These 9 Landscaping Ideas Will Inspire You
This article was originally published by Forbes in March 2022. While many of these examples span the United States, plenty also rings true for us in Bucks County. Keep reading to learn more about 9 landscaping ideas that will inspire your next project!
Create a Low-Water landscape with Drought-Tolerant Plants
Low-water plants can withstand a lack of rain more than many other varieties of plants. For example, once manzanita trees have reached a mature age, they only need watering around once a month. These unique and low-maintenance trees are great options for your garden or landscape. Other drought-tolerant plants include lavender, juniper, cactus, and bayberry.
Incorporate Stone Pavers to Enhance the Functionality of Your Landscape
Pavers can be used in both large and small areas, creating a multi-purpose space that is perfect for entertaining, washing the car, playing with the kids, or even working on DIY projects. Concerned about drainage? This problem is easily solved by choosing permeable—rather than concrete—pavers.
Integrate Lighting and Other Tech Features Into Your Landscape
You may be outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you need to rely only on moonlight for ambiance or blankets for warmth. Heating, lighting, Wi-Fi, and even electrical outlets are standard indoor elements that can make a significant impact in an open-air living space, says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes for Belgard Design Studio.
Use Rocks to Create Natural-Looking Borders
Josh Bateman, the owner of Prince Gardening in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, gathered stones from his property during the construction phase of his personal home build. He then used those stones to create a definitive line between lawn and garden.
Add a Touch of Tranquility With a Water Feature
Water features can be small (like a mini bubbling fountain that sits atop a patio table), large (like a full-size fish pond) or somewhere in between. It just depends on the amount of space you have to work with - and the amount of money in the budget, of course.
With a bench around the outside (where you can sit and splash your hands in the water) and a smaller fountain that almost appears to be floating atop the water, this custom-designed water feature by U.K.-based Pehrson Scott Landscape + Garden Design is just one example of the types of things you can do with water features (the natural garden scape and the outbuilding turned backyard zen retreat surrounding the water feature only add to the serenity of this distinctive space).
Create a Living Fence With Layers of Shrubs, Trees, Grasses, and Flowers
Naturally, these hedgerows, as they are officially called, create privacy — but they also have numerous additional benefits, such as weed and erosion management, windbreaks, and noise reduction. They even support water conservation and provide a habitat for pollinators. How many “layers” are needed? Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping in Portland, Oregon recommends four or more to get the most out of your hedgerow.
Install Natural Mulch Edging as a Practical Alternative to Plastic, Brick, or Rubber
Whether used as a border for your kids’ play zone or as a way to frame off the perimeter of a flower bed, natural mulch edging is a subtle and simple way to keep grass contained to the lawn.
When done correctly, this edging method will provide a very clean and impressive look, says Josh Bateman of Prince Gardening. The best part? It is very DIY-friendly, Bateman says. All you need are a few tools, a high-quality weed barrier, and time.
As for maintenance, that part is easy, too. “Maintaining the edge is as simple as weed whacking regularly,” says Bateman.
Build a Backyard Golf Course
Love your weekend tee time but can’t always make it out to the golf course? Solve this problem by bringing the golf course home. You don’t necessarily need enough space for 18 holes, either. Maybe a nine-hole course or a chipping course will meet your needs.
In any case, a golf course-inspired landscape means you’ll have clean, green lines and a grassy area that is easy to maintain (Bermuda grass and bentgrass are commonly used for this application, but they aren’t required).
Place Pavers in Creative Patterns or Interesting Places
The placement of the rectangular stone pavers creates the illusion that the pavers are literally flowing out onto the lawn. Pavers can be used in many other striking ways, as well—like in a diamond pattern around a firepit, or to create a life-sized chessboard on your lawn.
Get Started On Your Landscape
Ready to put some life into your landscape? The experts at Nurney Landscape & Design can help create your dream landscape. One contact, no juggling multiple contractors or equipment, and a beautiful, well-managed landscape. That's the Nurney promise. To get started, contact us!
