A lot of effort is put into choosing your dream home including the location, the house style, the furniture, and so on. However, many often overlook the backyard in favor of the house and other interior decor but the backyard can be easily transformed into your favorite spot in the house.
Turn your plain backyard into an outstanding one with these unique landscaping ideas sure to invoke awe from guests and families alike.
- 26 Landscaping Ideas for an Enchanting Backyard
- 1. Multiple Levels
- 2. Stone Partition
- 3. Gravel Ground
- 4. Hammock with a View
- 5. Decked-Out Pagoda
- 6. Integrated Landscape Design
- 7. Skate Ramp and Treehouse
- 8. Outdoor Game Room
- 9. Mid-Garden Dining Area
- 10. Lavender Border
- 11. Hydrangea Wall
- 12. Fire Pit
- 13. Outdoor Shower
- 14. Flower-Covered Pergola or Gazebo
- 15. Garden Fountain
- 16. Shaded Patio
- 17. Orange Grove or Potted Citrus
- 18. Tree Lanterns
- 19. Square Walkway
- 20. Urban Oasis
- 21. English Garden
- 22. Native Landscaping
- 23. Zen Garden
- 24. Non-Traditional Poolscape
- 25. Tropical Paradise
- 26. Backyard Vegetable Garden or Greenhouse
- Conclusion
26 Landscaping Ideas for an Enchanting Backyard
Following are the top landscaping ideas that you can try for your backyard:
1. Multiple Levels
This sophisticated look takes inspiration from the breathtaking Rancho Santa Fe Landscape and offers a multi-purpose oasis with a raised patio but low-level gardens. The multiple levels offer a vision of elegance and will be a treat for your guests.
2. Stone Partition
Some prefer a private space in their garden, especially if they have a fireplace for the cold season. This stone partition gives you a sense of privacy while maintaining the tranquility of the outdoors.
One design style could have the pergola for shade supported by the stone partition. However, if you want to avoid feeling cramped by the stone wall, then erect the section only halfway up past the seating area.
3. Gravel Ground
If you find it challenging to maintain a lawn, it is better to switch the greenery with gravel. You can add pots of shrubs and topiaries around the yard.
The gravel backyard makes for a perfect dining space to host guests. Place some wicker chairs, cushions, and colorful centerpieces in this outdoor dining area to create a cozy and friendly atmosphere.
4. Hammock with a View
If you have large trees and shaded canopies in your backyard, hang a hammock. If you want a spa experience, place an oil diffuser on the cedar deck. Alternatively, for a common family area, install some round-tile hopscotch and an outdoor chalkboard to play some family games.
5. Decked-Out Pagoda
If you don’t want to go all out on your landscape settings, settle for a standalone letter. This is much like a treehouse getaway for adults. Add cushions and a comfortable seating area to chat with your friends in the afternoon with curtains for privacy.
6. Integrated Landscape Design
The best landscape designs incorporate the natural beauty of the landscape and the local culture. Optimize the outer space to maximize the usage of your backyard.
You can have potted trees in the courtyard lounge, a reading bed between exterior walls, and wall-less passageways with coverings overhead and a large pool connecting to a jacuzzi. This is one backyard in which you will want to spend all your spare time relaxing.
7. Skate Ramp and Treehouse
If you are looking for a family-friendly backyard, then this double-joy with a skate ramp and a tree house. Turn your backyard into a kids’ park for fun family time.
8. Outdoor Game Room
Get your backyard ready for summer by upgrading it into a game room. Place the pool table on the patio. This coupled with a cooking area and banquette for dining and drinking, makes for a perfect outdoor party.
9. Mid-Garden Dining Area
If you prefer dining outdoors, then this mid-garden dining area is the perfect style for you. Simply place a wooden table with benches and grow a vegetable garden for sourcing fresh produce for your meals. This dreamy landscape will alleviate the dining experience and create a safe space to wind down after a long, busy day.
10. Lavender Border
Simplicity embodies elegance, and this is evident in this classy design of bluestone pavers for the entryway lined with lavender borders for an eye-catching finish.
11. Hydrangea Wall
You can never go wrong with a flower wall. The rows of beautiful flower not only create a sense of privacy but also helps buffer noise. Furthermore, you cannot deny the enchanting atmosphere when the wall is paired with a fountain in the center.
12. Fire Pit
All the best stories were told near a fire pit, and why not, the cozy atmosphere and the comfortable seating arrangements would make anyone want to pour their hearts out over a couple of drinks.
A couple of butterfly chairs surround the fire pit, located in the center of the tiled circular island, so everyone is equally warmed up. The backdrop of tall palm trees and pampas grass evokes this ultimate beachside feeling.
13. Outdoor Shower
If you have a pool, outdoor showers are an aesthetic necessity. Add some flare to the design by installing tiles for the pathway to the shower (this is also easier to clean!) and show off your colorful towels hanging on the exterior walls. This way, you don’t have to rely on a garden to bring color to your backyard.
14. Flower-Covered Pergola or Gazebo
This majestic design style draws from French influence while looking effortlessly chic. The wisteria shade covering the pergola can be paired with a bistro chair for seating for a peaceful yet elegant retreat.
Alternatively, you can grow the wisteria around a Victorian wire gazebo for a similar effect but with a slight twist.
15. Garden Fountain
A garden fountain can be the focal point of your backyard and alleviate its look. A weeping willow in the backdrop looking over the fountain exudes a sense of serenity with a twinge of melancholy. Personalize with your favorite furniture pieces, and you will end up with a personal space to spend some ‘me-time’.
16. Shaded Patio
Dining outside can be a great way to spend some family time on weekends. However, if your house is somewhere that gets a lot of sunlight, then the brightness can get in the way of eating comfortably.
You can easily overcome this issue by planting a few plane trees that provide shade during the day. Furthermore, decorate the trees with lights so you can enjoy a cozy dinner with the family.
17. Orange Grove or Potted Citrus
Not fond of flowers in your backyard? Switch to cultivating an orange grove instead. The sweet smell coupled with the bright colors is enough to rejuvenate even the most tired person. In addition, these backyard trees are easy to care for.
If you lack the space for an orchard, you can use potted citrus plants instead. These topiaries will be a welcome addition to your outdoor dining space.
18. Tree Lanterns
You don’t need to go big for an interesting backyard. Sometimes a small change can echo incredible effects. Make use of the large trees in your backyard by hanging lanterns in the branches. When the lanterns light up in the dark, they transform a simple backyard into a magical and ethereal getaway.
19. Square Walkway
These orderly stepping stones define minimal effort but maximum output. Line up your lawn with these square walkways with bright flower beds for a touch of color. You can also pair them up with bougainvillea if you are a fan of pink.
20. Urban Oasis
The fast life of the urban landscape can be overwhelming. This oasis provides a getaway for a respite from the city rush. Convert your urban patio into a green oasis with strategically placed hedges and potted plants. Some string lights add to the ambiance.
21. English Garden
The popularity of English gardens have been observed for centuries. The traditional roses and hedges always have an element of timeless elegance that remains unrivaled in the face of modern landscape architecture.
22. Native Landscaping
For a different take on landscaping, you may give native landscaping a try. The combination of indigenous plants, sculptural planting design, and flowers will make your backyard stand out from the more traditional ones.
23. Zen Garden
A popular design choice is the Japanese-style garden oasis or zen garden where you can retreat to meditate and relax. Incorporate swimming ponds for fish along with exotic foliage and some naturalistic streams or waterfall for the full effect.
24. Non-Traditional Poolscape
If you want to include a pool in your backyard without making it look generic. Think about installing unique amenities that will enhance the time you spend there such as firewalls, outdoor kitchens, cabanas, and more.
Alternatively, a resort-style backyard is possible with a swing bed beneath a pergola overlooking the pool. White lighting around the area with reclining chairs and seasonal planters complete the look of the ultimate summer getaway.
25. Tropical Paradise
Can’t forget your recent trip to Bali and crave the tropical vibes of the summer? Then this is the perfect backyard design for you. Create a shady retreat in your backyard with tropical plants, stone pathways, a floating lounge, and a day bed. Then relax with your favorite book and drink for the rest of the afternoon.
26. Backyard Vegetable Garden or Greenhouse
If you prefer growing their produce, then converting your backyard into a vegetable garden may be the perfect solution to get your hands on organic food while saving a lot of money. In addition, the satisfaction of eating something that you grew yourself is unparalleled.
Make sure to choose a spot that is well-watered and very sunny to get bountiful veggies and fruits during the summer and spring seasons. For those not so lucky with sunlight, a greenhouse is an alternative to grow veggies and flowers in the off-season. When the weather is warmer, the windows and doors are kept open for ventilation.
Conclusion
Designing a huge space like your backyard is a matter of effort and personal taste. Many traditional designs always shine no matter the season and unique designs for those who want something outside the box.
Be sure to browse through several designs, considering the size of your backyard and the overall climate and local culture, for a design that truly speaks to you.
Regards!