128 Backyard Garden Ideas: Great Ways to Transform Your Yard (2024)

Table of Contents
Backyard Landscaping Ideas Classic Forms Shady Palms Cottage Garden Arid Landscaping Colorful Palettes Colorful Plantings Hobbit Hole Bring on the Butterflies Create an Oasis Moss Garden Puppy Power Lighting Choices Carpeted Lawns Pick and Choose Soft Lighting Forest Reclamation Ground Lighting Raised Box Beds Urban Area Double Duty Well Trimmed Trees Getting Creative Usable Focal Point A Place to Sit Brick by Brick Border Additions Treasure Urban Reclaiming As Your Children Grow Stackable Solutions Bottom’s Up! Whatever Your Heart Desires Garden Lighting Natural Privacy Peaceful Palms Mixology Mix and Match Integrating the Unexpected Wallspace Garden Carpeting Room to Grow Simple Storage Dry Climates Meandering Borders Well Executed Reclaiming Ground Integrating Slope Rising Walls Hidden Corners Tiered Hillsides Urban Garden Sheds A Place to Rest Seemingly Natural Careful Planning Greenhouse Effect Spring Growth Wrought Iron Metal Rambling Gardens Tulip Boxes Watering Solutions Lacking Borders Along the Fenceline Vegetable Beds Small Backyard Garden Ideas Stackable Temporary Touches City Living Upcycling Options Upcycle Hanging Herbs Claim Your Plot Going Up Garden Borders Simple Summer Fence Space Between Buildings Portable Plantings Cool Shadows Tiered Herb Garden Cheap Space The Artist in You Cold Frame Duty Rocky Terrain Spacial Advantage Sideyard Advantage Small Spaces Narrow Spaces Small Space Solutions Garden Oasis Water Feature Ideas Walking on Water Need a Drink Fish Pond Ancient Attribute Ponds for the Patio Picturesque Canals Canal Cottage Garden Pathway Ideas Rest Your Feet Behind Doors Brickwork Unique Pavers Winding Walkways Arched Walkway Create Depth Textured Contrast All in the Details Hidden Walkways Pathways Creating a Vision Welcome to the Jungle Miniature Labyrinth Peaceful Paths Decking and Patio Decor Organized Relaxation Outdoor Furniture Options Fun for the Kids Shady Gazebos Social Gathering Keeping Warm Looking Up Fire Pit Perfection Quiet Corner Natural Patios Overlooking Views Using Vertical Space Decking Details Mediterranean Inspired Stone Stairways Shady Patios Dining Area Conclusion References

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No matter what size backyard you have, you can apply an amazing array of landscaping designs and various garden features to your space to bring your vision to life.

This long list of backyard ideas can help transform your yard and provide insight into the plans you may have.

It also provides excellent examples to help you envision how to use certain features, such as gazebos, raisedgarden beds, water features, and certain types of vegetation.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

You want to enjoy the space you have for relaxation, play, and entertainment. Your landscaping choices often reflect your personal tastes and styles. The following list provides a plethora of ideas to help you get started.

Classic Forms

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Many people avoidclassical statuary, but the addition of a few pieces are easily placed in larger spaces, add interest, and are an awesome conversation piece. These classic goddesses look as if they are having a conversation in the garden.

Shady Palms

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If you live where your climate can support them, consider adding tall palms to the corners and edges of your property. They do not only provide excellent dappled shady coverage, but they are also incredibly interesting in the growth habits and contrast they provide.

Cottage Garden

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It used to be that everyone had their fenced cottage garden for fruits and vegetables to feed their own families. Although this practice is not as commonly found, you can create your traditional look, complete with fragrant roses andwoven bean towers.

Arid Landscaping

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Although it may be hard to add the greenery you crave in more arid climates, you can create your shady spots to help keep things cool. Use landscaping techniques that do not require a lot of watering or maintenance, and choose plants that do not need a lot of water.

Colorful Palettes

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Never underestimate the variances in foliage color and texture and how they can be used to make bold landscaping statements. Evergreen options also can be shaped and trained into globes, upright additions, or low-growing ground covers for further depth. This yard highlights how this can look, and the addition of seasonal flowers makes it pop even more.

Colorful Plantings

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Well-placed evergreens, perennial shrubs, and annual flowers were used to create this vibrant planting that ebbs and flows with color. Don’t be afraid to move away from a set color palette, as blooms often flow well together no matter what.

Hobbit Hole

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With the rise and continuation of popular fantasy storylines, there are many opportunities to take advantage of their detailed settings and landscape descriptions. This Hobbit Hole-inspired shed can be used as a playhouse, for storage, or even as a backyard office getaway!

Bring on the Butterflies

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Are you looking to inspire some pollinators to hang around your yard?Planting flowers popular with butterfliesis a great start, and if you have space, adding a safe space for them to hang around will ensure they complete their life cycle before migration.

Create an Oasis

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A place to sit and relax, entertain, and hang out is all you need to enjoy whatever space you have. Surrounding yourself with greenery and then sit back and take in your own private, outdoor retreat.

Moss Garden

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No hassle garden, ideas are not too hard to come by. A few perennials and some good pace rock and moss provide a great way to add greenery without the maintenance and work to keep it look great.

Puppy Power

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If you have a pet and a small yard, you probably have wondered why to bother due to the waste of your animal. But did you know that you can influence them to only go in one spot? Your personalfire hydrantis made specifically for this purpose.

Lighting Choices

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Your lighting choices can make or break a small space. Overlight your yard, and it can highlight how small it is, but if you allow natural shadows to fall and pay particular attention to lighting up rather than down, you can create depth and deception.

Carpeted Lawns

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A large, carpeted lawn is the perfect place to allow your children to run and your guests to wander. Proper watering, fertilization, and a maintenance schedule can keep your grass growing and looking its best for lush, green perfection.

Pick and Choose

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Some of the best gardens are not planned and grow according to the gardener’s needs and eclectic likes. Variances in garden sheds and borders, plants, and flowers, are all a part of a fun layout to enjoy.

Soft Lighting

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Soft lighting options allow you to take advantage of your shadowing corners long into the night and provide a new perspective on your gardening designs. Candles, solar lights, spotlights, and small bulb lights are perfect for year-round enjoyment.

Forest Reclamation

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If you are lucky enough to have a large property or one that includes part of an encroaching forest, don't’ be afraid to make it your own. Begin with simple pathways that meander by natural features and flowering shrubs, and begin to add in your touches over time!

Ground Lighting

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Light your garden border beds, water features, and trees from ground lighting options that illuminate your spaces in a gentle, soft manner for nighttime enjoyment, relaxation, and entertainment purposes.

Raised Box Beds

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Placing a few raised garden beds around your property allows you to utilize your space and keep your plants from rambling around. It also provides a uniform landscape while fulfilling your gardenveggieand flower needs.

Urban Area

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Even inner-city yards can be transformed into a quiet backyard retreat. Providing a deck area allows you to take advantage of even more space, as does a small lawn.

Double Duty

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Why not double up the utilization of your furniture to include a planting area? Small yards cannot afford wasted space, and unique ideas are more than welcome.Planting benchescan double as a place to grow your favorite vegetation and allow a place to rest.

Well Trimmed Trees

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Large trees in small spaces tend to dwarf the areas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t include your favorite towering plants in your landscape- you just need tokeep them well-trimmedand dwarfed so they don’t become overwhelming.

Getting Creative

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Are you looking to build your own garden areas from what you have on hand? Create raised beds from just about anything that can hold the proper amount of dirt for your plants to survive. This cute idea doubles as a fun sculpture of a boat.

Usable Focal Point

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Make use of those yard sale buys, and don’t make excuses as to why you can’t take it home. A small yard benefits from some focal points for both interest and a way to showcase your garden blooms.

A Place to Sit

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No matter the size of your yard, don’t leave out a place for you to enjoy it all. Small sitting areas spread out in the space allow you to take in all your hard work and relax and rejuvenate after a long day.

Brick by Brick

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Never underestimate what existing landscaping might be able to do for your backyard vision. Even if you feel old patios or rock gardens ruin your dreams, take a step back and see how you might be able to reclaim them and make them all your own.

Border Additions

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Adding a fence to an existing border, such as this, not only protects your plants but also allows an unexpected pop of color. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of border or another- instead, have fun with the space you have.

Treasure

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One man’s trash truly is another man’s treasure. If you love to go junking, go with an eye towards what might look awesome in your yard as a focal point. Even older, broken planters can be made to look like new.

Urban Reclaiming

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Even the concrete jungle can get an upgrade with a little effort. If you are surrounded by the scenes of the city, attempt to reclaim a small section to beautify and green up. Your neighborhood will thank you.

As Your Children Grow

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Our kids outgrow their toys quickly, and you can donate them or recycle them if they aren’t up to par. You also can pick up whimsical toys at garage sales and second-hand shops for cheap- and most are durable and make the mostunique planters.

Stackable Solutions

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Ladders, a-frame shelving, or anything similar is the perfect solution for astackable potted garden. The angle allows your plants to get sun and water in abundance and the room to grow tall and bloom.

Bottom’s Up!

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Recycle your old bottles intogarden bed bordersthat verge on the ridiculous. But in all seriousness, what an amazing idea for a flower garden; I can see this being a focal point for a winery- or for a person who really likes wine!

Whatever Your Heart Desires

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With the right materials, you can create whatevergarden bed shapes your heart desires. Get creative in your plans to best use the space you have and provide exactly what you need.

Garden Lighting

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Solar lighting is awesome and allows you to put lights almost anywhere you desire. If you have a spot in your yard that is out of the way but perfect forgarden lighting, you will have much to choose from to make it exactly how you want it.

Natural Privacy

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Careful choices of variances in vegetation height can provide a dramatic backdrop that looks like your yard is buried deep in forested woods. Many people use this effect for urban settings to allow for a natural privacy screen and muffle sounds from nearby neighbors.

Peaceful Palms

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If you live where growing large, upright deciduous trees can be a challenge due to climate issues, consider the addition of palm trees. With proper care, these trees allow for the shade you may desire and the addition of an ever-changing texture.

Mixology

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The variances of vegetation highlighted in the garden showcase how you can mix and match heights, textures, and garden features to provide changing interests through the changing seasons.

Mix and Match

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A patch of lawn here, a raised bed, there - and don’t forget a place to sit and enjoy! Just because you have a smaller space doesn’t mean you can’t have it all. Just be smart about how you utilize your area and keep organized.

Integrating the Unexpected

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Hanging baskets can be placed just about anywhere they have a sturdy surface to hang upon. Unfortunately, most people do not take advantage of the areas they can be hung to provide the unexpected pop of color, shape, and texture they provide.

Wallspace

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Garden walls and fencesshould be taken advantage of. Many people forget that even a cinder block surface can be utilized to build off or tapped into as a place to extend a garden. It is especially helpful when you feel you are limited in planting surfaces.

Garden Carpeting

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Many people avoid usingcarpet-like plant growthbecause they feel they do not have the space required. Don’t leave these low-growing plants as they can integrate themselves well into large and small spaces. It also works quite nicely as a stand-alone.

Room to Grow

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Createrows of vegetables and flowersyou plan on harvesting to provide room for them to grow, and room for you to weed, water, and care for until it is time to harvest. Rows also help you keep track of what is where without mixing up your veggies- which can be frustrating with young plants.

Simple Storage

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Everyone needs a place to store their landscaping tools. Simple storage sheds provide room for accessible storage so your tools are easily on hand, and can double as a place to keep clutter under control rather than taking up space in a garage.

Dry Climates

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Dry, arid climates often narrow your vegetative choices, but when care is taken with your choice of plants and also how you plant them- you can bring your garden visions to life. This garden highlights this miniaturized xeriscape that includes desert plantings and potted options.

Meandering Borders

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Many people forget that they are in charge of their landscape design, andgarden bordersdo not need to be all straight lines and angles. Create your meandering borders with well-placed rocks, perennial plantings, and even fencing options.

Well Executed

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These raised garden beds are well measured and placed to provide spacing and ease of use when working between them for planting, weedings, and harvesting. If you are looking to plant for production, this is an excellent way to do so for not only visual appeal but easy organization.

Reclaiming Ground

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Even if you have a cluttered backyard and are not sure where to begin, you canreclaim groundfor the garden even if you know your vision is not complete. Don’t give up on ideas because you cannot landscape everything all at once. Sometimes all you need is to start with the patch of open ground you have!

Integrating Slope

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An uneven landscape should be viewed as a fun challenge that can incorporate fine lines and rocky garden beds that move with the yard rather than cut into it. Embrace the shape your property is in to create unique looks for both gardens and lighting.

Rising Walls

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An uneven terrain provides a lot for your imagination to run with.Rising stone wallsthat double as garden beds are a popular choice to help keep erosion at bay and to provide more surface area for vegetative plantings.

Hidden Corners

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Take advantage of thosehidden cornersand provide depth and visual deception with the use of tall focal features. These help hide unsightly corner meetings and allow for a backdrop for more colorful garden ideas- or even sitting areas as showcased here.

Tiered Hillsides

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If you happen to have steep hillsides, you can easily break this surface area up intoraised tiersthat provide flattened garden areas, help keep moisture runoff from eroding your yard, and also make space look larger than what it is. Rock walling and intermittent steps are showcased here to provide an example of how this might work for you!

Urban Garden Sheds

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A garden shed is a perfect place to store all your gardening materials, lawnmowers, snowblowers, and children’s toys both out of the way and for seasonal protection. A simple wooden cabin design blends well into the surrounding neighborhood to keep your property secure.

A Place to Rest

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Give new life to old chairs as seasonal garden features, or simply provide a place to sit and enjoy a garden; these old wooden benches are the perfect addition to a more rustic landscape design. Take advantage of local thrift shops to find your very own aged effects.

Seemingly Natural

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There is no reason why you cannot provide a landscape design to wide-open areas and large natural features, such as a pond. Although natural vegetation is allowed to grow seemingly unchecked here, carefully placed variances of colors and textures are included in the overall effect to provide a visual to be proud of.

Careful Planning

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Simple and yet so enticing, this carefully planned garden bed looks as if sprung from the ground untouched by man. Only a closer look reveals that much detail was taken with both tree pruning and careful placement of early spring blossoms.

Greenhouse Effect

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This sprawling greenhouse spares no expense when it comes to creating larger-than-life gardens for visitors to enjoy. It is almost hard to imagine that this entire garden is contained in a large bubble in which temperatures are carefully controlled for year-round blooming enjoyment. Also, make sure you know how to properly use a greenhouse!

Spring Growth

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Carefully placed flora around natural features can be an amazing touch to provide an unexpected pop of color and texture. Spring bulbs, in particular, can bring highly sought-after greenery early in the season to get your growing season started.

Wrought Iron Metal

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Wrought iron was a popular fencing and garden addition back when sprawling estates were looking to provide boundaries from one plot of land to the next. These delicate metal lines are awesome for use in any landscape. They also serve as a wonderful addition for seating and gathering arrangements.

Rambling Gardens

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Take advantage of large vertical backdrops to highlight your rambling cottage gardens. Climbing vines are obvious additions but bring in pops of color with climbing roses and other tall, texturized vegetation.

Tulip Boxes

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The great thing about planting boxes is how easy they can be planted to showcase seasonal blooms and vegetation. Various bulbs that showcase the colors through the spring-summer and fall are the perfect supplement to your favorite perennials.

Watering Solutions

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It can be hard to get water to all your garden beds when you have a large amount of land. Forgo inground sprinklers for easy place above-ground choices to help accommodate any garden changes you may want to make in the future.

Lacking Borders

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Many people feel that every garden bed requires a well-definedbordermade of rocks. Bricks or some other noticeable and permanent structure. A well-trimmed lawn or even a hedge can do the job quite nicely and save your budget from a more expensive option.

Along the Fenceline

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Many people prefer to keep their grassy lawns open to the play of their children and pets but still love the idea of a garden.Garden bordersand raised beds are easy to place even in the roomiest of yards along property borders and fence lines that serve as a great backdrop to use for vertical growth.

Vegetable Beds

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Reclaim that unused corner of your yard and divide the area intosmall garden bedsto encompass various favorite vegetables you can harvest all summer long. It is a simple task that needs very little effort other than the amendments of small areas of soil and the care of these small beds.

Small Backyard Garden Ideas

If you love gardening but feel restricted on your space and have held up on making plans because of it, these ideas are about to give you a reason why you need to get to work. Small yards, balconies, patios, and even apartment roofs can all be utilized for a green getaway, and the excuse of not having enough room needs to be put to rest.

Stackable

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Anothervertical arrangement- this towering pyramid of plants allows for you to plant your favorites without the worry of where they will spread out into. These types of designs are perfect for strawberries and herbs as well. Also, check our article to learn more about vertical gardening to find some awesome ideas!

Temporary Touches

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If you aren’t quite ready to commit to a plan or are unsure of where to begin, look to simple container gardening, All you really need are various containers, such as these barrels that have been cut in half, and a vision of which plants to put in.

City Living

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Well-shaped plants and defined borders highlight one of many ways you can take advantage of the smaller, more defined boundaries of city-scaped backyards. Avoid clutter with variances in texture with simple blooms for year-round visual interest.

Upcycling Options

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Think twice before tossing your old pots, BBQs, and furniture. You can easily take these, or parts of them, to use in your garden as upcycled flower planters, fountains, and other interesting features.

Upcycle

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Just about any sort of container can be upcycled into your very own garden. Wire baskets,water containers, or old tanks make perfect places for your garden to grow and bloom!

Hanging Herbs

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Do you want to add a little freshness to your culinary experience?Herbsgrow wonderfully in small spaces, and recycling a hanging shoe organizer into a planter is a great way to help green, garden freshness all year long.

Claim Your Plot

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Nothing helps keep your plot organized and undisturbed than a small fence. It not only looks aesthetically pleasing but is a great addition to a small yard to help unwanted pets and pests from disrupting the growing process.

Going Up

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Container gardens are a great way to have a garden in very small spaces. They fit well on porches, decks, patios, and even apartment balconies. Considergoing uprather than out to maximize your space even further.

Garden Borders

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Don’t waste that unused space next to the garage or fence. Instead, create a few bordered beds and grow your plants upright or along a fence to provide a bountiful harvest!

Simple Summer

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If you have a certain lack of planting space but still want to create a garden to call your own- never underestimate the power of the planter. A few well-placed pots and a choice of vegetation brighten any area to make it picture-perfect.

Fence Space

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Often overlooked as possible decorative planting spots are fences and walls. Hanging pots and baskets are easy to attach and allow you to set up your space exactly how you want it. Whether you keep it simple or fill it up is up to you.

Between Buildings

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Urban gardening is all the rage, and if a plot of land lays unused between buildings, you have your chance to take advantage. You don't need much space to begin to beautify and add in pops of color, texture, and other interests.

Portable Plantings

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Put all thoseold potsyou’ve collected to good use. Even old bowls and dishes make great, decorative portable planting solutions. If all you have is a patio, this is an awesome way to incorporate a small garden.

Cool Shadows

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Narrow yards and the use of tall lattices can help create the structure you need to support draping vines and provide cool, green sunlight to help shade your garden areas.

Tiered Herb Garden

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Have an empty corner that you aren't sure what to do with? No matter what the foundation is, you can easily build a tiered garden planter to utilize as much space as possible and create room for your favorite plants and veggies.

Cheap Space

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Unwanted, usedwooden palletsand the like are generally easy to find once you get looking. Piecing them together is equally as easy to make a backdrop and support for your tin can container garden. Old paint cans are perfect for a project like this and can generally be picked up for free!

The Artist in You

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I think small spaces are the best because they often have the coolest ideas incorporated into them. Rather than thinking traditional, people begin to think outside the box- like with this artist’s pallet that grows all the colors you need to paint the rainbow.

Cold Frame Duty

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You can both protect your plants from climate weather and freezes, as well as showcase them with a simple cold frame. There are many different kinds you can use, but upright ones work best in small spaces.

Rocky Terrain

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Even the rockiest of terrains can be home to a wide variety of eclectic potted gardens and simple features. This rocky walkway is the perfect place to highlight larger vegetative growth and bright pops of color.

Spacial Advantage

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Small yards with big features are most definitely a reality with these amazing floating stairs that save on space and provide an excellent feature. Don’t be afraid to bring your seemingly impossible visions to life just because you feel you are limited by the room you have.

Sideyard Advantage

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Take advantage of any sideyard you may have with small garden beds that are easy to access for planting, weeding, and harvesting purposes. You can also take advantage of vertical growth to save on even more room with the addition of well-placed trellises.

Small Spaces

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This small garden space takes advantage of left behind a tree stump and reclaims an area once overgrown by a large, unruly shrub. Cute, decorative additions and bright annuals bring new life to previously overlooked areas.

Narrow Spaces

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Urban living often dictates small yard spaces and close neighbors. Privacy fences and walls can provide the peace you need but can create an even smaller, more closed-off-looking area. Open up these paces with simple landscaping plans that provide openings and are not too cluttered with larger plants or features.

Small Space Solutions

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If you need to add height to your landscape or are looking for ways to save on space in a small yard,pyramid plantersare an awesome answer to your needs. These provide year-round interest and are available to use with a variety of annual plants, as well as herbs and small fruits such as strawberries that have shallow roots.

Garden Oasis

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If you have a narrow yard, you can still take advantage of a vegetable garden oasis. This bed has been tilled and readied for planting and provides plenty of space for an excellent harvest. As you can see, the yard leaves room for flowers and easy garden access without looking crowded.

Water Feature Ideas

Adding a water feature, even if it is a small one, brings more than interest to your overall backyard ambiance. It also draws helpful insects and songbirds to your gardens, useful for pollination and enjoyment. If you have a water feature already prominent in your landscape, even better! Tie it into your yard to make it flow seamlessly as part of the overall effect.

Walking on Water

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Water features are made even more magnificent with unusual additions such as these stepping stones designed to provide the illusion of walking on water. Get inspired with unique garden pond ideas and make your pond the talk of the neighborhood with this unexpected pathway.

Need a Drink

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Don’t discredit a water feature simply because you have a small space. Recycle all those wine bottles into a wall with a fun disappearing waterfall. It also will draw in birds and pollinators to provide even more color and interest.

Fish Pond

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Having your fish is an experience that brings year-round enjoyment and visual stimulation. The larger your pond, the larger the type of fish you can grow! Take advantage of these features for additional planting experiences as well! If you don't want to spend too much money, learn how to build a backyard fish pond on your own!

Ancient Attribute

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Carefully carved walls, dwellings, and fountains are found in abundance through the ancient cities of old. Revive these architectural touches in your landscape and enjoy a touch of classic garden enjoyment.

Ponds for the Patio

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Patio ponds are awesome and include fountains, boxes, stones, or another structure that can hold water. Theseprovide interestand draw in the birds and pollinators that are so cherished. Plus, the sound is soothing!

Picturesque Canals

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Brighten up the travels of the canal with picturesque garden walls, greenery, and alluring pops of color. If you have a neglected property boundary, make it your next project to spruce up for the enjoyment of all who pass by.

Canal Cottage

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When your lawn brushes up against a waterfront, you most likely want to leave a bit of open space to enjoy the view - but that doesn't mean you can’t have beautiful towering gardens. This home takes advantage of the side yard and the use of a narrow garden bed to provide a larger-than-life look for those cruising along the canal.

Garden Pathway Ideas

Allow your guests to enjoy your gardens with unique pathways that showcase your landscape design and vegetative plantings. Whether you create your DIY walk or take advantage of natural features to help influence your meanderings, it is sure to provide even further interest.

Rest Your Feet

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It’s been mentioned to include a place to rest. Concrete benches are awesome to both sit on or provide a place to raise planters to provide added height to container gardens.

Behind Doors

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One man’s castoff is another’s treasure. Old building supplies are popular additions to use in a landscape to provide an unexpected feature and can be used to create your visionary masterpiece.

Brickwork

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The warm tones of brickwork and the simple, inconsistent lines are perfect backdrops for gardens and simple pathways for garden enjoyment. Take advantage of any brick you have, or add your own to make your greens look greener and your blooms look framed in natural hues.

Unique Pavers

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When we think of concrete pavers, the traditional square shapes come to mind. But what if you could design your own in any shape you want? These circular options are swirled and lined to create cool visual effects.

Winding Walkways

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A well-placed garden path, bordered by greenery, is another way to make your yard look larger than what it is and provide great interest. It will leave your guests wondering where the path leads to next and help showcase your blooms.

Arched Walkway

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Many people feel that an arbor is for larger spaces as so not to dwarf what little room you have. But an arbor can be a focal point for a smaller space. For example, it frames a narrow walkway and is a great way to showcase what lies beyond.

Create Depth

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Place taller greenery along your fences, with clusters of smaller plants and grasses to the front, and create an illusion of depth. Nobody will know that your property ends rather than continues into other unexplored garden lands.

Watering Hole

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If nothing else, a great place to sit and enjoy the company of your friends and family should be included in your yard. Potted plants or even more permanent choices can be placed where you find you can enjoy them the most and provide privacy.

Textured Contrast

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A manicured lawn and pebbled bed are only separated by the pathway- reminiscent of a meandering stream. Your use of textures and colors can provide an effect that not only makes the yard look larger but also creates a sense of wonderment and imagination.

All in the Details

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Small spaces benefit from a pop of color here and there that is from more than just the plants you have included in your landscaping. Stepping stones, small sculptures, and other interesting features can be added sparingly, depending on your interests.

Hidden Walkways

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Create hidden walkways that appear from amongst your plants that look as if they might disappear at any moment. Mix and match your perennials and annuals to provide dramatic differences between texture and colors.

Pathways

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Enjoy your garden by walking within it. This main walkway is a beautiful plank design, but small pathways jut off to provide a closer look and immersion within your planting choices.

Creating a Vision

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This colorful pathway incorporates an incredibly unique vision that uses planters as faux trees to line the border of the walk. Vibrant spills of annual color bring a new life to the area for all who wander along to enjoy.

Welcome to the Jungle

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Bring a taste of the wild to your landscape with draping vines and sprawling ground covers that provide shadowy shapes and pops of delicate color. This pathway is lined with a wide variety of textures to showcase the variances of greenery in both deciduous and evergreen forms for year-round interest.

Miniature Labyrinth

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Create your own miniature labyrinth with well-manicured and carefully trimmed vegetation. Boxwood, in particular, is an excellent evergreen option that allows for all-season enjoyment. These also serve as excellent choices for small garden bed borders.

Peaceful Paths

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Many people think a pathway needs to lead somewhere specific, but don’t be afraid to let it trickle out for your wanderers to contemplate their destination. This lovely flagstone walkway ends at the edge of a garden for your enjoyment.

Decking and Patio Decor

What better way to unwind after a long day than on your deck overseeing all your hard work or cool patio with a refreshing drink and friendly conversation? Decks and patios can be easily added to landscaping or used as part of the overall ambiance. Take advantage of these ideas to create your backyard getaway.

Organized Relaxation

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This carefully planned and organized backyard combines both rustic gardens and modern pavements and geometric design for a place to escape and relax within. Don’t hesitate to use opposing styles for added interest.

Outdoor Furniture Options

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If you do not have a lot of color variation in your yard, but feel it needs a splash of brightness, consider what outdoor furniture you choose, as it can be the option you need when you don't have time for additional plantings.

Fun for the Kids

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If you have kids, utilize even small spaces withsomething they will enjoy. A built-intic-tac-toe board, made from slate and painted rocks, is a great way to keep them busy. Plus, it’s adorable!

Shady Gazebos

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Gazebos are another feature many people with small yards avoid, but they make an awesome way toprotect from the elementsand can be surrounded by your gardens for year-round enjoyment.

Social Gathering

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Always include a place to relax and socialize in your landscaping plans. It is not only a great way to enjoy all your hard work and varying seasonal garden changes but also a way to always have a place to entertain.

Keeping Warm

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Outdoorfireplaceshave become a popular addition to backyard landscapes to become a place to gather and socialize. These structures are easily used all year round and can also work with temporary gazebos and other structures if needed.

Looking Up

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Think outside the box when it comes to utilizing your space. Create a place to sit, protected from the sun, all while allowing your plants to grow and bloom. This innovative approach provides multiple solutions to potted gardens and a place to enjoy them.

Fire Pit Perfection

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You may be mourning the space you want for a fire pit, but this truly isn’t something to cry about. Many portable fire pits exist in sizes to fit your needs. All you need is wood and friends (and maybe a marshmallow or two) to gather and enjoy.

Quiet Corner

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Make a quiet corner into a quiet escape with some simple garden furniture. Use the features of your yard and add whatever decorative options you may have to make your space personal and relaxing.

Natural Patios

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Patios don't need to be made from generic concrete slabs. Rather, take advantage of more natural rock formations that can be settled in your yard to resemble a surface that looks as if it was dug from the surrounding landscape.

Overlooking Views

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Take advantage of any overlooking views you may have, whether it includes sweeping vistas or open plains. Decking and patios are very easy to build into hillsides and create dramatic effects for year-round enjoyment.

Using Vertical Space

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Decking is the perfect place to showcase your planters and bring to life areas that are not usually covered in vegetation. Climbing vines are also the perfect way to create a backdrop along tall walls and green up otherwise barren areas. Just be sure to trim and keep under control your vines, so they don’t get too crazy.

Decking Details

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Don’t leave your decks open and empty. Instead, add variously sized planters and use a mix of textures and colors to bring to life an otherwise boring area. Container gardening is an excellent way to bring vegetation into spaces that may otherwise seem barren.

Mediterranean Inspired

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Even if you don’t live in a climate supportive of more delicate perennials, you can opt to grow them as annual plants- or even grow them in pots that can easily be brought indoors once the weather begins to cool.

Stone Stairways

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Although the use of stone is popular in country gardens, they can begin to look a bit monotonous without added texture and color. Well-placed pots and the use of various greeneries and seasonal blooms can add a lot of interest quite quickly.

Shady Patios

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The incorporation of a shady patio allows you to enjoy your backyard through all seasonal changes, protecting you from rain and snow, as well as direct sunlight. Green up these areas with the addition of small flower beds and fragrant potted plants such as lavender and rosemary to keep biting insects away.

Dining Area

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Convert your patio into a fancy dining area. With this project, the sky is the limit. The center of this idea is a table and chairs, but do not limit only to those. Use other kitchen furniture, such as cupboards, sink, fridge, and more. Add some nice lights to set up the mood and enjoy yourself!

Conclusion

This amazingly large array of backyard ideas should most definitely have you thinking about how to apply gardening techniques, colors, furniture, and other features to your landscape. No matter what size yard you have, you can create your vision for backyard enjoyment.

Let us know what ideas were your favorite and show us how it looks in your own backyard! As always, please share!

128 Backyard Garden Ideas: Great Ways to Transform Your Yard (2024)

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