DIY: Acreage Landscaping

Create a natural landscape around the outer edges of the acreage. Plant fast-growing trees around the borders furthest from your house. Make sure they're planted not in rows, but randomly.

Plant natural grasses and wildflowers for several feet in front of the trees. Make the planting beds curved; avoid sharp corners and straight lines.

Set up seating groups. Use comfortable outdoor furniture that will withstand the weather in your area. Keep the furniture proportionate to the area. Use 2 chairs and a small table in small areas. Opt for large tables, sofas and 2 to 4 chairs for large areas.

Include a dining area. Select a level area of the acreage not far from your house, and put up an outdoor dining table large enough to seat 10 to 12 people. Use an umbrella to provide your family and guests with shade. Add colorful cushions to the chairs and flowers to the tabletop.

Use stone pavers to create walking paths to the various destinations in your acreage landscape. Use simple pavers you drop onto the ground to make winding paths through the different areas.

Plant flower beds. Choose flowers of varying heights and colors to create visual interest. Plant bulbs in the fall or spring for early color, and when they're done blooming, plant annuals for summer blossoms.

Leave some expanses as grass lawn for a peaceful place for the eye to rest and to give the kids room to run and play games like football or soccer.

Add lighting. Choose solar lights to save the time and expense of wiring lights to an electrical source. Use lights to highlight flower beds, light walking paths and surround seating groups.