Landscaping for the Backyard

Maintenance Considerations

• Before deciding on a garden as the centerpiece for your backyard landscaping design, familiarize yourself with the maintenance requirements for that feature. Flowers in particular require a substantial commitment of time. Maintaining a perfect backyard lawn requires attention and devotion. A low-maintenance alternative to a grassy lawn is incorporating ground cover and ornamental grasses as a defining feature.

Border Fence

• When considering a fence running along the border of your backyard, look closely at choosing a type and style of fence that complements vines and climbing plants. A wooden fence adorned with intertwining plants can become the focal point of your backyard landscape design. Match the wood of the fence with a container garden using old wooden barrels, carts or an antique wheelbarrow.

Shrubbery Fence or Wall

• Landscaping creates a more aesthetic sense of privacy than you would get from a simple privacy fence. Place a row of tall, thick shrubs, such as hemlock, along the border between you and your neighbor. This affords you more privacy when you engage in backyard activities and serves to block strong winds. Depending on the type of shrub, this natural dividing wall can also produce a pleasant scent.

Desert Motif

• Cactus plants are particularly hardy and very low-maintenance, yet capable of providing an instant personality. Succulents and cacti are available in a wide variety of colors and shapes, allowing you to provide diversity to your landscape design.

Patio or Deck and Accessories

• Landscaping design extends from natural to manmade materials, so include plans for a backyard living space where you can entertain yourself and guests. The addition of a deck or patio can be the centerpiece of your landscaping plan. Add depth to these outside structures by incorporating an outdoor kitchen area or an exterior fireplace. Another way to add some architectural interest to a patio is to divide it in two courtesy of a runnel that runs between the two sides. A runnel is a very narrow trench with running water.