Not everybody has a green thumb. But like most homeowners, you should invest in some backyard projects to add beauty and value to your home. However there’s no need to break your back over them. Here are some easy landscaping ideas that shouldn’t take more than an afternoon to complete. Otherwise you always have the option of hiring a landscaper to get your yard in top condition. Read on for more information.

“The human soul is hungry for beauty; we seek it everywhere - in landscape, music, art, clothes, furniture, gardening, companionship, love, religion, and in ourselves. No one would desire not to be beautiful. When we experience the beautiful, there is a sense of homecoming.” - John O'Donohue

Rock ‘n’ Roll

Rocks provide a lot of opportunities
You can do a lot with rocks in your yard. Source: Second Nature

Sometimes the easiest solutions are also the most practical. Try adding or arranging rocks around your garden to give it an entirely natural look that can be customized to your content. Moreover, rocks are just easier to work with as they require little to no maintenance. Worst case scenario, they form moss. This is a very simple landscaping idea that you can come up with. So try some of the following ideas to add some flair to your lawn.

  1. Hardscaping
  2. Pathways
  3. Painted rocks
  4. Borders
  5. Pebble filled gardens
  6. Slate stepping stones
  7. Walls
  8. Waterfalls
  9. Zen garden

Garden Bike

A simple bike can make for great decor
An old or antique bike can be a great decor piece. Source: SQV group

Have an old, unusual, or antique bike? That’s perfect for the garden! All you need is some spray paint and some flowers. Paint the whole thing white, pink, or whatever matches your garden! This is one of the fastest landscaping ideas that you can complete. Because all you really need is some spray paint and a spot picked out in the yard.

Flower Bed

Flower beds don't have to be a lot of work
Some flowers require little to no tender love and care. Source: Sunset

One of the most common pieces found in homeowners’ backyards is the flower bed. There’s certainly a degree of effort involved with this landscaping idea. But don’t worry, we’ve included a list of flowers that require almost no care year round. So you can simply plant them once and then enjoy them without much work after. Among them are the following:

  • Sunflowers
  • Pansies
  • Fuchsias
  • Hardy Geranium
  • Marigold
  • Nasturtium
  • Eschscholzia
  • Aquilegia
  • Nigella
  • Sweet peas

Wind Chimes

Wind chimes would you like for wind chimes?
Wind chimes are peaceful and relaxing. Source: Garden

There’s a lot to be said for this hanging decor piece, be it on a porch or tree. This is one of the simple landscaping ideas that serves a few purposes. Wind chimes are meant to relax people with the calming sounds of the breeze, provide something pretty to look at, and give a little extra warning when a storm approaches. Plus, you can either make your own as a DIY project, or simply purchase one. Hang it wherever it looks good to you.

Tall Grass

Tall grass can look great too.
You can basically plant tall grass and leave it alone. Source: The Spruce

Another plant that requires little to no effort after it’s settled in is tall grass. Muhly, bluestem, switchgrass, and fountaingrass need next to no TLC and moreover, never have to be mowed. You plant them once and that’s it. They’re also great for landscaping ideas on a budget, because of how little fertilizer and water they require. The only real decision here is where and how to group them. So here are some ideas:

  • In the middle or along the edges of your garden
  • Along the fence line
  • Randomly
  • In geometric shapes
  • To cover patches of rough soil
  • Placed like a plant

Fake Grass

Fake grass is great for people with no time on their hands.
Looks as good as the real thing. Source: Amazon

Fake grass has come a long way. It no longer resembles the plastic look found on so many miniature golf courses. Nowadays this is one of the easiest landscaping ideas and no one will know it’s a fake. It actually uses sod to anchor in. Furthermore, you don’t have to cut it, water it, and it’s immune to frost and bug damage. So for people who have no time on their hands, this is the perfect option.

Using Objects for Color Instead of Flowers

Brightly colored chairs can take the place of flowers
Colors can be added even without plants. Source: Valley Gardening

You also have the option of foregoing plants altogether. Just paint some outdoor furniture certain colors that meet your standards. Paint pots and planters to create eye-catching delights instead of having to deal with flowers. This ranks pretty high up on the list of landscaping ideas for small backyards. So dot your lawn with objects instead of plant life.


Thinking of doing some landscaping in your backyard? Start by calling a professional for a free quote. Or visit homeyou to see more ideas. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for the latest tips and suggestions.

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