10 Surprising Tips For A Stunning Garden Design

A garden is a place of respite, where you can unwind after a long day at work or find some peace on your weekend morning. But a garden design doesn’t have to be boring! The following list of tips will help you create an unexpected space that’s both beautiful and functional.

Best Garden Design Ideas Part 2 l Top 6

Takeaways
1. Choose plants that are well-suited for your garden’s climate, sunlight, and space.
2. Incorporate native plants and sustainable landscaping practices to conserve resources and reduce waste.
3. Define specific zones for different activities in your outdoor living area to create a functional and comfortable space.
4. Pay attention to the design principles of balance, unity, focal point, and harmony to create a visually pleasing garden.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, textures, and shapes to express your personal style in your garden design.

Table of Contents

Start With A Plan.

Start with a plan. A garden design is just that a design. It’s best to start by creating a sketch of your garden, and then make a list of the plants you want to grow, in addition to any other elements that will enhance its beauty (such as fountains or statues). Next, make sure you have enough space for everything!

You’ll also want to keep in mind how much sun your vegetation will need: plants like tomatoes and eggplants don’t do well in shade because they need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth.

Finally, remember that not all plants require the same amount of water! Some plants thrive when slightly over-watered while others do better with less moisture; knowing which ones belong in each category can help save time and money down the road not only by preventing overwatering/underwatering but also because some species are easier than others when it comes time to harvest or transplant them into another container (if necessary).

Designing your garden with the right plants is crucial for achieving a beautiful and functional space. Our comprehensive guide on choosing the right landscaping plants will help you select the best plants for your yard based on sunlight, climate, space, and style preference.

Use Unexpected Materials

If your garden is a bit safe, try to use unexpected materials. Just like in interior design, this can be a great way to make your space feel fresh and new.

For example, you might use stone tiles instead of regular ones or white concrete slabs instead of black ones.

You could also use old wood beams in your patio or rustic lanterns in the garden the possibilities are endless!

The best thing about using unexpected materials is that it can give your garden an extra touch of personality and style.

Benefits	Description
Creates visual interest	Combining different textures and colors in your garden creates a dynamic and visually appealing space that catches the eye.
Adds depth and dimension	The use of contrasting textures and colors creates depth in the garden and adds dimension to its design.
Provides year-round interest	By using a combination of plants with interesting textures and colors, you can create a garden that is visually appealing throughout the year, no matter the season.
Enhances mood and emotions	Colors and textures can evoke different emotions and moods in people, which makes choosing the right color and texture combinations in your garden design an important consideration.
Encourages biodiversity	By combining different plant species with different textures and colors, you create a garden that supports biodiversity, attracting a greater variety of pollinators, birds, and other animals to your space.

Create Intimate Spaces In Your Landscaping Design

Your garden should have small spaces to create intimacy. Use different types of plants for this purpose and make sure you use plants that have fragrant flowers, such as lavender and roses. You can also use small shrubs, such as boxwood or holly, to create a sense of privacy.

Hedges and shrubs are very useful when it comes to creating a sense of privacy in your garden design.

For example, if you plant them around the perimeter of your property or along fences or walls then they will help keep neighbors from looking into your yard or peeking into windows at night time when you’re having dinner outside with friends and family members!

Creating an eco-friendly outdoor space is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your wallet and health. Discover how to transform your garden into a green oasis with our guide on creating an eco-friendly outdoor space that features tips on incorporating native plants, reducing water waste, and using sustainable materials.

Make Things For Your Garden.

Making things for your garden will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Plus, there’s nothing like being able to say that you made it yourself!

Make a birdhouse
Make a planter
Make a water feature

Make a deck or patio
Make a garden bench

Make a statue or piece of art for your yard. This is an especially great way to personalize your space if you’re working with limited space in the yard but want to make it feel more like home.

For example: If you’re going for an artistic vibe, consider putting up something as simple as some artfully arranged branches from around the house that would work well next to plants (like hanging flowers from them).

You can also use metal frames with old photographs in them or even mirrors suspended from trees if this fits into your aesthetic vision

Mix Odd Numbers Of Plants

Odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye. The human brain is wired to pay more attention to symmetrical designs, and for good reason—it’s an evolutionary trait that helps us avoid predators or other threats.

Odd numbers help create balance and symmetry in a garden design. A composition with an even number of plants can feel unfinished because it lacks symmetry, while one with an odd number feels more complete because its shapes are balanced on either side of a focal point (like the middle of the garden).

Additionally, odd numbers tend to be easier for designers because they can visually split the space into three distinct parts without having them overlap each other and overcrowding the composition.

Taking your outdoor living area to the next level requires more than just comfortable furniture and weather protection. Follow our 15 expert secrets for designing an outdoor living space that suits your lifestyle, aesthetic sense, and budget. From lighting and flooring to outdoor kitchens and landscaping, we’ve got you covered.

Combine Textures And Colors

There are many ways to combine textures and colors in your garden design. Here are some quick tips:

Use different textures to create interest – use contrasting materials or textures, such as grasses, flowers, mosses and vines.
For example, in this garden design there is a bed of ferns with variegated foliage contrasted against a stone retaining wall that contains both natural stone and an iron-bronze finish.
Add color contrast by using plants with different shaped leaves or petals. You can also add contrast by using white flowers with colored foliage plants or vice versa.

Create focal points by using just one plant type with lots of height (like trees) or just one type of flower (such as daffodils).

Benefits	Description
Creates visual interest	Combining different textures and colors in your garden creates a dynamic and visually appealing space that catches the eye.
Adds depth and dimension	The use of contrasting textures and colors creates depth in the garden and adds dimension to its design.
Provides year-round interest	By using a combination of plants with interesting textures and colors, you can create a garden that is visually appealing throughout the year, no matter the season.
Enhances mood and emotions	Colors and textures can evoke different emotions and moods in people, which makes choosing the right color and texture combinations in your garden design an important consideration.
Encourages biodiversity	By combining different plant species with different textures and colors, you create a garden that supports biodiversity, attracting a greater variety of pollinators, birds, and other animals to your space.

Put A Plant In The Wrong Place!

One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is that they put plants in the wrong place. For example, if you want to add drama and mystery to your garden design, try planting a tall tree in an unexpected location.

A single tree can completely change the way your yard looks and feels, so don’t be afraid to experiment with unusual locations for plants.

Use Big-Impact Elements

Big-impact elements are a great way to create a focal point in your garden. For example, if you have a small area of the garden that receives lots of sunlight during the day and has good drainage, then this would be the perfect spot for an ornamental tree. The tree will provide shade and can be used as a focal point in your garden design.

Sustainable landscaping practices not only help conserve water and energy but also promote biodiversity and curb pollution. Our guide on the top 15 sustainable landscaping practices offers valuable tips on maximizing your garden’s potential while minimizing its impact on the environment. Learn about composting, rainwater harvesting, non-toxic pest control, and much more.

Add Water To Be More Creative In Your Garden Design

It’s true that you can add water to your garden design in many ways, from a pond or fountain to a water-soaked moonlight garden.

Adding water to your landscape is an excellent way to add interest and color; plus, it can help make the garden more accessible for everyone involved. You may have seen gardens with ponds or fountains already; they’re easy enough to create as long as you have some basic knowledge about how much space and time you’ll need to complete them.

For example, if you want your pond/fountain area near the front door but there isn’t enough room for both structures, consider using a smaller container filled with rocks so they look like they’re part of the same design!

Benefits	Description
Enhances creativity	Water features such as fountains, streams, and ponds add a unique visual element to your garden and inspire creative ideas.
Attracts wildlife	Water acts as a magnet for various animals including birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, creating an ecosystem that supports biodiversity.
Reduces noise pollution	The sound of flowing water can help mask unwanted noise from traffic, neighbors, or machines, providing a more peaceful environment in your garden.
Improves air quality	The evaporation of water from a pond or fountain can increase humidity and oxygen levels in the air, benefitting both plants and people.
Provides tranquility	Incorporating a water feature in your garden can create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances well-being.

Create A Moonlight Garden

When it comes to creating a moonlight garden, you will want to use as many different plants as possible. From the tallest tree that can be found, to the smallest flower that grows on the ground, this is a great way to create an environment that is unique and beautiful.

It’s also important that you pay attention to each plant’s color and texture when selecting them for your garden.

If you want something that is going to be calming and relaxing during the day, then choose darker colored flowers or bright green leaves instead of lighter colors like pink or yellow which may make things appear brighter than what you are actually trying for in terms of mood setting purposes!

Texture is another essential component when it comes time for choosing new additions for any type of landscape design project such as ours today here at Home Depot Canada where we have everything from mulch bags through our lawn care department all the way up through hardscaping materials like rocks if needed (which we do not recommend using).

Choosing the best plants for your garden can be overwhelming, but by focusing on a few essential ones, you can enhance your garden’s beauty and functionality. Check out our article on 10 must-have landscaping plants that includes a variety of options for sun and shade, texture and color, and even edibles. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll find some helpful insights here.

Conclusion

I hope these tips have given you some ideas for your own garden design. I know it can be daunting, but if you just start with a plan and keep in mind the elements that make up a good garden plants, water, texture and color then you’re already halfway there!

If you want to go all out and turn your space into something truly spectacular like me? Well then…I wish ya luck!

FAQs

What are some common mistakes people make in garden design?

Some common mistakes people make in garden design include overcrowding plants, ignoring the site’s specific conditions like sunlight and soil type, not considering the garden’s purpose, and not taking into account the maintenance requirements of the plants.

How can I incorporate sustainability into my garden design?

To incorporate sustainability into your garden design, consider using native plants, practicing water conservation, avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers, creating habitat for wildlife, composting organic waste, and upcycling materials.

What are some inexpensive ways to improve my garden’s design?

Inexpensive ways to improve your garden’s design include adding some bright-colored flowers for instant impact, creating focal points with inexpensive sculpture or garden ornaments, repurposing old furniture or containers for planters, and installing lighting to highlight garden features.

How can I make my garden design more functional?

To make your garden design more functional, define specific zones for different activities like dining, relaxing, playing, or growing vegetables. Use screens, hedges, or fences to create privacy or block unpleasant views. Incorporate seating, storage, and pathways for convenience.

What are some design ideas for small gardens?

Some design ideas for small gardens include using vertical space for climbing plants or wall-mounted planters, creating multi-level garden beds or terraces, using mirrors or reflective surfaces to create an illusion of space, and choosing plants with small foliage or compact size.

Hellen James

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.