Creative Landscaping Ideas
For Eye Catching Projects
Here are some great landscaping ideas to help you design in an
artistic and professional way. In case you are wondering, I am a
graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in Landscape Architecture.
You might be needing help with some of the following landscaping issues.
- How can I create a great planting design? How should I design my patio?
- What about my driveway design? I want privacy.
- And most important, how do I create a design that will be creative and special?
Learn more about special garden features you can add as focal points such as beautiful sundials.
Please read on to find out about many landscaping ideas used for my clients!
Front Yards
What do you and others see when they first approach you house? The front yard, of course! That is why many homeowners struggle over such things as foundation plantings, front walkways, and all the other parts of designing a front yard.
Visit Front Yard Landscapes
Back Yard Ideas
Landscaping ideas for a backyard...eek! Patios, walkways, plantings, play
areas...where to start? Educate yourself and start with a plan, or
higher a landscape designer!
Backyard Landscaping
Patio Designs
Photos of Backyard Design
Focal Points
Screening You Property
Sometimes you might want landscaping ideas for:
- privacy from neighbors
- to block out an unwanted view
- attractive property line plantings
Or you may desire all of the above! There are various ways to create screening.
Read more: Privacy Plantings
Screening Techniques
- Plant evergreen trees, but stagger them to make a softer line.
- Place ornamental trees at various points in front of the evergreen trees. The trees should have a nice feature, such as interesting bark or showy flowers so that they stand out against the evergreen trees.
- Groups of shrubs and perennials can also be added to the design. When using a particular shrub, try to use at least five. This will be more dramatic.
- Go here to learn about some great fast growing privacy trees.
You might also be interested in reading about Outdoor Garden Rooms, which can be private areas on your property to meander to and enjoy.
Also visit:
Inexpensive Landscaping Ideas - your design does not have to break the bank!
Foundation Planting Design
I get so many questions about foundation plant designs. A great design can be achieved by using evergreen shrubs along the house with perennials in front.
Be sure to add trees at house corners and a taller shrub here and there.
Foundation Plants
Tips For Foundation Plantings
- Use the right size plants. Know the size a plant will be when it is full grown. This provides for a low maintenance design also...no trimming!
- Try to keep mostly one kind of evergreen shrub as the background layer for unity. If you would like to add an additional variety, place this group towards the center.
- Place lower shrubs in groups of a minimum of 3 (preferably 5 or more) in front of the taller background shrubs. Use just a few types.
- Place perennials in the front layer. Use 5 to 9 of each kind. Groundcover can be used with perennials or alone for lower maintenance.
- Place landscape trees at house corners and one tree near the front door. My Favorite - Red Maple "October Glory"
Designing Your Patio
Sure...you want a patio!
- But what material will you use?
- What shape will it be?
- What are you going to do to make it special?
See more Patio Pictures
Designing Your Driveway
Whether you want a straight driveway with some pizzazz or an elegant circular drive, there are still paving materials, plantings and drainage to consider. Take a look at some of my professional tips, drawings and photos.
Interesting Walkways
Swimming Pool Ideas
Swimming pools can be made exciting with the addition of waterfalls, spas, and beach edges (tanning shelves). Waterfalls should be built within a higher elevation to look natural.
Swimming Pool Designs
Pool Pictures
Professional Landscape Designs
AutoCad Drawings
Take a look at the detail that can be provided in professional landscape designs. These design examples show some great patio ideas too.
Landscape Design Drawings
Patio Pergola Drawing
Patio Pond Drawing
Landscape Designs in 3D
There is nothing like a 3D landscape design to help you envision your project! See what you like, what you don't and what you might like different.
3D Landscape Designs
Other Interesting Pages:
Landscaping Cost - how much do things really cost?!
Sketchup - 3D landscape design sofware
Further Help With Front Yards
Learn some great tips on how to create a front yard design that will really be unique and special! Confused about front foundation plants? Are you not sure where to place your plants? Do you want some low maintenance colorful perennials? You will find out about all that and more...take a look.
Take a look at this ebook which has professional landscaping ideas, plant recommendations and pictures. You will find out how to use plants together to create an outstanding design and find out which are the right plants to use for your property.
More Ideas
Sundial clocks
Bird bath fountains
Solar bird baths
Fall landscape
Outdoor Lighting
Lighting - ideas and tips
Types of Lighting
Lighting Contractors
Solar Lighting
Old Fashioned Gas Lights
You might also like to add an interesting landscape structure such as a garden trellis on your house or free standing. A friend of mine has a great shed on it with a green roof which is really unique!
Thinking About a Career In Landscape Architecture?
Landscape Architecture Education
Careers in Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture Schools
If you are considering a large project, you may want an equity loan.
In addition, you might enjoy visiting About.com Landscaping - great ideas and information on landscape design.
All of these landscaping ideas follow principles of good landscape architecture, with my own personal twist. Try using them in your landscape design and I think you will find that your garden will be above and beyond the ordinary!
Landscape Design Questions & Answers
Do you have a Landscape Design question or a situation that you would like some help with? Patio design questions? Paving material confusion? Flower garden design advice? This is the place to ask! I only ask that questions be design related...thanks!
I decided to create this section due to the many questions people have regarding Landscape Design.
The idea is - Ask one, or Answer one!
You may ask a question yourself, comment on or answer questions of others, and rate comments too. All helpful comments will be greatly appreciated!
Other Vistiors' Questions and Answers!
Click below to see questions and answers from other visitors...
Travertine pavers for a patio around a new pool at the Jersey Shore.
Hi Susan -
I am really enjoying your website with all of your insightful ideas and suggestions regarding so many aspects of landscape design. We own …
Backyard Fencing and Dry Laid Wall
Hello. We just built a home on top of a hill. In order to get a backyard for our boys to play, we had to put in a retaining wall which is 10-12 feet …
Choosing a Weeping Tree For My Front Yard
Heidi is having a problem selecting a weeping tree for a front yard. Here is her question. Part of the problem is that her requirements are very strict …
How Narrow Can My Driveway Design Be?
You say in your website that driveway width should be 9-12 feet. Is there any reason a driveway could not be any narrower, say 8 3/4 feet, or is that getting …
Drainage Issues and Water Collecting in Yard
Hi There - First of all, great site, very informative! My question is about drainage issues on a very flat property in the Sacramento area and appropriate …
Front Yard Ideas For Landscaping
I would like to remove all and start over. I would like to start with a row of bushes in front, low to the ground and plant close enough to each other …
Landscape Design Prices and Proposals
How to compare landscape design prices and proposals?
We have a 1/3 acre, pie-shaped lot on which we've taken an old farmhouse and expanded it into …
Retaining Wall Plantings and Landscape Design
I have a small retaining wall in front of my home with a small grassy area. There is also a side yard with a grass area, but the main issue is the picture …
Ugly Tree Stumps
Hello, I am in the process of converting my rental lease to a CFD on a house in North Dakota, and there are two large, ugly, decaying stumps in my backyard. …
How To Do An Expensive Landscape Design Project More Inexpensively
My project is too expensive! How can I do it more cheaply??
I just renovated a home which I am now living in and am about to move on to the landscape/hardscape …
landscaping a square backyard
How to approach landscaping for a square backyard?
We live on a golf course with a large square backyard. We will be moving in a couple of years, so …
Landscaping for front porch
I recently added a front porch to my center hall colonial and I'm looking for landscaping ideas. I would like to incorporate several different colors …
Landscaping along rock wall at woods edge
HELP!! My husband and I disagree on how to design the plantings along this straight rock wall, which you can see separates the woods from our backyard …
Front Foundation Plants
Hi, we pulled out the big bushes that were in front of our house and now need something that will dress it up. Also there is a pretty big space behind …
Landscaping For a Ranch House With Small Front Porch
I need some front landscaping for my ranch house which has a small front porch.
Ranch house on a rectangle lot. Just put 4X6 landing type porch out …
Porch Swing Cushions Add New Life To Your Porch Swing
Here's some great information on porch swing cushions.
A porch swing is an integral part of your home's aesthetic appeal. The front porch is your …
Must Have Landscaping Tools
What would you say are some must have landscaping tools?
Comment
When it comes to having a perfectly landscaped yard, there are a few tools that …
Driveway Edgings For Narrow Driveways
Should you use driveway edgings to prevent cars from going over the edges?
Susan,
I have a 600 ft + driveway. Vehicles are destroying the sod on …
separating front lawn without a fence.
I live in an attached red brick face house. The entry doors are at opposite ends of the homes. To keep my neighbors' kids, away from my lawn, and also …
Need design help after removal of swimming pool
My swimming pool will be removed (buried and filled in) during the month of October. I will then be left with a 15' by 30' oval piece of earth surrounded …
Landscaping Ideas For a Narrow Backyard Area
Hello,
I need some landscaping ideas for a narrow backyard area.
I came across your website the other day and love what I have seen. I have a narrow …
Regulation Fence Setback Law creates small side yard
Question about fence setback law and what to do to still have privacy, but with a nice planting design.
We're about to put a privacy fence around …
Landscaping a Slope |Landscape a Hill| Erosion Control
Here is a question about landscaping a slope or other methods of erosion control.
We have a hillside slope made of dirt and clay. We need an inexpensive …
Evergreen Trees and Privacy Plantings
Here's a question about landscaping privacy , creating a landscape screen and also fast growing trees .
I have a farmhouse on an open field …
Plants For Front Yard Walkway
Hi, I was wondering what plants to use for my front yard walkway that runs from the blvd. straight to the front steps. I was wondering what kind of …
Wow factor needed for front landscaping
I'm having trouble on what to do with my mother's front yard. The front door is not used as they use the side door for a front door. I had planned to re-stain …
Deck Patio Transition
Susan,
I would love some input. I have an existing cedar deck that I am planning on extending. In addition, I will be converting an existing dining …
Front Yard Plantings
I have uploaded a picture of my front yard and desperately need front yard plantings! I am unsure of where to begin. I hate that I have no color in …
Front Porch Plants | Front Foundation Plantings and Landscape Design
We have an empty slate here and I have no idea what to do. Please help.
Our 3'wide front porch meets the ground all the way across the front of the …
Front Flower Bed Pending Love
Maria would like to know what to do with her front flower bed.
Help!!!! I moved in a year ago, and not sure what to do with the flower bed. The previous …
Travertine Tiles and White Substance on Pool Decking - Efflorescence
I had Travertine pool decking installed around my pool last year.
It was not sealed since I was trying to find someone to fix grouting issues from …
Planting around Large Shade Trees - Oak
We have 5 large oak trees surrounding our yard, one in the middle-of course we are having a hard time keeping any grass growing. Any suggestions for design, …
Retaining Wall For Small Ravaged Yard
This is a retaining wall question regarding heights and design.
I have a small yard in a cookie-cutter subdivision. But, it has a large hill encompassing …
Tar and Chip
Charlie here from CD PAVING & SEAL COATING.
Some folks don't know what tar and chip seal is all about and I'd like to explain. So here it goes...
…
Retaining Wall and Fencing
I've got a rather unattractive slightly sloped retaining wall up against one side of my back yard. We are on the low side of the wall. The previous owners …
2 Matching Evergreens Needed
As can be seen on the attached photo I am looking to replace 2 witchita junipers (on either side of my garage entrance with something else. These junipers, …
Growing Irish Moss and Weed Problems
Thank you so much for your newsletter...it is very informative.
I have a problem with landscaping that I have done on my yard. I planted Irish Moss …
Planting Design For Outdoor Pergola
We have build a redwood Pergola in the middle of our backyard. I need some ideas for what to plant around this structure. We do have rabbits and deer …
Landscape Tree(s) for Front Yard?
We are removing a large dying evergreen from the front yard and are trying to figure out what to plant in it's place. My spouse wants 2 red maples, but …
Landscape Trees | Design | Interested gardener
We cut down 12 green ash landscape trees due to Emerald Ash Borer which lined one side of our drive. I would like to plant a more interesting design other …
Landscape plantings for a 3' high picket fence
We have just installed a 3' high 32' long picket fence. The fence accents just the right front side of the house and is positioned in front of a 30' pine …
Driveway Design Ideas For a Curved Driveway Layout
I came across your website while searching for help with driveway design ideas.
We are planning to convert a straight gravel drive about 500 feet …
DESERT OASIS DESIRED - Backyard Landscape
WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE OUR BACKYARD LOW MAINTENANCE AND WE WERE PLANNING ON USING CACTUS AND DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS.ANY IDEAS FOR THIS HUGE L-SHAPED BACK …
Foundation Planting Design for Tudor House
This is an old house built in 1917. I am trying to get ideas for landscaping the front yard. We have added a new sidewalk since this picture. The sidewalk …
Perennial Flower Beds | Sun Perennials
Here's a question about perennial flower beds, flowering perennials and sunny conditions.
My house faces Northwest. I am in St. Louis. One side of …
Landscape Drainage
This is a question about landscape drainage.
I have a landscaping drainage issue. I know this is short notice but if you could get back to me as soon …
Help With Landscaping Around Patio
Hi,
My son's graduation party is scheduled to be on our patio in just 3 weeks. He and my father just laid a 21' x 14' patio with red/black 16" sq. pavers. …
Driveway Ideas | Driveway Plants and Plantings
We are considering a circle driveway for our small cape cod.
Our front yard measures approx 60' from street to front door, and 50' across (including …
Bluestone Walkway Concrete or Dry Laid
My question is about dry laid and wet laid bluestone walkways.
We are getting estimates and have been told that having cement under the bluestone will …
Swimming Pool Coping | Paver and Brick Bullnose
How is bullnose coping that is not mortared attached and held in place to a vinyl liner pool with a paver deck? If the bullnose hangs off a little into …
Landscape Steps At Landings
Landscape Steps and Landings
I wish to construct a bluestone or travertine patio which will be about 25 inches below the french doors from the great …
Small Front Yard Walkway
We have a small front yard, about 29 feet from the public sidewalk. We live in a upscale neighborhood of old brick Victorians, but our home is more …
Backyard Landscape and Extending a Concrete Patio Design
Extending a Concrete Patio Design (see reply below)
My wife and I recently purchased a Hot Tub last fall and after the winter we experienced we would …
Extended Patio Behind House With Sloping Garden
Question For Retaining Walls and Patio Designs - Or Other Solutions
Hi - I'm in need of some advice please. We have a standard 3-bedroom semidetached …
Landscaping At A Fence | Fence Plantings
Wood Fencing and Plantings
(see reply below)
I have a brick home on 5 acres with a black 3 board style pasture fence that goes along the front about …
Back Yard Design
We don't know what to do with out backyard landscaping .
The pad on which our house sits was cut out of a hillside which is now exposed granite. It …
Small Yard Deck or Pavers
For a small yard, should I add a deck or pavers?
I am not quite sure what to do with this space now, after hurricane damage resulted in some lost landscaping. …
Flower bed in front of a window
Hi,
I have a raised flower bed in front of my front living room window, which is the big window in the front of the house (the only window). I'm upgrading …
Landscaping A Hill
We are planning to put up a privacy fence on our lot. We have discovered that we own more land than we thought. What we have is a very rocky hill and …
Front Yard Landscape
I have a long front to my home. It is a gorgeous new stucco "Florida" type home... but the landscape bed out front is soooooo long, with such lack …
Creating a Level Area
I need help with creating a level area.
I have recently purchased a property with an unusual back garden and would be very grateful for some advise. …
Front Yard Design
I need a front yard design or ideas.I live in the country on 6 acres of land. The problem is that there is no landscaping on our property. The land used …
Tree at Door
What kind of tree did you plant next to the door? I would like to plant one , but don't know what kind I should plant.
Thanks.
Front Yard paver sitting area
We are putting in a paver sidewalk and want to add a sitting area as well.
Our house is a small ranch that faces west.
I have a garden area to the …
Large Retaining Wall Landscaping
I have a back wall running the entire length of the house 11 feet high. There is 8 feet of space to make lower walls and design a landscape. HELP! …
Pyrus calleryana 'Aristocrat' / Zelkova serrata 'Village Green'
I purchased these two trees and I think I may have made a mistake on what I wanted. I have a small front yard with a beautiful view of the east foothill …
Blending Retaining Walls and Fencing
We just put a retaining wall in front of our house, but on the side of the house we have a chain link fence. How do we blend together a fence on the …
Concrete Or Vinyl Pool
Should you have a concrete or vinyl pool?
Hi Susan,
What a great website!!! I loved exploring it. I wonder if you would share a bit of your expertise …
Landscape Trees - Grouping
I would like some advice on how to plant 3 Dogwood Trees together in a grouping at the corner of my house. How close do I plant them and how do I connect …
Retaining Wall Safety
We are concerned about retaining wall safety.
We have an under garage and two 7 foot large boulder type retaining walls, one to each side of the garage. …
Accent Shrub for Shamrock Inkberry
I am re-doing the front landscape...Finally!
I removed a not-so-dwarf Alberta Spruce and two Yews. After much looking, I think I want to go with …
backyard bird feeders
Could you please give me suggestions for creating a backyard lawn island, perhaps raised, to accommodate bird feeders and/or bird baths?
I would like …
Landscaping for the country yard
Nice site Susan.
Our dilemma is this. We have too much space!
We have a large several acre area around our home, and our problem is that it is …
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Landscape Design Awards
Superior Excellence
Naturalistic Pool Award
Superior Excellence
Planting Design Award
Certificate of Merit
Formal Garden Award
Ebooks
