8 Great Ideas for Backyard Landscaping

Some of you may recall that we recently moved to a New Home. We’ve been enjoying our new neighborhood so much and have even made a few friends here already! I wish that I could tell you that this lovely Backyard Garden was ours, but we have nothing but grass and one tiny tree in our backyard. We’ve been getting lots of ideas though for future projects by looking at some of the wonderful Gardens in the neighborhood. One of my favorites is this gorgeous Yard that belongs to our new friends Sharon and Neil. They generously offered to let me photograph it and Sharon shared many of her Garden and Landscaping Tips with me, so that I could pass them on to you guys. Yay!

Isn’t it beautiful?! The first time that I saw it, I wanted to pick the whole thing up and drop it into my yard!!

Use Curved or Rounded Lines

One of Sharon’s tips is to use curved lines instead of straight ones, for a more pleasing natural look. Notice the rounded edge on the patio wall, the curve of the stone path and the curvy border along the grass.

In order to get the perfect curved border, they used this flexible Steel edging that they purchased at Home Depot. The fact that it’s green makes it blend right in with the grass so that you hardly even notice it.

Anchor the Corners of your Yard with Larger Trees

Another one of Sharon’s tips is to anchor the corners of the yard with some larger trees. They provide privacy from the neighbors and are a nice backdrop to anything that you put in front of them. I love the contrast of the beautiful white fountain in front of these Evergreens.

This is the opposite corner of the yard. More Evergreens and some lovely tall Crepe Myrtles. I can’t wait to see these when they are blooming!

Use Garden Pots, Urns and Statuary in your Design to add Interest

Through out the yard Sharon has placed Garden Pots, Urns and Statuary to add some more interest and color.

Some pretty White Hydrangeas and a Cement Finial!

Use Wire Furniture as Props for Pots

I love how Sharon used this Metal Chair as a holder for this Urn. It gives it some height and the curvy lines of the chair compliment it nicely.

Mix things up with Fun Whimsical Accents

Don’t be afraid to add some Whimsical touches to your garden! How fun are these little feet, placed under this otherwise traditional Garden Urn!

And check out this little guy hanging out under the Gardenias!

These metal Mushrooms are such a cute addition to this potted Ivy!

Use Edible Plants in your Design

Sharon and Neil planted Herbs in several Urns around the yard. I love how they look in these gorgeous Tuscan Posts! The plants are beautiful and are just steps away from the kitchen, so convenient when you need a Sprig or two to flavor your favorite dish!

Some Herbs, like Mint, can be invasive in the Garden and are better kept in Urns like the one above anyway.

Trim your Bushes and Shrubs to change their Shape

I think this tip is my favorite! Notice the tree above has such an interesting shape to it. I thought it was some type of unusual Holly specimen, but it’s actually a regular Holly that Sharon and Neil trimmed. They removed all of the lower branches and kept the top ones and then trimmed them to create this lovely looking shape!

This Lilac Tree was treated to the same process. I bet it looks so pretty when it’s in bloom!

Pretty Pink Hydrangeas!

Take Your Time

I hope you enjoyed the tour of this beautiful Garden space and I hope you got some great ideas for Backyard Landscaping! Sharon’s final tip was that it takes time. They spent many years working on their garden, it didn’t happen overnight, so enjoy the process. Great advice for Mr Fairy and I, as we look at our bare yard and begin visualizing how we would like it to plan things out. It was the same way at our last two homes, so I think we are up for the challenge once again.

Big thanks to Sharon and Neil for letting me photograph and blog about their garden! Sharon is a former decorator and has done some lovely things inside their home as well. I’m hoping to convince her to let me do a Holiday tour of their gorgeous home, so cross your fingers for that!