Countryside Landscaping

Plants

• To re-create the countryside in your garden and plantings, mix a variety of trees, flowers and shrubs. Start with several herbs. You can choose your favorites, but be sure to include lavender, a staple of countryside landscaping. Add several types of roses, along with annuals and perennials to ensure that there are always flowers blooming on your property. Daises, foxgloves, geraniums, peonies, and irises are attractive options. For height, include ornamental trees and evergreen shrubs. Fruit trees, such as apple and peach, are ideal selections. You can also add colorful vegetables to give your landscape more texture and depth.

Stone Paths

• Stone paths and walkways create definition among the flowers, trees and shrubs. There are several types of stones to consider. You can use cobblestone to create a charming, elegant walkway through your yard, or opt for a weathered brick path for a more rustic look. And the natural appearance of flagstone will encourage strolls. Whichever paving material you choose, place the stones so that they form a winding path that complements the wild feel of your garden.

Gazebo

• Create a focal point in your yard by adding a gazebo. A wooden gazebo built from natural material blends well with the landscape. Consider a gazebo with built-in benches or seating, so you can sit inside and enjoy the sights and sounds of your garden. If your yard is too small for a gazebo, opt for a trellis, arbor or arch. Allow flowering vines to grow over these structures.

Accessories

• Images of European countrysides can inspire your project, and items that reflect Old World charm are welcome additions. Statues and columns made of stone or concrete bring a touch of France or Italy to your garden. Stone benches and birdbaths invite visitors to pause and observe while adding architectural detail and complementing a "wild" landscape.