Backyard Landscaping IdeasBackyard landscaping is different than the front landscape in that it is typically less formal and often is designed for specific functions...like sitting outside and relaxing, for one! Entertaining is another thing it is geared towards, among other things. It's wonderful to have a backyard garden design that has a special welcoming feel for you, your family and friends. So what are the three most important parts of a backyard?
Patio and Deck DesignsPatios are normally located right outside back of the house for ease of access to kitchen. Depending on how high up your kitchen floor (or any room accessing the patio) is, it might also be:
If you are very high off the ground, you are better off with a deck. Otherwise, you can use either one. So...which is less expensive...a patio or a deck? If they are both rather low to the ground, a patio will be less expensive.If the structure is a fair amount off the ground, then a deck will be the less expensive way to go. The reason for this is the a raised patio must have side walls, which add on to the cost. Both patios and decks can be constructed of different materials. There are different types of wood for decks, but for patios there is an endless selection with various paving costs. Patio Material Pages
The room where you step down onto the patio is quite a bit off the ground, but you don't notice it as the 2 patios were integrated with the grade. The patio is wet laid bluestone with some brick too. Great Patio FeaturesOutdoor Kitchen Island - there are numerous outdoor kitchen designs from the simplicity of a nice grill to the complexity of adding a sink, counters, refrigerator, and even an outdoor tv!
Here is a kitchen island kit offered by OxBox Outdoor Kitchens that is very basic and affordable, yet it can be custom tailored to your backyard landscaping. The one you see here is an unfinished kitchen island which had a stone veneer applied to match surrounding walls. They can also be ordered completely finished with Stucco or tile! Outdoor Dining Furniture - What kind should you buy and what types look good with what? Outdoor Fireplace - what can be better than sitting outdoors in your backyard landscaping and enjoying a fire on those chilly evenings?! Pizza Oven - these are a lot of fun! See an amusing and fun pizza oven video on my outdoor kitchens page! Patio Fire Pits - fire pits can be built in to the paving or they can be stand alone units. Some units are quite nice, and have the advantage of not taking up space in the hot weather when it won't be used.There are also units out now which provide a combination of fire and a water feature! Hot Tubs - A great addition to your outdoor living space! It's best to locate a hot tub near the house for ease of winter use. In addition it should be well integrated into your landscape design. Outdoor Pergola - Garden pergolas can create what seems to be an outdoor room. They can either be set alone or attached to the house or another structure. They can also provide much needed shade. A garden pergola can be a beautiful focal point in the landscape. Outdoor Garden Rooms - Different areas can create "rooms". Outdoor Living Rooms - Create a space just as relaxing as your family room! Outdoor Dining Furniture - Which type is right for your patio? Outdoor Garden Benches - these make a special focal point! Read about the different kinds. If you'd like to see some more detailed photos of backyard landscaping projects I designed, please visit any of the following pages:
This was a huge landscape design project which was completed in 2009. It included extensive perennial flower gardens, a beautiful bluestone staircase, stone retaining walls, numerous walkways and more.
In these pictures you will see a paver walkway leading to a two level patio with outdoor kitchen, a lovely gazebo with stone columns, and landscaping. Raised Patio, Kitchen and Walkway
PlantingsPlantings can be simple or quite extensive in backyard landscaping. Even if you need open lawn space for children to play, the perimeter of your property can still be planted. You might need privacy plants. Evergreen shrubs and evergreen trees are best for this, although you can mix in other types of plants too. You might want perennials for color. Perhaps you need some shade and want some landscape trees. To get started learning about different plants, visit my page plants for landscaping. Specialty GardensHere are a few ideas for particular types of gardens. These may be individual areas by themselves or they might be incorporated into the rest of your backyard landscaping.
This is a of one of my backyard landscaping designs using old landscape brick for the walkway designs. I thought you might enjoy it. Here is another great with beautiful gardens. Glen is another landscape designer who has designed hundreds of beautiful residential gardens over the last three decades. You can see more of his work and videos at Glen-Hampton-gardens-designs.com Related Pages
Have Questions About Your Backyard Landscaping?Do you have questions about landscaping your backyard? Whether it be hardscape design and materials, plantings, or anything else, just ask! What Other Visitors Have SubmittedClick below to see what other visitors have asked.
Backyard Playsets | Backyard Play Areas
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Designing a Native Garden
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sloping backyard with a high wall on top
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This is a 2 level patio I created for one of my clients. 
