A backyard is a place for family gatherings, growing flowers and vegetables, communing with nature, and relaxation. Yes, it can be all these things! You don’t have to limit it to just one. With this guide, you can have it all.
To create a backyard space that combines all these elements requires planning. Look around your area and assess which items you’d like to keep if any, and which ones are changeable. Is there a large oak tree that provides valuable shade? Are there hedges already in place? Next, ask yourself some questions:
- 1. Which element is most important to me?
- 2. What type of materials do I want to use?
- 3. What is my budget?
- 4. How much time do I want to spend maintaining the space?
Now, get out the sketch paper and pencil, and start designing! Some points to keep in mind as you go:
- Don’t forget to include paths and walkways between spaces.
- Be aware of city regulations, like maximum fence heights.
- Consider geographical considerations. Is there a large population of bunnies or deer who may interfere with your garden? Is the soil unsuited for vegetables? How can you plan around this?
The Vegetable Garden
Start your planning here. Gardens have requirements, so it best to first decide where to locate it before planning anything else. The vegetable garden must get full sun, have easy access to a hose or spigot to make watering easy, and be on mostly level ground. A dedicated flower garden should have these elements, too, but is more flexible.
If you have space and can spend the time, make it a large garden. Vegetable gardens not only provide fresh, nutritious food all summer long, but they are also a great way to save money. Gardens are also a place to reconnect with nature, get our hands dirty, and find purpose. Planting and nurturing plants is a well-known remedy to reduce stress, something we desperately need in our hectic lives.
Of course, if you don’t have adequate time to devote to a large garden, only plant a small one. Overextending yourself can be a stress-inducer, too. Be realistic. Often it is best to start small and leave room for expansion later. Here are some fantastic vegetable garden ideas, from little to big, and everywhere in between.
If the soil in your yard isn’t great for growing, plan on installing raised beds or using containers. A vegetable garden doesn’t have to be in the ground. There are many options for growing vegetables. Take a look at these neat ideas for inspiration.
Backyards with limited space, or limited sunny space, also benefit from container gardening. Plus, containers add a beautiful design element to your yard. Choose ones that accentuate your space.
Deer, rabbits, groundhogs are often a problem for vegetable gardens. Creating a way to keep them out before they discover it is the best solution. Fencing options are as varied as the space you are fencing. Be creative and adaptable with these fencing solutions. Raised beds are also a great way to keep the smaller creatures away from the vegetables.
The Flower Garden
The magnificence of flowers, with all their unique colors and smells, makes a yard sparkle and shine. Don’t regulate them to just one space. Plant them around the house in color schemes, or containers by height, or scatter them widely for a whimsical atmosphere. Play with colors, shapes, and visual appeal.
Plant flowers for local pollinators as well, and turn your garden into a magical landscape for butterflies, bees, and birds. Research which flowers the pollinators in your area prefer and plant individually for them. Not only are you growing beautiful flowers, but you are providing valuable food, shelter, and habitat for these important insects and birds.
Small places around your yard that seem unusable will shine with a flower container garden. Nestle a single chair among the containers and you have a perfect reading nook.
Large flowering bushes make excellent privacy hedges. Hydrangeas rhododendron and weigela don’t just grow gorgeous flowers; they also create walls when planted together, and can be used as natural separators between various parts of the backyard. Take a look here for some stunning flower garden ideas.
Creating a Gathering Space
What does a gathering mean to you? Will it be just for your immediate family, or do you plan on hosting large parties? Design what works for your specific needs.
A patio, or deck, is the perfect gathering space for parties and barbecues. Add a few flower pots around the deck to blend it in with the rest of the yard.
Pergolas and awnings create large shaded areas for gatherings. These can make a small yard look smaller, so consider a removable option if that is the case with your backyard. A small gazebo is a great addition to be used for gatherings, relaxing with a book, or just sitting and absorbing the blissful yard. These designs are inspiring!
Benches scattered throughout the yard, possibly under a tree or next to a grouping of flowers, are excellent places to relax. If you have a small backyard, small groupings of seating scattered about makes it look larger. Backless benches and slim-profile chairs blend in unobtrusively when not being used.
Tying the Elements Together
Create levels between the areas, so they are connected, yet each is separate. Simple decking stairs or mini-patios work great here. Use stepping stones to create captivating walkways. Or, brick paths for a feeling of grandeur.
Add a fountain in the center of a pathway. Not only does this create a gorgeous focal point, but it will also be appreciated by the local butterflies and birds, adding to the natural appeal of your yard.
Think vertically, too. A trellis with climbing roses or clematis is a stunning visual. It also provides a transition between spaces. Or, it can be used to cover up or block boring or unsightly parts of the yard, like plain wooden fences, or the neighbor’s yard.
However, you decide to design your backyard, make it work for you. There is no right or wrong way. Create a space that will bring joy to you and your family every day.