A home garden can be a difficult project to start especially when you don’t have a clear idea of what you want the final result to be. It isn’t as simple as throwing a bunch of decorative plants, a nice lawn, and a couple of patio pieces together.
In order to build your own backyard paradise, you need to have a conceptual plan/layout that complements several key factors in bringing your backyard landscaping design to life.
Key factors that you should consider before your start:
Size of your backyard
The size of your backyard is probably the most important factor in designing your backyard. If you don’t have the space for a pool, or a patio set, then your conceptual plan will have to change based on how you utilize the space. Additionally, it’s important to keep your backyard looking dynamic, realistic, and uncluttered.
Photo by Shaun Montero
Budget
Budget is key in determining how you can start and progress through your project but shouldn’t be a deciding factor in it. This is because you can always segment your backyard additions depending on your own financial situations. Break up your project into stages and complete stages at your own planned pace.
Climate
Climate will affect what type of patio furniture you want to use, what type of plants/greenery you want to add to your backyard, etc. For instance, if you live in a climate that gets a lot of precipitation then you need to think about furniture and accessories that are durable but or are easy to bring in or cover.
Use and Functionality
What do you want to get out of your backyard? Are you planning to host parties, have friends/family over? Is it going to be your own place of peace and solitude? Is this to increase the resale value of your home?
Theme
You need to have a theme in mind when planning out the design of your backyard. It probably wouldn’t look appealing if you had tiki torches, with modern minimalist patio furniture. Having an idea of the kind of furniture, lights, plants, if you want to have a walkway, if you want to have a fire pit, etc. and how all of those features pair together is important to think about before you start building your backyard. Keeping these factors in mind it’s time to dive into the 10 features that brought you to this article.
Photo by Roberto Nickson
10) Lighting
Photo by Marco Cisneros
There are many different varieties of outdoor lighting that you can utilize to achieve the look and feel you’re going for. Lights stringed on a deck/patio, stone lanterns on a pathway, light strips along steps are just a couple options. The trick is to find a balance between the amount of lights you want to use as well as the amount of different types of lights you can use.
9) Plants/Garden
A garden can liven up a backyard, filling it with exuberant colours and enchanting aromas. It offers a contrast and balance to the rough textures and fabricated materials of wood and stone. When planting a garden consideration needs to be paid towards the amount of space you have in your backyard, and the arrangement of plants. For example, if your backyard is small you don’t want to overcrowd it with too many plants that would cause it to look crowded or too many big trees that would leave your backyard looking dull from the foliage.
8) Pond/waterfall
A pond and waterfall can turn a backyard into a serene oasis. Like a garden, the space of your backyard and the arrangement of your waterfall and pond need to be taken into a consideration. However, when done correctly it can create a natural and real scene. Pairing it with a pathway, lighting, and possibly a small bridge are just some ideas that can complete the scene.
7) Barbeque
If you are looking to host backyard parties and gatherings, where you can bring close friends and family together then a barbecue is a must. Nothing screams summer like backyard barbecues with friends and family on hot summer days.
6) Deck/Walkway/Patio
A backyard isn’t complete without a patio where everyone can gather around to relax, dine, and share laughs together. There’s something about sitting amongst friends and/or family over those warm summer nights under the stars that is so comforting and peaceful.
Photo by Jason Boyd
5) Patio Furniture
If you are going to have a patio, you’re going to need patio furniture to complete it. When buying a patio set go for ones that will last. It is important to take care of your patio furniture by storing it inside the house in the winter months.
4) Pool
Putting in an in-ground pool is an expensive addition for a backyard but doing so will increase the value of your home and give your backyard an entertainment feature. If you do decide to have a pool in your backyard you can choose between the most popular types; saltwater, mineral, and chlorine.
3) Canopy/Umbrella
Photo by Randy Fath
A canopy or umbrella is a good investment to make for a patio set to provide some coverage when you’re relaxing outside under the sun. It’s a good idea to have a budget in mind when planning to buy a canopy or umbrella as the cost of these items can range from relatively inexpensive to pricey.
2) Heaters/fire pits
Photo by madhuja chore
Heaters and fire pits provide warmth on cool nights, but there is a distinction between them. A fire pit provides a captivating visual centre piece where everyone can gather and sit around. Heaters are usually placed on the side of your patio to provide ambient warmth.
1) Accents/Accessories
Throw pillows , blankets, hammocks, and bar carts are just a few examples of different types of accents and accessories you can purchase to put the finishing touches on your backyard paradise. One thing to note is that the price of certain accents can be surprisingly expensive, and it is very easy to lose track of spending for these purchases. A perfect example is accent pillows. Pillows can average around $20-$30 per pillow, and if you do have a patio set you will probably be looking to purchase several pillows.
