If your yard or outdoor area needs a refresh, it may be time to consider new landscaping ideas. Making the most of your yard and maintaining it has plenty of benefits, from boosting the value of your home to giving you a comfortable space to spend time outside while enjoying the fresh air. From sprinklers to seating ideas, here are six things to consider when landscaping your yard.
What is landscaping?
Landscaping is the practice of making improvements to a property’s land. This can include installing and updating features or maintaining existing ones, such as seating, plants, walkways, or fences. If you can’t do all these, you can ask for help from professionals. The aim is to improve the aesthetics and practical functioning of your property. There are many different elements and components of your yard that you can landscape, and it will depend on many factors, such as what is already present, your budget, and your requirements.
Drainage Systems
Having a good drainage system in your garden is essential, especially if your home is prone to water damage or affected by runoff from neighboring properties. Investing in professional water drainage solutions ensures that experts can assess your property and determine the most effective system for your needs. Whether it’s a channel, deck, catch, or ditch drain, the right solution can help minimize erosion, protect your home, and preserve the beauty and functionality of your landscape.
Sprinklers
One common reason why your yard and plants may not be looking their best is due to over or under-watering. Forgetting to water your plants or giving them too much water can damage and destroy them. By installing a sprinkler system, you can set timers and control how much water is used. This is great for your yard, the environment, and your bills, as you aren’t wasting water or energy. It makes it easier to remember to water and takes less of your time. You can even get sprinkler systems that turn on when they sense that there is not enough moisture in the ground.
Water Features
One popular landscape design trend is to include water features, such as ponds or a fountain, in your yard. This can increase the value of your home if you ever want to sell, encourage more wildlife, and help to create a relaxing outdoor atmosphere. Fountains are great additions if you already have a pond or similar water feature, as they can help prevent the water from becoming stagnant by keeping it moving. Stagnant water can be very dangerous, and installing water features means that you have to care for and maintain them to make sure they remain a benefit. Birdbaths with fountains in them are also a great idea, as they can bring more birds into your garden, and water features also help to create great habitats and environments for other creatures.
Seating
Making space in your yard to sit and relax is important, as you can spend time and money on landscaping while forgetting to create a place where you can sit and enjoy it! Think about the area in your yard that has a great view or is more private. There are many different types of furniture and seating options, such as comfy chairs to relax in or bar stools and tables to have meals on. You can have a lot of fun matching your seating style with the aesthetic of your whole yard, from incorporating a bench into a wall or hanging hammocks or swing seats. You could also look into more enclosed spaces such as a garden room, a little cabin, or a sun house from a company like Scotts Summer Houses, which will allow you and your guests to enjoy your garden without being exposed to the elements, and allow you to use furniture and decor that may not be entirely rated for outside use.
Storage
Keeping your yard clean and tidy is very important for the aesthetic, practical, and safety functions of your yard. Consider installing storage options, such as a shed, in which you can keep all of your gardening tools and accessories. You can incorporate these storage options into your yard, making them match the design and blend in seamlessly. If you are short of space, you can combine storage with furniture. For example, your seating can double as storage, with the seat lifting up to reveal boxes or drawers. There are plenty of smart storage ideas for gardens available!
Walkways
Adding walkways in your yard can give it depth, texture, and interest, as well as help to keep your lawn and green areas tidier. Common choices include stepping stones, gravel paths, or brick walkways. The materials you use will vary due to factors like your budget and the size of your garden, but they are a popular landscaping addition. Plus, it ensures you don’t have to trample all over your lovely green lawn, either.
