Tips for Designing a Backyard Garden

Good design can change everything—and that is just as true outside your home as it is inside it. When you’re working on a backyard garden, for example, a deliberate, well thought out design will make all the difference in making your garden exactly what you want it to be.

Today, we’re sharing some of our best tips for designing a garden that is perfect for your home backyard.

Know your goals.

Is this a vegetable garden, a flower garden, or a little of both? Do you want to plant enough food to have the occasional treat, or to share excess with your neighbors? Are you looking to attract wildlife (and if so, what kinds)? Do you want your garden to be peaceful and zen, or vibrant and lively?

What you want out of your garden will change its design. Start with your goals first to make sure your garden will be designed to fit those goals.

Find the right place to plant.

You’ll want to find the right place in your yard to place your garden. If you’re envisioning a walk-through flower garden with a bench and a fountain, you’ll obviously need more room than if you are planting a simple vegetable garden in box planters. Also consider shade/sunlight levels, ease of access, and proximity to existing plants. 

Use vertical space.

If one of your garden goals is that it’s aesthetically pleasing, then you’ll want to make sure you use vertical space in your design. That could mean incorporating higher growing plants, using raised beds for planting, or even creating a “living wall” to add more height and dimension to your design. This will make your garden more visually interesting.

Install watering solutions.

Built-in watering solutions (like a drip system) will make your garden much easier to care for. Smart watering systems can be set to a timer in order to meet your frequency and water amount needs. 

Plant the right things together.

Certain plants grow well together—while others don’t. When you know some of the “for sure” plants you want in your garden, do some research to find other complementary plants to add in as well.

Some duos that go well together include:

  • Radishes and carrots
  • Tomatoes and basil
  • Squash and dill
  • Roses and geraniums
  • Daisies and petunias

Include lighting.

If your garden is meant to be beautiful, you’ll want to enjoy it both day and night. Include some lights in your design to make sure you’ll be able to see those beautiful blooms even after dark. 

Incorporate hardscaping and fixtures.

Pathways, water features, structures, and more can all add to the design of your garden. And with a wide variety of options for each, you can mix and match finishes and features to create a design that is all your own.

Hire a professional landscape designer.

Yes, these tips will help you if you decide to design your own garden. But one of the best tips we can offer is to work with a professional landscape design company. With years of experience to their names, professionals can help you incorporate all the elements you want in your garden while creating a space that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

Your perfectly designed garden is within your reach! Use these tips to help you create the backyard of your dreams and set yourself up for growing success.

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