Peaceful Backyard Landscape Design Ideas

Life can be pretty chaotic: our jobs, our homes, and our families can make a lot of demands on our time. But one of life's most soothing resources can be found right in your own backyard. Landscapes that provide a feeling of peace and tranquility are not only beautiful - they're good for the soul, too. And when it comes to creating a space that's right for your needs, there are literally hundreds of backyard landscape design ideas to choose from. Why not try some of these?

· Butterfly Gardens: What's more beautiful than a butterfly? From the very beginning of their lives, butterflies remind us of renewal and rebirth - and they're absolutely gorgeous to behold. Planting flowers and herbs (like inexpensive marigolds and oregano) can attract butterflies to your space, which makes butterfly gardens good landscaping ideas for small backyards, too.

· AromaGarden:People are very sensitive to smell - more so than you might think. (That's why so many spa treatments involve scented water.) Those in need of inexpensive backyard landscape design ideas would do well to go for smell over sight. Lavender, jasmine and thyme make wonderful additions to backyard landscapes, and can be combined with the flowers and plants already in bloom.

· Fire Pits: 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, like Bluestones, fit well with all backyard landscapes, because they can be as conspicuous or as subtle as you'd like. For those who are watching their budgets, concrete or bricks can create a more modern feel.

· Water: Not everyone can have a babbling brook in their yard, but installing a fountain or koi pond is a great second choice. And because fountains and ponds come in all shapes and sizes, they're an ideal part of landscaping ideas for small backyards. If you have more room - and more of a budget - consider hiring a contractor who can install a small waterfall in a larger pond. You may even attract birds, such as ducks and storks, looking for a quick dip (or a quick bite to eat) during their migration to other places.

· Rounded Patios: Why do we always assume that patios must be square or rectangular? Most things in nature have rounded edges; maybe your backyard landscapes and hardscapes should, too. Rounded patios look best with rounded furniture, which invites intimacy and conversation. You could even install a water structure, fire pit or stone table in the center of the circle to create symmetry. For those who want to feel a little more "at one" with the world, a small Zen garden can be placed at the center of the circle or all around it.

· Hedges: If you have a larger budget - and larger outdoor space - consider filling it with larger shrubs and trees. Hedges are wonderful for backyard landscape design ideas that are aimed towards creating privacy in a natural way. They create natural fencing, thus cocooning you in your outdoor living space. If you want something a little less severe for your backyard landscapes, you can use bamboo instead of trees: it's a hearty plant that grows quickly, and can create a warm and inviting space.

Landscaping ideas for Small backyards

If you don't have a larger yard, don't worry: you can create some amazing backyard landscapes in smaller spaces, too. You may want to consult a contractor before you start digging up your yard, though: sometimes even the best backyard landscape design ideas can become overwhelming in smaller spaces, and sometimes smaller pieces go completely unnoticed. What's most important about your backyard landscape's design are 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 make sure to do your research before starting any project.

Landscaping - Simple Front Yard Ideas

Designing a landscape for your front yard will greatly differ from the backyard, because they serve two completely different functions. The front yard is where people come in and leave; it should thus be the most striking and most accessible area.

What makes a front yard extremely interesting is walkways and pathways with features and designs around it. It seems intriguing and inviting. The front yard should not be elaborate, but simple and uncluttered. Invite people in by letting the main walkway lead straight to the front door. It could be soft and curvy, but not too elaborate as to confuse guests. Frame the front of the house and door by placing smaller plants next to the entrance. You can also try and "soften" the front view by using vertical shrubs and plants and by pruning plants regularly to keep it neat. Grass can add immediate texture to a garden and there are many varieties and colours of grass that are bound to compliment your overall design.

You can also create a "container garden" at the front door with different coloured flowers flanking out in different directions to compliment the colour of the front door and house. Use evergreens that are low maintenance and that will create a year-round welcoming atmosphere. If you have a long driveway or cul-de-sac, create a successful transition between driveway and front door. Pocket gardens with flowers, as well as boulders will break the monotony and create this transition.

Garden furniture is not restricted to the back yard; you can easily incorporate small aluminum or wrought-iron tables and chairs near the front door with umbrella. This will look welcoming and even festive. Adding coloured gravel or mulch underneath will add character. The best option regarding plants and flowers is to use one type of shrub throughout and to stick with one colour, but in different shades when choosing flowers. You can also use arbours, trellises and even a garden sculpture to break the single height of plants and create a second focal point.

Connect the front and back yards with flowing shrubs and flowers on the side of the house. This will lead guests in a specific direction. You can easily create an interesting "island" in the middle of a large front yard by placing mounds of dirt, ground and gravel on large pieces of newspaper (which keeps weeds down). Add shrubs and perennials and create a perimeter with old bricks and stones. You should definitely incorporate trees in all sizes, but take care to not go overboard. Large, dense trees can easily hide or overwhelm a house when it should actually be framing the house.

Light up the house and yard with solar-powered garden lights. These will provide security and are perfect for creating a welcoming, secure atmosphere if you decide to entertain guests at night. These are easy to install and require little maintenance.

Are you ready to turn your outdoor space into a natural haven of beauty and tranquility? Do you want to be the envy of the neighbourhood? Download your copy of landscape Design: The Road to a Beautiful Surroundings now and turn your garden into paradise!

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.