Coming up with a creative landscaping design for your yard is a dilemma for many home owners. There are several different options when thinking about the design of your space. The first thing to consider is what the space is going to be used for. You will need to come up with a budget. This will help in determine what goes into the space. It is also wise to think about the existing environment. Things such as the amount of light that is currently available or if the soil is really dry all play a part in what can be installed in your landscaping design. This is all a key part in making sure the design coordinates with the space.
Pleasure/Relaxation Area: This space usually begins with a deck or patio area. It is important that the area be kept neat and free of sources that would draw flying bugs. Mosquitoes will surely ruin any area meant for relaxation. Landscaping designs that play into ones desire for quiet often include privacy fencing and elements such as hammocks and comfortable outdoor furniture. Another luxury that could be included in a landscaping design meant for relaxation is an outdoor patio fire pit, hot tub or a pergola.
Recreational Area: A space to be used for recreation and playtime should start with a good base of grass. Often recreation landscaping designs include a play space and swings. My neighbor built a raise space off to the side of his lawn for a tournament style horse shoe pit. It is not a typical pit. It is a stylish space that has amenities such as cup holders, horse shoe holders and a score board. Other forms of recreation spaces that are popular are swimming pools and spaces for volley ball, croquet and bocce ball. In the ground fire pits are also popular where they are large enough for a group of people to sit and enjoy s’mores.
Special Garden Area: These areas are becoming ever popular for landscape designs specifically for a purpose. Fairy gardens are popular as well as butterfly/hummingbird landscape designs. It is also really fun to turn your backyard living space into a sustainable garden. You could include herbs and vegetables that you could then swap with neighbors. My neighbor has a special space in her yard that is set aside just for her to grow flowers that are able to be cut and placed into vases throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. She calls it her cutting garden. Visitors to her home call it a sanctuary.
Miscellaneous Area: This includes all areas that are built out of randomness and have developed into a landscape design in your backyard environment. Spaces such as dirt bike paths and spaces your children carve out especially for them. My daughter built a gnome area and my son has added dirt piles to his paths through the woods.
Your backyard landscaping design is something only you have total control over. Make your yard somewhere that you enjoy spending time in. Make it a special “vacation” area that your family and friends can enjoy with you and spend time doing the things that make you happy. Landscape designs are meant to be something uniquely you.