4. Recreate Your Happy Place
Topiary, the practice of creating ornamental shapes out of trees and shrubs, runs the gamut from elegant all the way to eccentric. And while basic shapes, like cones, globes and spirals, are fairly common (and perfectly nice for many backyard landscapes), the addition of topiary offers an opportunity to add something a little extra to your backyard—something that shows your personality and is unlikely to be replicated at the house across the street.
Ideas for distinctive topiaries include animal shapes, arches, fences and furniture (yes, you can create a topiary table or chair). You can also mix topiaries with hardscapes and planters, or even go all-out whimsical with a topiary of your favorite Disney character. Other fun ideas include creating a maze, laying the topiary out in a heart-shaped design or making your animals-topiaries life-sized.
5. Downscale Your Dreams
It’s not very often you hear someone advise you to minimize your aspirations but, when it comes to backyard landscaping, this might be just what it takes to turn your vision into reality.
For instance, if you have aspirations of a full-scale outdoor kitchen, but you’re working within the means of a limited budget, instead of throwing in the towel because you can’t swing the full cost of a built-in grill and outdoor cabinetry, re-imagine the plan to better suit your financial resources. A portable wet bar equipped with storage and a small gas grill, for example, will still allow you to cook and entertain outdoors without breaking the bank. It doesn’t have to look drab, either—you can do just as much to beautify your space with budget-minded outdoor kitchen equipment as you can with the top-of-the-line options.
6. Landscape With Veggies
A raised bed isn’t the only appropriate place for your garden veggies. To change up the look of your landscape without sacrificing your summer bounty, try planting your tomatoes, bell peppers, summer squash, cucumbers and rosemary amongst your flower beds rather than away from them.
You can also try creating a border around your beds with your favorite varieties of lettuce or cabbage or, for those who prefer container gardening, you can place pots and other planters in random (albeit plant-friendly) spots throughout your yard.
7. Think Distinct When Choosing Topiary
Topiary, the practice of creating ornamental shapes out of trees and shrubs, runs the gamut from elegant all the way to eccentric. And while basic shapes, like cones, globes and spirals, are fairly common (and perfectly nice for many backyard landscapes), the addition of topiary offers an opportunity to add something a little extra to your backyard oasis—something that shows your personality and is unlikely to be replicated at the house across the street.
Ideas for distinctive topiaries include animal shapes, arches, fences and furniture (yes, you can create a topiary table or chair). You can also mix topiaries with hardscapes and planters, or even go all-out whimsical with a topiary of your favorite Disney character. Other fun ideas include creating a maze, laying the topiary out in a heart-shaped design or making your animals-topiaries life-sized.