This summer, celebrate the season by updating your yard. While there’s no standard for backyard landscaping, it’s all up to you and your personal tastes to come up with landscaping ideas for outside. So without further ado, here’s an article on a few of the different classic backyard ideas that never go out of style.

”Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” - Henry James

Garden Arbor

Here's a grand backyard idea that can certainly boost curb appeal
Look at all the pretty colors. Source: Garden Lover's Club

Many homeowners have a garden in their backyard, some have an arbor. Why not combine the two? A hanging garden in the backyard could be just what your backyard needs. And as far as landscaping ideas for backyards go, this one not only brings about a new look for the home, it can also feed your family!

Try planting fruits, herbs, or even hops from your garden to see what flourishes. And of course, lots of vines to achieve that “hanging” vibe. They say the Hanging Gardens of Babylon was once a wonder of the world, so dream big. Here are a few plants that are great for hnging arbors:

  • Lavender
  • Verbena
  • Strawberries
  • Sage
  • Moss rose
  • Lettuce
  • Parsley
  • Geranium
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Thyme
  • Peas
  • Lantana
  • Dill
  • String beans
  • Signet marigold
  • Mint
  • Rosemary
  • Water hyssop
  • Licorice vine

Water Features

This makes for a great backyard water piece
Water always looks pretty as a garden piece. Source: The Good Earth Garden

This one is very open to interpretation, from being a small scale DIY project like a fountain or an entire elaborate pool system put in. Whatever water feature works for your backyard. Landscaping outdoor ideas like this can have a wide and varied difference in terms of what you want to install. Here are just a few of the possibilities:

  • Fountain
  • Bubbling brook
  • Pond
  • Pond with fish
  • Koi retreat
  • Waterfall
  • Above-ground pool
  • In-ground pool
  • Custom pool

Creeping Vines

Creeping vines along a rock wall are appealing
Crawling vines just look cool. Source: 123rf

You can always simply build a rock wall to house creeping vines over such a structure. Not only will this give the vines somewhere to go, it will also provide a nice layered effect You can continue the garden on the upper layer, or just have a nice, two level backyard for your viewing pleasure. This is great for landscaping ideas on a budget.

Mediterranean Accents in the Garden

Even the midwest has certain elements that make it appealing to backyards across the nation
The charm of terracotta tile. Source: Sunset

One thing that really stands out amongst modern day backyards is a hint of the Mediterranean cultures. Think earth tones and terra-cotta. It’s simple landscape ideas like these that push the envelope without threatening your budget. Moreover, it’s becoming ever more popular in the southwest part of the country, where Mediterranean styles are really coming into full swing.


Is your backyard in need of an update? Looking for new ideas and concepts this summer? Contact a local professional today!

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