How to Design a Small Backyard Landscape
Just because you have a small backyard doesn’t mean you can’t have an attractive landscape design to decorate it. There are plenty of ideas to add to the allure of your charming backyard. All you have to do is get creative with your space, and you’ll be well on your way to a stylish backyard that brings you joy and adds Fengshui to your home.
This article discusses creative ideas to add to your modest backyard. Using potted plants, decorating vertically, and using alternatives other than grass can change your little backyard into a passion project. You’ll be smoking a pipe in a quaint English-cottage garden in no time!
There’s no shame in asking for help if you need it. There are plenty of qualified, professional landscaping planners out there who can bring your dreams to fruition.
Use Turf Instead of Grass
One of the easiest ways to start your small backyard landscaping project is using turf instead of grass. Grass takes time to upkeep and can be expensive. If you live in a warmer climate, it can be near impossible to keep it watered and looking presentable. Avoid the hassle by laying some turf down and dropping your upkeep expenses to zero. Turf can be just as comforting in small areas as grass, especially if you decorate the rest of your landscape correctly.
Plant a Few Trees
You may not be able to save the earth with how many trees you plant in your small backyard landscape, but you can certainly add to your scenery by adding a few. Royalstar Magnolias or Prairifire Crabtrees are ideal ornamental trees that don’t take up too much space in your backyard.
Planting these trees is a perfect way to start the foundation of your landscaping project. Once you have a few trees in the mix, decorating around them becomes a lot easier. Amidst other decorations, these trees will provide a calming accent to your backyard landscape.
Build a Tiny Patio
A patio is another option that makes sense for people in dry or warm climates. Building a stone patio and using gravel to fill the rest of the space opens you up for many exciting garden opportunities. Stone and gravel aren’t your only options, either. Try constructing a wooden walkway in your backyard. The dark contrast will make the green in your backyard pop.
Create Visual Depth With Multiple Textures
When you’re working with a smaller backyard, one of the easiest ways to add size to its appearance is by laying multiple textures down. Use gravel in one area, mulch, a stone path, and some strategically placed greenery to stimulate the onlooker’s eye. Not only will it make your yard seem more expansive, but it will also be a work of visual art!
Utilize All of the Space You Have- Especially the Sideyard
Many people get discouraged by their yard’s modest plot, and they forget how to use what’s at their disposal. The most common area people neglect is the side yard. Decorating the side yard and using it as a connecting piece to your backyard landscape sets the mood for people entering your backyard. It creates the impression that someone is entering a secret garden.
Concentrate on the Edging Around Plants
Our brains enjoy the symmetry of neatly organized lines. We like patterns that dazzle and wow, like spiral staircases or elaborate vases. Landscape designs are no different. Ensuring your plant area and non-plant area have crisp lines that don’t appear ragged or contorted is an excellent way to liven up your little backyard.
Build a Patio
Building a patio can take a small backyard space from zero to 100, even without decorations or landscaping. Who doesn’t enjoy long summer talks with friends and family or reading a book on a nice day in your patio furniture? If you’re up for it, you can even consider putting a lovely kiln fireplace back there to make it extra cozy.
Extra-Classy Tip: Sunken Patio
If you’re looking for extra points with guests, you can build a sunken patio. Adding depth to your backyard landscape is the easiest way to create space. You can also add shrubs and plants around the patio to make your gatherings feel exclusive.
Add a Fountain
Tiny water features in small backyards accomplish just as much as prominent water features in large backyards. The best part about these nifty little gadgets is that they’re highly customizable. Doing the most with your small backyard landscape project is about maximizing your creativity and expressing yourself through the design work. Make it as little as you need- you might not even want to use it for visual purposes; you might just want to use it so you can hear its babble while you enjoy a nightcap.
Build a Plunge Pool
You might mistakenly believe having a small backyard means you can’t have a pool. But many small backyards have had a relaxing plunge pool to take a dip in. Plunge pools are smaller, rectangular pools that don’t have to occupy your entire backyard. If you live in a warm climate with hot summers, this may be the way to get the most out of your backyard.
Think Vertically
After constructing your backyard patio, and planting beautiful surrounding plants, think about vertical design. Consider building a little arbor or pergola. Doing so will frame your patio and make all the other elements more apparent.
You can also consider decorating your backyard walls with plants. The more vertical decorations you add, the more three-dimensional your backyard landscape will appear.
Conclusion- Make the Most Out of Your Small Backyard Landscape
If you have a small backyard landscape plot, there’s a tendency to neglect all of the beautiful things you can accomplish. Some of the best things in life are simple, and that’s no different when it comes to landscaping projects. Think outside of the box, get to work, and you will be relaxing in your serene backyard in no time. All it takes is a little initiative.
