Transform your backyard or front yard design with these residential landscaping ideas, tips, and projectsUpdated 3/23/22
Updating your home’s landscaping is a great way to increase the value of your property and create outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining. Whether you want to focus on increasing your curb appeal with a reimagined front yard, create a backyard retreat with dining and entertaining areas, or both, there are many options and features to consider. Use the information below to start determining what you want in your new landscape.
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On this page:
- LANDSCAPE DESIGN BASICS
- EXPLORE LANDSCAPE DESIGN STYLES
- HOW TO GET STARTED DESIGNING YOUR LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE DESIGN BASICS
Landscape Design PicturesFrom urban gardens to expansive estates, browse hundreds of inspiring landscapes.Landscape Design PrinciplesEight rules for creating a residential garden that is neither fussy nor constraining.Trends for 2024Discover important trends shaping the gardening world in 2024 and beyond.
Backyard Landscape IdeasSee how gardeners around the country have landscaped their backyards both big and small.Front Yard Landscape IdeasSee what gardeners around the country have done with their front yard landscapes.
Hillside LandscapingLearn how to upgrade a slope with these ideas and tips.Designing Outdoor Living SpacesExpert advice for creating an outdoor living area you’ll love.Landscape Design TipsEnhance your garden with these design tips, tricks, and techniques.
Planting IdeasTips for selecting plants with purpose that have captivating foliage, flowers, and fragrance. Expert Design AdviceFour different designers in four different climates share what they learned while creating their own home gardens.
Designing Garden PathwaysAdd or renovate pathways in your yard for function and beauty. Water Feature IdeasAdd a water feature to your yard for beauty and ambiance.Low-Maintenance GardeningCreate a captivating landscape that doesn’t require a lot of work. LANDSCAPE DESIGN STYLES
Garden StylesFrom classic to modern, get inspiration and learn about the various landscape styles.Small YardsSee how gardeners around the country have created wonderful small yards.Shade GardensLighten up a shady garden with a well-thought-out design and carefully selected plants.
Rock Garden DesignEnhance your landscape with this low-maintenance solution.Zen Garden DesignHow to design a space for quiet contemplation with your own backyard Zen garden.Moon Garden DesignExtend your time outdoors with a nighttime white garden oasis.
Meadow Garden DesignDesign a landscape that mimics ecosystems found in nature.Cottage Garden DesignHere are 7 tips to create your own cottage garden.Rain Garden LandscapingWell-designed rain gardens are not only good for the earth, but good-looking as well.
Privacy Landscaping DesignLearn how to make your yard more private with these options.Butterfly Garden DesignPlant a butterfly garden to attract these beneficial insects to your yard.Pollinator GardenLearn how to grow a pollinator paradise with these tips on plants and design.
Drought-Tolerant LandscapingCreate a water-wise landscape to reduce usage and cut down on your water bill.Vertical GardeningUse vertical options to grow more in less space.Sensory GardenHow to design a sensory garden to appeal to all five of your senses.
Mediterranean Landscape DesignEven if you don’t live in a dry climate, you can still achieve the Mediterranean look.Tropical Garden DesignIdeas for creating a tropical garden that evokes the beauty and serenity of far-off destinations.Bird-Friendly DesignTurn your yard and garden into a mecca for birds by filling it with the plants, shrubs, and trees that they love.
Designing With Foliage Over FlowersHarness the power foliage color, texture, and shape in your garden.Explore Regional GardensFrom coast to coast, discover inspiring gardens from our archives.
HOW DO I DESIGN MY OWN LANDSCAPE?
Before you start digging, you’ll need to have a plan in mind. Start with these 4 steps:
- Outline: Start with a rough sketch of your property or area to be worked on. This doesn’t have to be to scale at this point, but should include any permanent features such as your house, shed, large trees or shrubs that are staying in place, areas that are currently paved, patios, pools, etc.
- Measure: Take that rough sketch outside and measure everything. Note the measurements on the sketch. Note where windows and doors are for views and traffic patterns, and also where water faucets and electrical outlets are.
- Transfer: Transfer your property map to graph paper and draw to scale; this will become your master copy. Make note of sun and shade patterns, wind-prone areas, slopes, etc.
- Trace: Use tracing paper over the top of your master copy and begin experimenting with designs.
Is there an app for landscape design?
If you’d like to try your hand at designing your own landscape there are landscapde design sorftware programs and design apps that can help you, such as Home Outside, iScape, Landscaper’s Companion, and many more. Home Outside offers upgraded services from phone/video consultations with professional landscape designers to complete designs done remotely.
How much does it cost to get a landscape design?
As with most home improvement projects, the price can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the project. Homeowners can expect to pay $2000 to $8000 for a professional landscape design to be drafted for their property. As a general rule, homeowners spend approximately 10% of their home’s value on landscaping.
