Life can be quite chaotic: our jobs, our homes, and our families can demand a lot of our time. But one of life’s most relaxing resources can be found in your own backyard. Landscapes that provide a sense of peace and tranquility are not only beautiful, they are also good for the soul. And when it comes to creating a space suitable for your needs, there are literally hundreds of backyard garden design ideas to choose from. Why not try some of these?
· butterfly gardens: What is more beautiful than a butterfly? From the beginning of their lives, butterflies remind us of renewal and rebirth, and they are absolutely beautiful to behold. Planting flowers and herbs (like inexpensive marigolds and oregano) can attract butterflies to your space, making butterfly gardens good small backyard landscaping ideas, too.
· smellYard:People are very sensitive to smell, more than you might think. (That’s why so many spa treatments involve scented water.) Those who need inexpensive backyard garden design ideas would do well to opt for smell over sight. Lavender, jasmine, and thyme are wonderful additions to gardens and can be combined with flowers and plants that are already in bloom.
· campfires: Not all backyard landscape design ideas have to include flowers. For those with more space, installing a fire pit is a wonderful way to create a cozy outdoor living area. Natural stones, such as Bluestones, are well suited to all gardens, as they can be as bold or as subtle as you like. For those who are watching their budgets, concrete or bricks can create a more modern feel.
· Water: Not everyone can have a babbling stream in their yard, but installing a fountain or koi pond is a great second option. And because fountains and ponds come in all shapes and sizes, they’re an ideal part of small backyard landscaping ideas. If you have more space, and a bigger budget, consider hiring a contractor who can install a small waterfall in a larger pond. It can even attract birds, like ducks and storks, looking for a quick dip (or quick bite to eat) during their migration to other locations.
· Round Yards: Why do we always assume that patios must be square or rectangular? Most things in nature have rounded edges; maybe your backyard landscaping and hard surfaces should too. Rounded patios look better with rounded furniture, which invites intimacy and conversation. You could even install a water feature, fire pit, or stone table in the center of the circle to create symmetry. For those who want to feel a little more “one” with the world, a small zen garden can be placed in the center of the circle or around it.
· Coverage: If you have a larger budget and a larger outdoor space, consider filling it with larger shrubs and trees. Hedges are wonderful for backyard landscape design ideas that aim to naturally create privacy. They create natural fences, thus enveloping you in your outdoor space. If you want something a little less harsh for your backyard landscaping, you can use bamboo instead of trees – it’s a vigorous plant that grows quickly and can create a warm and inviting space.
landscaping ideas for small backyards
If you don’t have a bigger yard, don’t worry—you can create some amazing backyard landscapes in smaller spaces, too. However, you may want to consult a contractor before you start digging up your garden – sometimes even the best backyard garden design ideas can become overwhelming in smaller spaces and sometimes the smallest pieces they go completely unnoticed. The most important thing about your backyard landscape design is ideas that work with YOU. You don’t want to choose flowers or stones that look out of place in the area where you live, so be sure to do your research before beginning any project.