Landscaping Ideas for a Backyard of 2,000 Square Feet

Dimension and Texture

• For flat backyards, you will want to add definition and texture. Weather patterns permitting, try a drought-tolerant landscape and begin by dividing the yard into areas that have different purposes. Divide those sections by adding a path made of decomposed granite that meanders calmly around sections devoted to rock and stone, vegetation and trees. In planting areas, build berms with extra soil and plant native grasses to give the setting a wild personality. Add a bench in one of the gardens and have it face a group of trees or a cascade of lavender. Place another bench opposite the first and create an intimate area perfect for afternoon drinks or a place to entertain.

Modernist Design

• Add a touch of modernist design and divide the yard into areas of exact geometric proportions. For half the yard, build a wood deck that is low to the ground with wood planks going in the same direction for a clean look; against the back of the deck, plant a row of horsetail ferns. Build benches along the outside of the deck for a seating when you entertain, and for added character include a fountain in a corner. Divide the other half of the yard in half and plant one section with lawn and the other section with decomposed granite where you will place large ceramic containers as decorative accents. Grow bamboo in large containers and place these on the granite patio; bamboo has a calming influence and will also grow high enough that it does double duty as a privacy fence.

Gardens and Paths

• Create a dining area, a garden and a getaway spot interspersed with meandering paths. Offer a shaded dining area by building an arbor over a patio with a table and chairs; encourage plants that have climbing qualities such as wisteria, potato vine and honeysuckle to grow up the posts around the patio. In the garden, include a dry creek bed with a flagstone pathway that runs along the outside of the creek bed; plant ground cover such as Shasta daisy or creeping thyme in between stone pavers. The walkway will wind around a large circular cement planter with built-in seating along the perimeter, offering a second, more intimate conversation area. In planting areas, include plants that are big on color and require little maintenance, such as salvia, coreopsis and butterfly bush.