The most important elements of backyard landscaping and design

Backyard landscaping and design, planting and decorating can transform the garden, fill the outdoor space with harmony and tranquility. It will be pleasant to have a rest from everyday work, spend time with the children, meet guests, or simply enjoy the surrounding beauty. At first glance it seems like an easy task to create a harmonious outdoor area but in reality, this is a serious task which should not be approached lightheartedly. We shall look at the basic elements of backyard landscaping, garden planning and decoration which are of greatest significance for creating a balanced and visually appealing space and are the most important backyard design tools.

Backyard landscaping ideas – where to start from?

Landscape design dates back thousands of years. Remember the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Landscaping is art and work which combines different elements, and creates a harmony and beauty on any plot. Many talented landscape designers have left their name in history and even nowadays the garden of Versailles inspire and admire numerous visitors.

Whether you design a huge harden, a park or a backyard, there are a number of rules and key elements which are essential for the successful landscape. The plan is the first step and if you are a fan of DIY projects, experts recommend that you start with a sheet of paper and draw your ideas so that you have a clear vision of what exactly you want to have in the backyard and how the layout in your head will work in reality. Always remember that excessive garden decor will make the backyard look like a patchwork. In a small backyard you should use the “less is more” principle, so that every element in the design is clearly visible and not lost among all other decorations.

Before you start with the backyard landscaping, you need to take into account the climate conditions. There is no need to explain that they are essential for your garden. The duration of summer, for example, will affect not only the selection of plants, but also for construction work. Humidity, wind, the position of the plot itself are important factors for the design of the garden.

The house architecture will set the appearance and the style of your backyard landscaping. The outdoor area has to complement the house, to be an extension of the home and work in harmony with the architectural style. A contemporary landscape will not complement a house in Tudor style and vice versa. There are many landscape styles to choose from – classic, with strict geometry of lines and shapes, minimalist style, English style, Mediterranean, Asian, rustic but whatever style you choose, the most important rule is that it is in harmony with the architectural style of the house.

Principles of backyard landscaping

Creating a backyard landscaping project features many elements and it is important to understand them so that you are able to design a perfect garden both in terms of organization and appearance. Shape, lines, textures, proportions, colors – these are the guidelines for a landscape design. The location of plants and the correct selected the shape of the trees gives the garden a sense of unity. The lines of the design will help you emphasize on certain elements and set the different zones. Different textures add depth and dynamics in the design and proportion is especially important – height and size of the plants, the outdoor structures and decorative elements have to comply with the rule of a smooth transition and gradual change in the size. The colors in the backyard add to the overall appearance and the atmosphere. You can use them to set accents and the knowledge of colors will help you create a balanced, peaceful and relaxing outdoor area.

What are the most important elements of backyard landscaping?

The basic elements of backyard landscaping include the garden fence which is important for the privacy yard ideas, the decking, the paths between the different zones, the plants, outdoor lighting and of course, the decoration. Based on the needs and size of the site, you need to consider the possibility of combining several functional areas, the type of garden furniture, outdoor kitchen and dining area.

The garden fence defines the boundaries of the backyard and there are numerous options for the design. It also ensures the privacy of the occupants of the home and adds to the visual appeal of the backyard. Nowadays, the choice of materials for the manufacture of fences is really wide – wood, stone, brick, vinyl, wrought iron, concrete, slate,etc.

The deck is the place where you will rest and have meals with family and guests and can accommodate an outdoor kitchen with grill, bar, refrigerator, the garden furniture, sun loungers and anything else that will provide a relaxing time in the open. The decking options are numerous – wood, composite wood, natural stone, pavers, tiles, etc.

Garden paths connect one area in the garden with another and you need to design and construct them in accordance with the style of your garden. When choosing the material for the construction of the path, the intensity of traffic should be considered on the first place as well as the visual appeal. Natural stone, concrete, pebbles, gravel, crushed stone, brick, wood, ceramic tiles, stamped concrete – the choice of materials is unlimited.

Garden lighting can be functional and decorative. Functional lighting helps in orientation in space and provides the safety of movement in the evening or at night. The main function of decorative garden lighting is to add to the visual aesthetics and create lighting effects, accents and highlights. Functional and decorative lighting work together for the overall appearance and are one of the most important elements in the backyard landscaping.

The choice of plants will depend on the climate conditions, on the size of the plot, the style of the landscape design and of course, on the personal taste of the homeowner. The plants are the main decoration in the garden, the green frame of the house, which can transform the smallest backyard into an oasis of peace and tranquility.

The decoration of the backyard provides numerous opportunities. Sculptures, figures, arches and pergolas, birdhouses, decorative ponds and water features, swimming pool and fireplace – all these will add to the unique character and appearance of your backyard.