Some Basic Backyard Landscaping Ideas

If you are a little bit stuck ideas when you are looking to landscape your backyard, then why not take inspiration from many of the natural gardens that you find around the world. Here are a few landscaping ideas that you could consider if you are a little bit stuck for creative thought.

One thing to do would be to create a tropical backyard. Any type of tropical backyard will be comprised of all sorts of different colours and shapes. Due to the fact that the tropics are known for heavy rainfall, it is also a good idea to install certain water features. The entire setup you create should be enough to attract some interesting wildlife and insects, just be sure that you do not attract anything unwanted.

You might also consider the option of a bamboo backyard. Bamboo is eternally green, and will maintain their leaves throughout the different seasons of the year. As the bamboo begins to grow too high, consider cutting them down and using the additional bits of bamboo to create sculptures that you can add around the garden.

Or how about a bonsai garden? Bonsais are potted plants that have small trees in them, and they originated in Japan. You should gather together many of these different miniature trees, and then arrange them within your garden so that it seems like you are walking through a miniature forest.

You can also create a cacti garden if you want to. Cacti are plants that will require the least amount of water, and therefore they will not require a great deal of maintenance whatsoever. You can get them in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, but just remember that they are very prickly and therefore may not be ideal if you have small children around.

All in all, these are just a few very basic ideas that you could consider when landscaping your garden.

Build A Beautiful Backyard Water Fountain

There are several methods you can use when it comes to building a backyard water fountain. They are made out of several different kinds of material such as copper, bronze, stone, fiberglass and steel. Building a backyard fountain is not a hard task, but it does call for a lot of labor. Many people enjoy the sound that comes from their fountains because they help to relieve stress or helps them to relax. People with allergies enjoy their fountains because they help increase the levels of humidity and decrease the amount of dust particles in the air.

One of the ways to build a backyard water fountain will be to use a small water pump placed in a small tub or over a liner. You can cover the liner using rocks and pebbles. Using a PVC pipe connected to the pump will cause the water to rise up out of the rocks. You can use rocks or pebbles to cover up your electrical lines. If you have a backyard water fountain that you purchased, the directions should let you know what size pump you will need. The pump may come with the fountain. Alternatively, you may dig a hole that will fit the shape and depth of your pond liner. You can select a shallow pond liner for this project unless you want to have a pond that is deep enough for koi or plants. You will need to be sure you remove any type of rocks or debris from the hole before you lay down your liner. Place your liner in the hole and make sure the liner is level with a smooth surface beneath it. Once you have the liner in place, the edges of the liner should be just above the ground's surface.

Most people use mortar to spread around the perimeter of the liner. You can place river rocks around the edges of the liner so that they will help your fountain blend in to your landscaping in a more natural way. You can also put other decorative items that may be appealing around the liner's perimeter. It is wise to keep your pets in mind when building your water fountain. You do not want them to think of the fountain as their backyard drinking source! It is a good idea to consider putting a small decorative fence around your fountain. You can cover up the pump with a nylon stocking. This will prevent any type of debris from clogging the pump mechanism. In order to keep the pump in place, you can attach it to a brick with a large rubber band. The stocking will go over the section that creates the fountain spray. Place the pump in the middle of the pond liner and if you need it elevated, you can use bricks for that. Before turning on the pump, fill the fountain liner with water. You can adjust the sprayer nozzle for your fountain until it is to your liking.

Backyard Landscaping: 5 Ideas to Landscape on a Budget

The backyard is one of the most important aspects of any home. Property owners everywhere take pride in how their lawn looks to visitors. It's a site of family gatherings and events, where you congregate with loved ones to acknowledge important accomplishments. It does take some investment in time and financial resources to have a proper backyard landscaping design, but you don't have to empty your 401(k) in order to make your lawn look like it was done a professional. There are several things you can do on a budget to make your plants look great.

Take advantage of freebies
Cities often give away free trees, mulch and compost, while demolition sites are a great for bricks and stones (you should always get permission before removing any items). If you look close enough, you can find a lot of great, free plants out there.

Know when to hire a professional
There will be times during your project that you'll find it just easier to hire a professional landscaper. Get help for the jobs that might take more muscle or design skill than you have available. You shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. While there is a great amount of pride in doing the work yourself, you don't want your yard to look like you needed assistance.

Put the project in your phases
Don't buy everything at once, as you'll just drain your bank account. Dividing the project into phases will allow you to review your progress and adjust plans, as well as save you costs. It will also save you the stress of thinking, "How will I get all of this done?" Rome wasn't built in a day, and your yard shouldn't be landscaped in 24 hours. Take your time to make sure the job is done right.

Find other resources
Look beyond the stores, and check out botanical centers, plant societies and other organizations that often hold plant sales. You can usually find a good bargain on perennials and other plants. Schools often hold plant and tree sales, and not only will you get them at a great price, you'll also be supporting great causes.

Make your own compost
Use yard waste and food scraps to save on the cost of fertilizer. You can easily make compost piles from recycled 2x4s and chicken wire. Retail outlets charge on average $5 per bag of small fertilizer, and it will take many bags to properly fertilize your plants. With your own wasted items, you can save the funds.

Remember: It's your property, so you have the ability to try different things. You might even discover a cost-savings way to manicure your property that wasn't listed here. backyard landscaping should be fun and not stressful, so save the stress by saving money.

Looking For Some Backyard Landscape Inspiration? Helpful Advice And Ideas To Help You.

Some people just don’t have a talent for gardening. I am one of those people. When I first moved into my home one of my biggest fears was what I was going to do with the featureless scheme in my yard. I did a little research and there are some great ways to find backyard landscape ideas that you can use.

First of all I decided to make a list of what I wanted in my garden. This is the primary source for backyard landscape ideas for any homeowner. I considered what I imagined to be my dream yard. I wrote down the backyard landscape ideas for future reference. When you make your list, start small with short term goals then work up to more extravagant, expensive activities for long term goals.

The next thing I did was take mental notes while walking around my neighborhood. You can find a lot of backyard landscape ideas when you take a nice, fast walk. It may take some time to consider their layouts in relation to your own. I even started asking my neighbors questions about their projects. My neighbors loved sharing their backyard landscaping ideas with me.

After inquiring around my neighborhood I decided to ask the professionals. I went to my local garden merchant for valuable information for my backyard landscape ideas. Some of my thoughts were perfect for the terrain while others just wouldn’t work in my particular yard. Good thing I asked plenty of questions. I would have wasted a lot of time and money on plants that would not be able to prosper in the conditions on my property.

Many merchants are more than happy to share backyard landscape ideas that they have come across themselves. They can suggest the right layout for your area and they know what grows well in the conditions in your region. You can get some great recommendations from this source.

Two other sources I love to ask are print magazines and online websites that provide wonderful backyard landscape ideas. However, I tried to refrain from running out to buy items showcased in these places. It is important to double check to make sure that the layout and plants are right for your yard.

The research paid off in the end. I am excited with the results of my efforts. In fact, I often share my backyard landscape ideas with friends and neighbors passing by.

Landscaping Ideas For Your Yard

Landscaping Plans

No matter what the season, we all dream about having a home with a lush, green lawn, colorful flowers and landscaping that looks like it was planted by a professional gardener. It won't be easy, and you will have to spend time doing research and learning some landscaping basics, but it is within your reach.

Proper planning in any landscaping project is the key to success. With the proper planning and some patience, avoiding some common mistakes can make the entire project proceed without many problems and give you the result you have always wanted.

If you are planning on landscaping a small area, you shouldn't have any problems doing this small project yourself. Begin by looking at landscaping books to get some ideas. When you are out for a walk notice what you like and don't like about the yards in your neighborhood.

Write your ideas down on paper. Draw up some sketches and show them to your family for their opinions and ideas. Take the plans to your local nursery and discuss your plans with someone who is familiar with what plants and flowers do well in your area.

Here are some ideas for different landscaping areas and options.

Flowers to Make Your yard Colorful

To make your home look friendlier, add some flowers to your yard. If you want color throughout the year you will need to research what plants bloom during which seasons.

By planning your garden you can arrange the flowers around the yard so that there is color year-round, and so the colors complement each other.

Besides placing flowers in the beds bordering the lawn, flowers can be used to line a sidewalk or the pathway to your front door. Splashes of color can add charm and beauty to any yard.

Designing a Functional and Beautiful backyard

A home backyard is a special place. Unlike a front yard of the house a backyard is free of any artificial and injected rules of design. If your backyard is fenced off from public view, you have only yourself and your family to please.

Depending on the size of the yard you can have different areas. For example, you can set aside a corner of the yard for a child's play area with a swing set and fort. Another area can be set up with a bar-b-q and picnic table. Perhaps you can even find a spot for a cascading waterfall.

Remember, your local library is a great resource for landscaping books to give you some great ideas. If you are going to go through all the work and expense of landscaping your backyard, you want to do it right. You want a yard that will bring you enjoyment and that you can be happy with for years to come.

Lawn

Do you know that a beautiful and well put together lawn has many benefits? It helps keep the house cooler in summer, provides a wonderful play area for children, and more. For added beauty, intersperse the lawn with trees randomly planted in between.

Shrubs

Some shrubs along the outside of the house will give it an entirely different look, and a stone walkway is something even a landscape novice should be able to do themselves with a little instruction.

Examples of landscape design elements in transition are plants that go from coarse to medium to fine textures or softscapes that go from large trees to medium trees to shrubs to bedding plants.

Landscaping to Reduce Expenses

Did you know that you can save money on heating and cooling costs by carefully planting trees, shrubs and even some grasses and vines around your home? By planting trees on the south and west side of your house you can actually reduce summer temperatures inside your home by ten degrees.

Letting vines and shrubs grow next to the house (so they protect basement windows) helps further. Keep this in mind when planning your landscaping.

Landscaping: Make Your Backyard A Thing Of Beauty

Your home is your most important investment. Just as the interior of your home reflects your personality, so does the exterior. A nicely landscaped backyard can be a joy...but not if you have to work hard to keep it up.

If you've moved into a new house with a nice backyard, or if you've lived a long time in your current home but just never looked –really looked– at your backyard before, now's the time to start. Your yard can be so much more than the usual: grass everywhere, a few trees scattered here and there, perhaps a flower garden planted alongside one wall.

But there's plenty of things you can do to beautify a backyard, but that won't end up causing you to spend hour after how on its upkeep afterwards! Of course that's fine if tending to your yard is your favorite hobby. There are landscape materials out there to suit every taste - you just need to find out what's right for you - and for your yard.

If you have no knowledge of landscaping and don't have time to learn - there are experts out there who will do your landscaping for you. Just look in your local yellow pages to get their names - then do some research into each to make sure they will do the job you want, at the price you can afford to pay. Even research them on the web, if they have a website, to see all they have to offer.

Other places to go in search of information, or for ideas, are your local gardening clubs or gardens. Walk around, see what they've done, and find out if you can adapt what they've done to your own backyard.

Even if you have a green thumb, the web is still the place to go to find new landscaping ideas, as well as tips and advice for do-it-yourself projects to improve the look or utility of your yard. There are all kinds of communities on the web where people with the same enthusiasms help each other, and gardening and landscaping is no different.

The landscape Design Site, maintained by Steve Boulden, is a comprehensive landscaping site that provides you with information on practically any subject under the sun, from "creating focal points" to "xeriscaping" (for those dry-as-a-bone areas) to "making moss rock." There are also landscaping forums there for you to chat with like-minded people.

Landscaping Ideas Online is another invaluable resource for the do-it-yourself landscaper.

If you're interested in landscaping specific to your own area, simply do a search on the web for "landscaping ...." whatever state you happen to be in, and you'll soon find yourself faced with a plethora of choices to choose from.

If you want to landscape your backyard to make it a thing of beauty and a joy forever, you'll want to do it right first time. The more research you do before hand, the less work you'll have to do later. And doing the research is enjoyable in itself! So start researching.

Landscaping: A Wonderful Backyard Landscaping Idea

A good backyard landscaping idea is one that everyone can make use of. There are many different backyard landscaping ideas and most of them are pretty good but to find the one that is right for you and that is just what your yard needs may take some reading. This article will help you to find the perfect backyard landscaping idea for your home.

A good backyard landscaping idea is to use evergreens. The use of these fabulous trees will do o much for any yard. They will add a stately nature to the feel of your home while keeping it welcoming and warm. Many people like to use deciduous trees in the yard and this is always a good idea but it is the evergreens that will give the yard the structure and the stability that it needs for a good backyard landscaping idea and design.

You need to look for a backyard landscaping idea like the one above that will benefit you all year round. Deciduous trees will not be gorgeous in all seasons, most perhaps, but not all. Evergreens on the other hand are always fantastic and they look as beautiful in the winter as they do in the summer and this is why they make for such a great backyard landscaping idea. The key to any great landscaping design is to find a backyard landscaping idea like this that will keep your yard interesting no matter what time of the year it is.

Another good backyard landscaping idea is to use hardscape. This is the use of things like rocks, fences and walls. These can make your yard look very interesting during all of the seasons. You can have climbing plants on it in the summer and spring and pretty trees around it that will look great in the winter. When looking for a good backyard landscaping idea you need to look for other options besides just plants. There is much more to landscaping than just plants and trees.

Walls and fences can frame your property beautifully and using them is such a great backyard landscaping idea because they will just accent all of your other wonderful backyard landscaping ideas. They will frame your yard as a picture frame frames a gorgeous painting. Look at this kind of backyard landscaping idea as well in your search for the one.

Garden Decor - Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Your garden can be your holiday from the tribulations of your day. For some families, sitting in a beautifully laid out yard is one of the most enjoyable things they can do. For others, they find that planning, building, and planting their lawn or yard is the soothing part they look forward to. If you want have a fantastic yard, but have no idea where to start, you need some garden landscape Innovations to get you going. Innovations are all over the place, and you may find good tools in the least likely places.

You can find backyard landscape Innovations by visiting other familiess homes. You dont really want a carbon copy of someone elses yard, but you can get inspiration by viewing what your friends, family, and neighbors have done with their land. You might also find inspiration by visiting nearby parks or botanical gardens. A walk around your own neighborhood may be just the thing you need as well. Dont forget about the businesses in your community. Many of them are landscaped by practitioners, and you may find some great ideas there.

If this isnt working for you, you can find backyard landscape Tools by watching HGTV. This station is devoted to household and patio improvements. You may find tricks and tips to help you along, as well as inspiration for your own yard. You can find Tips for small side yards, gardens, and incorporating elements into your yard you may not have considered. You will also find shows to help with plant care, gardening tips, and tips for what plants work best in your climate.

Mull over adding a new factor to your yard to help you along. Having an outdoor fireplace, deck, or pool in your yard may help spark backyard landscape Strategies. These items are not only useful; they can be the backdrops for your outdoor to be. You might Ponder a trellis around your pool for vine plants, or a unique sitting area around your outdoor fireplace.

As a last resort, look through magazines or ask for info at your nearby household and outdoor store. You may find inspiration for garden landscape Innovations by just taking a stroll through the store. If that doesnt help much, or you dont know what to do with your Strategies, ask a sales person for some advice. They may have Tips for you, or they may be able to tell you what has been widely known with other consumers.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas To Make A Difference In Your Home

A home backyard is a special place. It is close to your heart. It is a private place. Unlike a front yard of the house a backyard is free of any artificial and injected rules of design. What I mean is it's ok to do mistakes in a backyard. It's your own playground.

You can experiment a lot in this place. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person then you must have tried growing a few plants in this place and may be failed a few times. But that's what it makes a backyard so special.

The main function of a backyard is to "relax". So while designing a garden in this areas never compromise on your emotions. Try various alternatives of design, layout, flowerbeds, shrubs, etc. while designing a garden. Always remember that a garden does not always means planting a few plants by boundary and laying out expensive lawn.

There is much more to landscaping than just planting plants. So while designing garden look inside yourself as a person before. the bottom line to success of any space whether interior or exterior is "comfort" of you and your family members.

Why do homes have a backyard? According to my perception it is just provision for you and the family to enjoy the together moments when you don't want to move in the outskirts of the city by traveling a distance. It is a miniature model of the countryside woods you would otherwise visit, when you are on vacation.

So plan accordingly by keeping this in mind. If the backyard is a small space you will have to give a lot of attention to detailing while the execution of the garden. Detailing such as planned spaces, pathways, exterior lighting.

One good idea is to create an island of flowerbeds to attract butterflies, so that it remains a focal attraction and your guests and friends will never forget it. In case of a large backyard small private spaces can be arranged that can be used to create a campfire or a place surrounded by shrubs overlooking the outside surroundings. Such private spaces can be used to do paintings or a place for the kids to play hide and seek. Pathways with width of approx. 3 to 5 feet can be used for circulation and your kids can also use them as bicycle tracks.

These pathways can be easily enhanced using artificial external lighting during night time. A small fishpond with a fountain can create some good and cool atmosphere. Of course what you have read here are not the only possibilities in designing. Actually possibilities are endless, but I have just given you a few starting points that you can go ahead and expand using your own imagination. Just remember what I said earlier always keep YOU in the focus while designing and it will be a great place to relax with your family.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas - 3 Quick and Easy Ideas to Transform Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Gem

Landscaping is a matter of taste, just like choosing your clothing or interior decorating. The art and beauty of backyard landscaping is all about beauty in the eye of the beholder.

So let's explore some simple ideas to transform your backyard space without spending too much money on materials, labor.

Backyard landscaping is a fun activity that satisfies the creative need inside each of us. People fond of landscaping often come up with their own landscaping ideas that can serve to enhance the look of their living place or any piece of land.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Backyard landscaping is not just re-positioning of plants or statues in your backyard. Consider it as an art, a masterpiece that shows your creativity and personality. So here are some ideas to get your brain rolling along.

Consider Some Lighting

Landscape lighting in your backyard is a great way to dress up the outside of your home.

At first this may appear to be an extravagance, but it can improve the security of your home, in addition to making walkways safer after dusk. But best of all the addition of lights to your back yard can have a dramatic effect on the feel of your out door space. Plus this is one of the more affordable changes that you can make about your backyard.

And most lighting comes in a kit that makes it easy to install for even the most unskilled among us.

Consider A Garden

Gardening has always been known to be a great stress reliever. Getting out in the fresh air, getting your hands dirty, is very calming to the body and soul.

Gardening has always been a favorite pastime with both the young and old, and it is truly an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family including children. This is especially true when it comes to growing plants like pumpkins watermelons and sunflowers.

So consider adding a potted garden using large pots, portable planters, or even the classic half wooden barrel.

Add Some Simple Elements For A Radical Change

If you are looking for an easy and effective way to make a quick change to your backyard space then consider adding one or more major focal elements.

For instance adding a bubbling water fountain to your garden, patio or deck is an easy way to establish a new focus of interest in that area. Water is a great way to add a relaxed atmosphere of serenity. And it is a simple addition that will definitely please not only you but also all of your guests.

A little digging and planting can do a decent job of dramatically transforming a backyard. So consider adding trees or shrubs in interesting and defining patterns for your backyard landscapings. This can boost your landscape's appeals and also offer you and your house cooler surroundings all through the summer.

Want a really big change?

Then consider adding a patio, or expanding an existing patio, is a great way to start building that exterior living space.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas - Tips on Creating Your Dream Backyard

Are you looking for some creative backyard landscaping ideas that can transform a simple piece of land into a wonderful place for you and your family to spend time in? Here are a few backyard landscaping ideas to start with.

1. Plants

Plants are a great way of adding beauty and character for landscaping. These plants will grow and add their own character.

Large evergreens will give a look of elegant mansions and homes.

Flowering plants add color that is important in any backyard. They also add contrast.

Roses grown in a garden bed will be very pleasant. And they come in a hue of colors. This also provides with cut flowers for your home. If not roses, choose flowers of your choice with some pretty colors.

Wildflower gardens are also an option and these need lesser maintenance, and give a rustic look.

The more space with plants, the lesser lawn area to mow.

2. Vegetable and Herbs

Growing vegetables and herbs also interest some people. This way you can just pluck your vegetables and herbs from your garden.

3. Garden Furniture and Accessories

Another of the backyard landscaping ideas is adding decks, patios and even statues or figurines to add a further dimension to your backyard.

This can be stretched further with the inclusion of a rock-garden, a fish pond or fountain, space permitting.

Have a overall concept and design in mind, before you set to work on the backyard. Do not be tempted to avoid plants as this will take away the beauty and serenity as well as the health benefits of having plants around.

New Backyard Landscaping Ideas - Create a Spanish Style Vertical Garden

Dare to be different with some fresh backyard landscaping ideas. You have laid the stone for the patio, you have thought about the lawn and flowerbeds, you have decided where to put the hot tub (if you are lucky enough to have a hot tub). These are ground level backyard landscaping ideas. How about some backyard landscaping ideas that rise above the ground and reach for the sky? Dare to be different and create a wonderful Mediterranean hanging garden and make the most of your vertical space.

A vertical garden will really make your backyard landscaping ideas come to life. Now you can look at a blank wall as if you are an artist about to create a work of art. The blank wall is your blank canvas you will transform into a beautiful living picture of pots and flowering plants that can change into a riot of colour all year round.

Spanish style flower pot holders are available that are specially designed to carry plastic or terracotta pots or even wicker work conical baskets. They are a brilliant for backyard garden ideas because they are strong being made of mild steel and last for years. Not only that, these pot holders are available in different sizes so you can use your existing pots to create a wonderful pattern. These flowerpot holders will add a new dimension to your backyard landscaping ideas. Just add geraniums or trailing fuchsias or any summer bedding plant suitable for use in hanging baskets or window boxes or flowerpots. In the winter you can introduce pansies, ornamental cabbages, ferns and evergreens to brighten up the garden and keep your backyard landscaping ideas looking great.

For a moment imagine you are enjoying a alfresco meal and a glass of soft fruity glass of wine surrounded by flowers creating that feeling of an extra outside room to the house, knowing that this was one of the best backyard landscaping ideas because the transformation was so easy to do and looking so lovely. Cheers!

Spanish Rings are Spanish style flower pot holders that create a wonderful Spanish style Mediterranean patio garden. Spanish Rings are simple yet stunning. They are easy and quick to fit on to walls, trellises and downpipes or posts. They brighten up a patio garden, fence, house wall or back yard. They make an attractive garden accent or garden ornaments.

Spanish Rings are available to hold standard flower pots with a rim-to-rim diameter of 5"/12.5cm, 6"/15cm, 7"/17.5cm or 8"/20cm. Spanish Rings are coated in different coloured PVC to protect against the weather, popular colours are dark green, terracotta brown or black. Spanish Rings are strong and last for years they are manufactured from mild steel.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas To Spruce Up Your Home Appeal

Your backyard is a great place to sit back and relax. Some well planned landscaping can transform your backyard into a private getaway that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. Getting some backyard landscaping ideas is the first step to creating your own private cove amidst a busy world.

Know your budget before you begin your landscaping project. This allows you to get the maximum in quality for your backyard landscaping items. Don't get something cheap just because you can. Make sure you are getting high quality and durable materials, or you will pay for it in the long run.

Also, sketch out your landscaping ideas before you begin buying anything. It is important to know what you plan on putting in your backyard before you actually spend any money. You need to know that all of your ideas are going to fit in the space that you have. This will also help you determine the approximate cost of your backyard landscaping and aid in planning your budget.

A properly landscaped backyard can create an atmosphere that will have your family outside in the backyard more than inside the house. Having a place to sit back and relax is important. If you have a beautiful backyard and no place to sit, you cannot enjoy your backyard to the maximum potential. Determine what type of seating would complement your house, style and backyard. Patio furniture sets are a good place to start looking for ideas. Keep in mind the different types of materials used. This may later help you decide what other features to place in your backyard.

When you begin to do the actual landscaping, make sure you list all of the items you will need beforehand. Buy the right tools for the right job. Don't try to cut corners and skimp on materials. Make your backyard a place that you are proud to show visitors and guests to your home. A properly landscaped backyard will be a wonderful gathering place for parties and family events.

Ponds, waterfalls and water gardens can add a sense of tranquility and peace to your backyard. Flower gardens are also a great way to enhance the landscape of your backyard. Wild flower gardens can create a wonderful centerpiece and are certainly something to consider when jotting down backyard landscaping ideas.

Backyard landscaping can not only enhance the appeal of your home, but it can also increase the value of your home. Additionally, landscaping is a great form of exercise. Well thought out backyard landscaping can even help reduce your energy costs. Creating a windbreak with trees can keep your house warmer in the winter. And planting trees close to the house can provide cooling shade in the summer.

Of course, all backyard landscaping ideas should start with your personal and family styles in mind. If possible, ask the whole family to brainstorm ideas for your backyard. This can help create a place that everyone in the family enjoys in their own personal way. It is a great way to spend time with your family, as well.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Increase Your Home's Value

If you're looking to increase your property value, your backyard landscaping is nearly as important as the landscaping in the front yard. While attractive front and side yard landscaping helps make a good first impression on a prospective buyer, backyard landscaping may help convince him to actually purchase the house at your asking price. The trick, however, is to choose the types of landscaping that will bring you a good return on your investment of both money and time. Contrary to popular belief, completely revamping your home's landscape isn't always the best way to go. Chances are, all you'll need to do is spend a little time getting your existing landscape in order.

Clean up The Main Features
Before you add anything to your backyard, make sure the basic landscaping features look as good as possible. Get your lawn, shrubs and trees in good condition and make sure they look well manicured. Repair any damaged walkways, patios and decks and pull up weeds growing in or around them. Install edging around your lawn and flower beds for a neater, more finished look. Clean or replace features like sheds, lighting fixtures and statuary. Because you see your yard regularly, you might not notice areas that have begun to look run down, so it can help to invite someone else over to point out any messy looking spots you might have missed.

Minimize Maintenance
The landscaping in your backyard shouldn't give a prospective buyer visions of endless hours of exhausting garden work. Consider removing plants that need a lot of care, such as exotic species, plants that drop a an abundance of needles, leaves or messy fruit, and species that may become invasive. Replace these with local native plants whenever possible. These species thrive in the wild in your locality, so they'll require almost no care in the garden. Apply sufficient mulch to flower beds so you don't have weeds popping up a week after you clear the bed. Develop bare spots or hard-to-landscape slopes into rock gardens, which look attractive, but require only minimal upkeep. If you have any tight spots that are hard to mow, create a flower bed around the area. This way you'll only have to mow around the edges of the bed.

Block Unpleasant Views
Unless you do something to minimize or improve their appearance, common items like propane tanks, stumps and sheds can become eyesores that make your backyard look junky and unkempt. In most case, there are simple ways to hide or spruce up these items. Install a trellis or fence panel in front of the propane tank and plant a climbing vine like sweet pea or clematis to block the view. Dress up a stump by drilling holes in the top, filling the holes with dirt and planing flowers. Paint the garden shed to match your home, install a weather vane or other simple decor, and plant tall plants like daylillies or ornamental grass around the perimeter.

Tropical Backyard Landscaping Ideas - How to Have a Relaxing Backyard

When we think of vacations, we automatically think of white sand beaches and palm trees. If you want to have a piece of this relaxing ambiance, then you should be on the lookout tropical backyard landscaping ideas.

It'll be very dandy if you can take the tropics with you. It'll make for a very refreshing environment. If I may say so, it will even feel like you are taking a vacation all year round if you have this kind of landscape right in your own backyard.

There are major considerations to achieve this kind of landscape. And whether you will hire a landscape artist or you design your own, fact remains that you still have to go through every aspects of landscaping so you get the kind of landscape that's perfect for your home. Some of these are:

Plants

Plants play a very essential role in achieving the tropic feel of your backyard. The choice of plants you are going to feature in the landscape is one important thing you need to focus on. In choosing the plants, you need to think of those kind which is easily associated with the main theme of your landscape, which, in this case is the tropics.

For example, when you think of tropical vacation, you can immediately picture out palm trees. The same goes when choosing which kind of flowering plants and ground covers you're going to use.

Fixtures

From pathways to stones to outdoor furniture, each of these fixture must complement with the overall theme of your landscape. Due attention should be given when selecting the furniture and fixtures found in your backyard.

Pathways for example, are important for you to enjoy thoroughly the lush greeneries in your backyard. You can complement it with shells or tropical stones scattered around the whole place. If you are deciding on furniture, it is best that you go for wooden ones or at least those that complement the surroundings.

Water Features

Water is one of the key feature in tropical backyard landscape ideas. Most landscape of these types include a pool as the focal point of the whole landscape. If a pool is out of the question, have at least a fountain or a pond included.

Water is both refreshing and very stimulating. There's something definitely relaxing when we get to hear splashes or even the gentle sounds made by flowing water. Thus, this feature helps enormously in achieving the look as well as the feel of your backyard landscape.

Creative Backyard Landscaping Ideas To Make Your Neighbors Jealous

Want a backyard you can be proud to show off? With a little creativity, a backyard landscape can be a lot more than some grass and a swing set. Take a look at these uncommon backyard landscaping ideas to get some ideas for your own home.

Touch Garden

Landscaping doesn't have to be all about color. Plants with touchable textures add another element to the gardening experience and are especially good for curious young children and the visually impaired. Once you start looking, you'll be surprised at how many touchable plants there are. Some favorites are papery plants like money plant (Lunaria annua) and Statice (Limonium latifolium), plants with fuzzy leaves like woolly thyme (Thymus praecox), Horehound (Marrubium spp.) and Lamb's ear, and feathery plants like astilbe (Astilbe spp.) and dill (Anethum graveolens). Plant them next to walkways and seating areas to make them even more inviting.

Zen-Style Garden

If you're looking for very low-maintanence backyard landscaping idea, a Zen-style garden may be for you. Creating a true Zen garden would require an understanding of Zen philosophy, but you can easily reproduce the design of these meditation gardens. A Zen garden is a dry landscape garden in which the elements of nature are represented by a composition of sand or moss, gravel, stone and rock. Plants are limited to small evergreen trees, ground-level greenery, and a few modest flowers. Many Zen gardens also include raked gravel, but this is the only element that's designed to replicate nature.

Foliage Garden

Flowers aren't the only things that can bring color to your backyard. A foliage garden is a low-maintenance backyard landscaping idea that provides as much show as any flower garden. Plants with foliage in rich wine red, golden yellow, cool blue, and silvery gray can fill the landscape with color all year round. Look for plants that provide not only color, but interesting textures and shapes, too.

Vertical Garden

Want to squeeze a big garden into a small backyard? With a little organization, it can be done. Choose trailing, climbing, and container-friendly plants to create a space-saving vertical garden. Using baskets, window boxes, and pots filled with trailing plants is one of the easiest ways to do this. For a unique way to organize pots, try one of the upright plant-holder poles that use hooks to hold up to nine pots in a straight-up row with each pot angled differently to add interest. Raised beds and terraces are another vertical option. These make it easy to improve your soil in limited areas and, if sturdily build, provide seating, too. If you've got a garden wall, besides training climbing plants on it, you can attach hooks or brackets to hang baskets, plant small flowers in cracks between stones, or add a wall-mounted fountain or other decor.

landscaping your front yard may take precedence, but don't neglect the backyard, either. If you're planning to landscape your backyard, take time to browse through as many different backyard landscaping ideas as you can to find designs that not only look good, but fit your personal needs, too.

Three Backyard Landscaping Ideas Even a Novice Landscaper Can Implement

Getting the look of a beautiful backyard can be a challenge to even the most gifted gardener. However, there are several techniques that you can use that will give your yard a look of splendor with little effort. If none are popping into your mind, don't worry. Here you will find some of the more commonly overlooked ways to make your backyard interesting and inviting.

One of the best ways to shape and mold any backyard is to incorporate the use of deciduous trees into your backyard landscaping ideas. They will instantly increase the natural beauty of your yard and their hardiness allows them to hold their color in even the coldest regions of the country. Evergreens are another great plant to bring into the scheme. These spectacular trees can easily grow into a wonderful wall of lushness. Their inviting tone will inspire a feeling of welcoming to any yard. And these trees look great throughout every season.

Having a sense of togetherness and fullness in your yard is key to maintaining that overall look of lavishness. Both the evergreens and deciduous trees will accomplish this. There are many other types of trees and shrubs that you can add to your backyard landscaping ideas that will stay green as well. Check with a landscape professional, or go to your local nursery. Any of these people will be able to advise you as to which trees will work best in your area.

In the southern states, palm trees can be placed in such a way as to provide privacy and beauty. Arborvitae, in the northern regions look magnificent when they fill in. And both of these trees require little to no maintenance. Remember too, that flowering trees and bushes will stand out beautifully against these backdrops if positioned properly. Make sure you know the maximum height and width your plants will naturally grow to, and do not plant them too close together.

Hardscaping, using rocks and other non-living elements, is another great backyard landscaping idea. Natural rock walls can be found in many yards in the north, and even manufactured rock can be placed strategically in southern gardens. By placing an arbor or trellis with beautiful flowering vines in between the deciduous plants, you can create a whole new sensation and purpose to a row of hedges. Adding these simple touches to your yard will maintain its appeal and will keep your eyes from getting bored.

The use of fences is another great way to break up the boredom of some backyards. A fence separating a row of hedges and non flowering plants can prevent the plants from getting lost in the greenery behind it. Fences, rocks and walls should never be left out of backyard landscaping ideas. These engaging elements add dimension and diversity to almost any yard. And once installed, the only work they become is a work of art.

5 Great Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Green Your Garden

Dare to be different with some fresh backyard landscaping ideas. Backyard landscaping ideas are legion, and can be used to transform a common old block of land into something quite marvelous.

Backyard landscaping ideas 1 - Spanish Style Vertical Garden

A vertical garden will really make your backyard landscaping ideas come to life. Now you can look at a blank wall as if you are an artist about to create a work of art. The blank wall is your blank canvas you will transform into a beautiful living picture of pots and flowering plants that can change into a riot of color all years round.

Spanish style flower's pot holders are available that are specially designed to carry plastic or terracotta pots or even wicker work conical baskets. Spanish style flower's pot holders will give a real flavour of the Mediterranean. Spanish style flower's pot holders are inspired by the narrow, winding alleyways of Southern Spain.

The Best of Spanish style flower's pot holders:

* Strong (being made of mild steel and last for years)
* Available in different sizes
* Simple and easy to handle

Backyard landscaping ideas 2 - Feng Shui Style Garden

In Chinese gardens feng shui is an underlying factor throughout many Chinese gardens. Feng Shui garden landscape designs mostly incorporate mountain (Shan) and water (Shui) energy since the basic of Chinese gardens originated from the art form called Shan Shui, meaning mountain-water

Mountain energy symbolizes good health, harmony and stability. It is yang, strong, hard, tall and vertical. One can identify this energy in actual mountains, higher terrain and mounds. Virtual mountain energy can be realized in boulders, raised planting beds and walls.
 

Backyard landscaping ideas 3 - Patio Backyard Design.

There are three type of Patio backyard Design - Open patios, patios that are enclosed and patio that is placed right outside or connected right your home. Open patio utilized your home's outdoor space by decorating it with different materials and with furniture whereas in closed patio basically use walls commonly glasses wall or sliding wall. The last one of patio design ideas - patio that is placed right outside or connected right your home. The good thing about this patio design is you can easily transfer inside your home then to your patio and vice versa since it is very accessible.

Backyard landscaping ideas 4 - Japanese Backyard Garden

Japanese water gardens are popularly called as koi ponds. Before building these gardens you should think about the material to be used for building them. Some of the great building elements which can help you in designing a pleasant natural garden are Bamboo screens, high stone walls and weathered wood. Other than that, you can choose miniature gardening which include bonsai tree and water elements (ponds).

Backyard landscaping ideas 5 - Foliage Garden

Foliage Garden is the flowerless garden. Do you realize that flowers aren't the only things that can bring color to your backyard? People always talk about the rose garden, the dahlia bed, the wildflower meadow when they thinks about garden but they ever seems to talk much about the leaves. But, if you look back at the woodland garden in summer, no flowers, there are only ferns and heuchera and other leafy things. The fact is Foliage garden can be beautiful alternative of garden which consist of flower.

Free Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Landscaping ideas is for an outdoor living space which is good for outdoor spare time or for simply for beautiful backyard. Families may have different free backyard landscaping ideas depending on the size and shape of the backyard. People who want to spend a lot of time in their yard may like to use open spaces for family-type activities and others may want an outdoors that invites wildlife onto their property.

The land size and shape is considered for the free backyard landscaping ideas, however regardless of the shape, most expert landscapers want to have at least one central focus on which all other aspects of the landscaping is based . They may like to have a fence in their backyard to keep out some of the wildlife; both from nature or the neighborhood, and all of their other free backyard landscaping ideas will have to be arranged around it.

Another key when considering free backyard landscaping ideas is to make sure that local zoning law and rules are obeyed. Some communities limit the amount of accessories that can be used in the yard for instance, there may have limitations on using the types of fountains and waterfalls. If anybody is planning to add a pond as part of a small creek on their property, it may not be allowed if it interferes with what could be a natural waterway.

Making Space Inviting To Wildlife

It can amaze some people how planting a few trees or flowers can increase the presence of birds and butterflies and planting an area of wildflowers is one of the free backyard landscaping ideas that put out this invitation. In addition to adding color throughout the growing season they can draw in birds, which in turn, might help decrease the population of flying pests such as mosquitoes.

Always Remain Mindful Of Safe Environment

When considering free backyard landscaping ideas it is important to keep in mind to protect our environmental space. If we are setting up a small pond or other area where water could be accumulated, remember that all insects that thrive on stagnant water are not going to be friendly. Last thing we want is a swarm of hungry mosquitoes and if a water pond is part of the free backyard landscaping ideas being considered, this is why, there must be means to keep the water clean and to avoid any chance.

Successful Backyard Landscape Ideas

Coming up with backyard landscape ideasis not always easy. Did you spend weeks picking out the current color for your house and landscaping your front yard, only to neglect the backyard and hide it with a big fence? A good backyard landscape plan is a key element to having a beautiful home that will feel finished and net you higher dollars when you sell. Curb appeal is a marketing term for how your house looks from the outside, does your house have backyard appeal? If not than you will want to continue reading this article and learn more about backyard landscape ideas.

We spend a lot of time and energy in decorating our houses and making them a home. Do the same for your backyard with landscaping and you will add another room to your house. A well-designed backyard-landscaping project will cause you to want to spend time outside enjoying the landscaping and nature. To start designing your new backyard landscape spend some time thinking about what you want to see in your yard and do with your yard, bushes, and trees during each season of the year. Do you want green trees all year, a lot of flowers and color in the spring, and lush grass in the summer? Or maybe you like more low maintenance plants and shrubs.

Backyard landscapes have evolved from lawn and a sprinkler to new modern designs involving pools, spas, barbeque pits, tables, couches, and dishwashers. The modern idea for a back yard has become an outside room that you can use many months out of the year. backyards are the screened porches of the twenty-first century but before you start digging the hole for the pool do some research online to view pictures of what other people have done with their backyards. Spend some time thinking about what aspects of their designs you like and what you dislike. Research the appliances you want to use and see if others have recommended the appliance for use in your area. After all what works in a backyard in California probably won't work out as well in Maine.

Once you have your backyard landscape ideas you can start making a plan on how to achieve your backyard goal. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person you can find plans and instructions online to complete your backyard-landscaping plan. If you do not have the time or the desire to complete your backyard-landscaping plan yourself, search online for a backyard-landscaping contractor. You will find many people who are ready and willing to take on your project and give your backyard the appeal you never imagined possible.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

There are as many ways to landscape a back garden, as there are ideas that the imagination can create. First however, there are considerations to take into account.

1) Size of back garden or yard
2) Soil quality
3) Tree coverage
4) Privacy
5) Light
6) Shade
7) Seasons of the year (heat and/or freezes)

These items are important to consider because they determine the type of plants you will plant, where you will plant them and how many plants you will plant.

Following are some ideas for your garden landscaping:

Plant beds with pathways--To have pathways in your backyard landscaping ideas is a nice complement to your home. They can be areas where you put down mulch or sea shells and lay bricks or some type of stone around them to define them. Yes this requires some expense and work but it is well worth it when completed. Planting flower/plant beds around the pathways creates a relaxing and enjoyable use of backyard space.

Grass--Many people have an all grass back garden. This is particular true for families with pets that need an area to run around in and use the bathroom. Grass is fairly easy to maintain. It requires mowing and weeding but overall it is a good choice for a family that wants minimal maintenance.

Fenced in backyard--Fencing in a garden is a good idea if you have pets. It's also great in the privacy that it presents. Inside the fence, the yard can be landscaped however you want to do it; all grass, pathways, plants and grass....

Pool with a concrete or stone deck--If there is room and within budget, adding a pool, particularly in warm climates is an ideal way to landscape your back yard or garden. Around the pool you can have any type of decking that you desire; stone, concrete, brick, plants in beds...Pools are great places to have social events as well. Add a grill near the pool and you have just the right ingredients for a wonderful party.

Screened in porch--Adding a screened in porch to your backyard is always an attractive alternative. Screen porches provide for night time relief from mosquitoes and bugs that like to come out at night. Most also have a patio with them that can include a grill and chairs with plants in beds around them.

Jacuzzi-- A Jacuzzi is a wonderful part of any backyard. Many commercials are seen with people in Jacuzzis sipping wine in a backyard. They make a romantic and pleasant get away right at home.

Landscaping your backyard is an exciting and thoughtful project to complete. Think about how you want to make use of it and do it!