Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Landscaping is the care and maintenance of a yard in order to improve its asthetics, especially with plants. Backyard landscaping ideas can be anything from a few potted plants, to a Koi pond and beyond. The size and shape of the property can have bearing on the landscaping ideas you choose.

Potted Plants

All sizes of potted plants placed along the outside of a house, down a driveway or along the roadway gives a traditional landscaped look. Using lemon trees, ferns and large-leafed plants in pots of various sizes and shapes gives a Mediterranean Island look. Plants such as climbing nasturtium spiral out and down the pot's side, with a green and tropical feel.

Japanese Garden

Japanese gardens are a mixture of fish-filled ponds, plants, rocks and ornaments. Koi are the preferred fish for easy maintenance, long life and Japanese reference. Tiered woodwork, banzai trees and paper lanterns complete the look.

Ground Cover

Foliage that grows close to the ground, often with tiny flowers or unusual leaf production, hence its name. Wide spreading bushes are also ground cover. Use colors that complement each other and contribute a striking look to the property.

Fountains

Adding a fountain to a backyard provides a focal point. Fountains with cherubs, angels and fairies give a whimsical feel to a backyard landscape. Foliage near a whimsical fountain should be in soft pastel colors and shades of pink and purple.

Lighting

Lighting makes a huge effect on landscaping. Solar lights are a economical choice because they do not use electricity. Oil lamps and candles also can be used, but are less fire safe. All other lighting needs a power source. Florescent lighting, along with lights which graze and spotlight create a cool underwater effect, resembling an aquarium.