Plan your backyard living space
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Consider the functionality of the place: How would you like to use your backyard space? Do you want a children’s play area, a place to prepare food, a patio to eat, a quiet sitting area for reading and meditation, a run for the dogs, a pool, water, fire pit, or vegetable garden? Prioritize the activities you are most likely to participate in and leave room for ornamental planting.
Keep in mind privacy. Small urban plots tend to have more privacy issues than large suburban real estate .
Does your neighbor’s second floor window look out onto your backyard?
Is there an ugly sight that needs checking?
Is your backyard fenced?
Divide the backyard into garden rooms. Creating separate areas for different functions will make the backyard larger. Connect rooms with paths or transitional areas and use hedges, containers, plant groups, fencing, or mesh netting to screen garden rooms. The separation can be solid or semi-open to allow light and glimpses into the adjacent space. Read more about how to design garden rooms.
Consider space. Characteristics of larger spaces will have different considerations than smaller backyards. Choose a bistro set or love seat for a smaller space rather than a full-size dining group or sofa section. Stepped stones may be more suitable for a path than a full-size pavement. If you have a small yard, you may not have the space for a pond, but you can still add a water feature like a birdbath or tabletop fountain. Leave enough room for the plants to reach their mature size and use dwarf varieties for smaller areas.
Select the style. Choose solid panels, furnishings, and plants that will complement your home’s facade. A contemporary fireplace or sectional sofa will complement a modern-style home, while a fire pit and Adirondack-style furniture is more suitable for a rustic cottage or cabin as well as choose the spot with a view of the pool and garden.
Draw a design. Make a rough sketch and draft a basic plan. For more detailed projects, consult Green Miles Company
budget. The cost of upgrading a backyard can be significant, and it needs to be determined in advance. Get more than one opinion and consider the least expensive options for furnishings without sacrificing quality. Renovations can be done in phases to spread out costs over time and Green Miles will provide you with a detailed advance quote.
Planting and caring for your backyard landscaping
Soil. If your backyard consists of grass, the soil will be compacted and devoid of nutrients. Test your soil for pH, consistency, and nutrients present to determine the health of your soil and what is needed to improve it. Modify new planting areas to improve drainage and provide a hospitable growing environment for plants.
Plant selection. Choose plants that are suitable for light and soil conditions. Plant trees and shrubs for privacy and shade, and add perennials, ground covers, and seasonal plants for coloration. Choose varieties that bloom at different times and have colorful foliage, bark or berries for multi-season benefit. Include native plants that support wildlife and beneficial insects.
Maintenance. Consider the amount of time you are willing and able to devote to maintaining your backyard landscaping. Some solids, furnishings, and plants are easier to maintain than others. If you have an elaborate landscape, you may want to enlist outside help for mowing, weeding, or other household gardening chores.
Design requirementsConsider crossing over. Ensure that dining areas have enough space around the seating so that people can get on and off their chairs and move around comfortably. Leave enough space on the walkways for walking without shrinking. Connect outdoor rooms with transitional areas, whether it’s a driveway, landing, or bush.
Place the dining and cooking areas near the indoor kitchen to facilitate the transportation of food and beverages. Less crowded areas such as a reading nook or meditation area can be far from the house, which will also encourage you to spend time in different parts of the yard. Provide access between the back and front yard.
durability. Select the best materials you can afford for the budget you can afford. For components such as outdoor furniture, it is more cost-effective to pay more for a durable, high-quality piece in the long run than to replace it every few years.
Stratified crops differ. Use a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground covers of different sizes, shapes, and heights to soften the solid landscape and create privacy. Birds and other wildlife will find the layered plantings more attractive for shelter and nesting
Move to portrait mode. Maximize use of a smaller space by transitioning to portrait mode. Trellises and arbors provide structure, while vines or trailing plants add a lively element. Vines can be used as privacy screens or to hide an unsightly fence or wall, while trailing plants can be displayed in hanging baskets and window boxes. Learn more about vertical gardening.
Lighting savings. Add lighting to extend your time outside during hot weather. Provide driveway, porch and patio lighting for safety and lighting on trees, statues, or structures for ambiance.
Add containers. Use pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes to display plants. The decorative pot can be used as a focal point at the end of a path. Containers planted on your deck or patio add a lively touch. Decorate your back porch or patio with hanging baskets filled with colorful annual plants.
Lighting extends from outdoor time to evening hours in this cozy backyard. Solutions include candles, tree lighting, lanterns, and a central fire pit. Photo: Proven winners.
Safety factors.
Finishing touches. Don’t forget the garden accessories. These can include statues, fountains, bird baths, rain chains, frescoes, trellises, stonework, or mosaics. Give your garden a unique look and support local artists by adding custom cuts.
