Farmhouse Landscaping Ideas

Pathways

• Many farmhouses are built on large pieces of land that offer several outdoor components, including ponds, vegetable gardens, gazebos and barns. Add a sense of cohesiveness to the landscape by installing pathways that connect them all together. According to the Landscape Design Advisor, paved pathways made out of cobblestone, gravel or weathered brick can accomplish this task. Most farmhouses are built in an informal style, so you can build curved, meandering walkways that are decorated with flowerbed landscapes and resting areas with benches. Light your pathways with lantern lights or ground-level spotlights. Hang hammocks in hidden, shaded areas to add to your property's charm.

Trees

• Many farmhouses are built near groups of trees so that homeowners can take advantage of energy-efficient shade. If you'd like to add more trees to your yard, plant trees that help frame, rather than block, the view of your farmhouse, such as ornamental or dwarf trees like flowering crab apples or dogwoods. These styles of trees feature rounded, lacy shapes rather than stiff, angular designs, according to Handy Canadian. Another way to add a country ambiance to your farmhouse is to plant fragrant, blooming fruit trees, such as plum or apple trees.

Gardens

• If you don't already have a vegetable garden at your farmhouse, get to work. No matter if they're big or small, vegetable gardens work best in lawn corners that have both direct sun and shaded areas. Grow herbs that can be added to your rustic, healthy meals, such as rosemary and basil, as well as flowering vegetable plants like peas and Brussels sprouts. Make a scarecrow out of hay or hang shiny objects, such as mirrors or CDs, in surrounding trees to deter birds from destroying your hard work.

Flowers

• Plant native wildflowers in the flowerbeds surrounding your farmhouse and along your walkways. Choose varieties that require very little maintenance. Add a wooden trellis to your farmhouse's frame and plant colorful, climbing roses on it. Hang flowering baskets along your front porch eaves and place birdbaths or bird feeders outside of your windows.