to be a professional landscaper to make your yard look great, but there are still some things that even the best of us may overlook.
Sprinklers, for example: They might seem like an afterthought, but if you want your yard to stand out and be visually interesting, sprinklers can help you do just that.
When used correctly, they can add some much-needed color and interest to your lawn or garden. And the best part? You don’t even need any special equipment!
All it takes is a few steps on how to use them properly and voila! you’ll have an attractive home improvement project under your belt in no time at all.
Renovating a landscape doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly ideas to give your outdoor space a fresh new look. Check out our article on 15 Affordable Landscape Renovation Ideas for inspiration on how to transform your yard without breaking the bank.
Add Some Greenery To Your Outdoor Space
A garden can add an interesting element to your outdoor space, but you’ll want to make sure you’re planting the right plants in order to get the most out of your yard. If you’re looking for something that gives off lots of color and interest, consider using flowers and shrubs.
For example, if a flower garden is what you’re after, consider planting flowering plants like daisies or tulips. You can also grow fruit trees for fresh produce or plant shade-tolerant trees with large leaves like oaks and maples.
When choosing which type of tree or plant will work best in your yard, think about placement as well as lighting conditions before making a final decision on what additions should be made.
Plants such as ivy tend to do well during colder seasons since they prefer shade; however spring bulbs bloom beautifully during warmer months when sunlight is plentiful so keep this in mind when planning out which parts of your property will see sunlight over time (i).
Hardscaping is becoming an increasingly popular way to add dimension and design to an outdoor space. Stay up-to-date on the latest hardscaping trends with our article on The Top Trends in Hardscaping, which features expert insights and inspiration for your next hardscaping project.
Get Creative With Lighting
Lighting is a great way to create ambience, drama and intrigue in your landscape. You can use lighting to highlight specific features of your landscape or create an overall mood that will change depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
For example, you could use spotlights on trees or shrubs at night to give them an ethereal glow or install solar lights along walkways for a warm welcoming glow on cool nights.
If you want to create more drama in your yard, consider installing lighting such as spotlights that illuminate larger areas with strong light (a spotlight will cast a beam of light).
This type of illumination works especially well if you want to show off large plants like trees but don’t really want them “in” your house.”
| Lighting Ideas | Description |
|---|---|
| String lights | Add ambiance and warmth with charming overhead lights like bistro or globe string lights. |
| Solar lights | Environmentally friendly and cost-effective, these lights harness the power of the sun and can be used to illuminate paths, garden beds, and more. |
| Spotlights | Add drama and intrigue by shining spotlights on trees, sculptures, or other focal points in your landscape. |
| LED strips | These versatile lights can be used to highlight garden beds, create an atmospheric glow around your outdoor living area, or line the edges of pathways. |
| Smart lighting systems | Innovative connected lighting solutions like Philips Hue allow you to control your outdoor lights remotely and customize their colors, intensity, and effects. |
Incorporating creative lighting into your outdoor space can completely transform the look and feel of your landscape. From string lights to high-tech smart systems, there’s no shortage of lighting options to choose from.
Conclusion
The first step to revamping your yard, or any space in your home, is knowing what you want it to look like. Once you’ve got an idea of what that looks like, it’s time to start thinking about how best to achieve those goals.
You can do this by making lists of plants, materials and tools that will help create the right environment for each aspect of your design plan.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about landscaping:
Landscape Design Tips You Need to Know: This comprehensive guide offers tips and insights for creating stunning outdoor spaces that are functional and beautiful.
Landscape Design for Beginners: If you’re new to landscaping, this beginner’s guide from Better Homes & Gardens is a great place to start. It covers everything from basic design principles to plant selection.
6 Reasons You Need Landscape Renovation: Wondering if your outdoor space is due for a renovation? This article from exScape Designs goes over some common signs that it’s time for a landscape overhaul.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about landscaping:
What is landscaping?
Landscaping refers to the art and science of designing and maintaining outdoor spaces, such as gardens, yards, and parks. It involves a wide range of activities, from selecting plants and hardscaping materials to irrigation and lighting.
Why is landscaping important?
Landscaping can enhance the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces, making them more enjoyable and inviting. It can also increase property values and provide environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion and improving air quality.
How do I choose the right plants for my landscape?
When selecting plants for your landscape, consider factors such as climate, soil type, sun exposure, and water availability. Choose plants that are suited to your specific conditions and that will thrive in your particular environment.
What is hardscaping?
Hardscaping refers to the use of non-plant elements in landscape design, such as stone, wood, concrete, and metal. It includes features such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and water features.
How do I maintain my landscape?
Maintaining a landscape involves regular tasks such as mowing, trimming, and watering, as well as more occasional activities such as fertilizing, pruning, and pest control. The specific maintenance needs of a landscape will depend on factors such as the types of plants and hardscaping elements used and the local climate.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a landscape designer in Los Angeles. I’ve been working with homeowners and businesses to help them improve the look of their properties for over 10 years.
