Your backyard might be in the back of your home, but that doesn’t mean it should be at the back of your mind. The yard behind your house should add to the overall appeal of your exterior, but it should also function as your own personal paradise. Whether you’re after a peaceful outdoor sanctuary meant for unwinding or you want a charming yard ideal for entertaining, landscaping is the key. From lush greenery and vibrant flowers to eye-catching elements, check out our favorite backyard landscaping ideas.
Whether you’re focusing on reimagining a specific design element or you want to transform the entire design style of your home, we’re here to help. You can even try our paint visualizer if all you want to do is reimagine your exterior in another color. Our expert designers are prepared to help you accomplish your design goals, whatever they might be. Learn more about what we do.
#1 // Wispy & whimsical
If backyard landscaping ideas that add charm to your space speak to your design goals, there are plenty of impactful ways to achieve that. Our designers played up the whimsy of the pergola and the warmth of the earth tones on this exterior with the landscaping. We used a variety of wispy plants throughout the backyard, adding a delicate vibe.
For contrast, we incorporated lush bushes and purple flowers. Adding more ambiance to the yard, we embedded landscape lighting among the pea stones. The landscaping surrounds the fire pit space, providing idyllic views for outdoor relaxation. Plus, the plants outline the walkways, adding more definition to the pavers.
#2 // Tie it all together
We love backyard landscaping ideas that connect all of the pieces of the design with one another. Here, we were working with plenty of space in the backyard, and we were intentional with how we filled it. The hardscaped area beneath the back deck is outlined with dynamic landscaping, blending shrubs, plants, and rocks. We used a different mix of plants alongside the back of the house.
Connecting the two outdoor lounge spaces in the backyard, we added some permeable pavers. Finally, we surrounded the fire pit with simple, cohesive landscaping, defined with small rocks, wispy plants, and landscape lighting. The blend of different plants and materials throughout infuses the aesthetic with a nature-forward vibe.
#3 // Poolside landscaping
When it comes to backyard landscaping ideas, our designers never miss out on an opportunity, and backyard pools serve as the perfect chance to landscape. Surrounding the pool with a mix of lush greenery and different textured plants, along with a few colorful blooms creates a backyard oasis. The twinkling lights above the fire pit romanticize the space while the walkway pavers brighten things up a bit.
#4 // Accentuate different zones
Landscaping is a great way to visually differentiate one section of your backyard from another. In this design, we used landscaping as a way to elevate each element. Our designers kept the combination of plants and rocks consistent throughout the backyard, mixing different textures and materials for added dimension. We also leaned into similar circular patterns around the fountain and fire pit, adding some intentionality to the layout.
Boasting a blend of delicate, feathery plants, sharp, sturdy foliage, and subtle blooms, the landscaping draws the eye in a captivating way. Our designers also had fun with the planters, using a Corten steel planter along the back of the house and a large bowl-shaped planter near the pool.
#5 // Bright blooms
Among a neutral exterior, brightly colored flowers make a huge difference. Near the house, we incorporated a small tree with beautiful bright red blooms. Our designers also added some subtle feathery purple flowers throughout the yard for a pop of color. Near the pool, we complemented the lush green shrub with lovely pink and purple flowers.
Landscaping is more than just plants and flowers, of course. For this design, we used mulch in the flower beds for contrast against the grass. We also added cobblestone pathways in the yard for a whimsical flare. These pathways stand out from the walkway between the pool and the deck, which showcases sleek pavers.
#6 // Border with landscaping
One of our favorite ways to think of backyard landscaping ideas is as a border. For this design, we incorporated landscaping along the driveway, extending across the outskirts of the lower deck and fire pit space. This border creates a subtle visual divide between the hardscaped areas and the yard. We embraced a pattern of plants, flowers, and lights for a symmetrical appearance.
The landscaping flows seamlessly throughout the design, outlining the different design elements and drawing the eye to each one. Creating a cohesive aesthetic, our designers also added planters to the upper deck.
#7 // Make use of larger elements
Filling in a backyard with landscaping doesn’t have to be busy or crowded. Here, our designers embraced boulders, large stone pavers, and sprawling plants. These bigger landscaping elements occupy the mulched section of the yard in an effortless way. We also put plenty of space between the elements we landscaped with, creating an uncomplicated layout which allows the landscaping to make a statement.
#8 // Defined shapes
This exterior has a lot to offer in the backyard from the kitchen and the dining area to the fire pit. We wanted to define a focal point, so we surrounded the fire pit with landscaping, circling it. We used a mix of mulch and rocks to lay out the circular space, and we outlined it with flowers and lights.
Echoing the landscaped circle around the fire pit, we broke up some of the grass in the yard with other circular sections of landscaping (with rougher outlines). These sections use different plants and rocks, creating more of a rustic look, which allows the delicate blooms around the fire pit to stand out even more.
#9 // Visual division
This backyard offered a lot of space to work with, and our designers blended landscaping and hardscaping to fill it in. Breaking up the hardscaped section of the yard, we incorporated a wide strip of landscaping, complete with a mix of rocks, shrubs, and plants. Here, the landscaping surrounds a seating section, making it a more scenic space to unwind. We also outlined the path that connects the backyard hardscape to the rest of the yard with uniform greenery.
#10 // Texture & dimension
If you’re looking to infuse your backyard with dimension, landscaping is a surefire way to accomplish that. Here, we embraced plants with different colors, heights, and textures to create a dynamic look. For contrast among the rigid rocks, we used dark mulch in the landscaped beds. Our designers also created a stone pathway, which spreads from the grass over the top of the pea stone by the fire pit.
Landscape your backyard back to life
Whether you’re drawn to the serenity of a backyard oasis or you enjoy the vibrancy of a flower-filled yard, the key to creating your dream outdoor space is embracing landscaping. Don’t allow your backyard to fade into the background. From partitioning off specific spaces with plant borders to adding elements like lights and pavers for functionality, there are tons of backyard landscaping ideas to explore. Let us help guide you toward making your design dreams your reality.
