If you are the owner of a country cottage or a private house located within the city, then you understand perfectly well that the matter does not end with the arrangement of your home. A lot of time, effort and money goes into effectively and beautifully decorating the area adjacent to the house. Nowadays, landscape design has been heard of even in the most remote villages. But not all of our compatriots will agree that the time for beds laid out throughout the entire plot of land has passed, giving way to alpine slides, fountains and artificial ponds in the oriental style.
Most owners of private houses (both within the city and beyond) choose the option of decorating the area adjacent to their home, but with a functional background. In order for your work to be translated into a harmonious, beautiful and practical landscape design that will delight you and your family all year round, you need to approach planning with the utmost seriousness. Fortunately, there is now more than enough information on this topic. It is possible to arrange a private territory with a minimum of financial costs, but you will have to spend a lot of time and effort. To maintain the beauty of your site, you will need to find opportunities and pay attention to plants, buildings, ponds and even garden furniture.
Planning the beauty of the yard
The yard around a city private house or country cottage is an adjacent area that welcomes not only the owners after a hard day (or week, in the case of country estates), but also their guests. We can safely say that the impression of homeowners begins to form at the first glance at the design of a personal plot or yard.
Before you start planning your landscaping, decide what a “beautiful yard” means to you? How would you like to see it? Is it important for you to amaze your neighbors and guests with the splendor of your yard design, or do you put practicality and convenience at the forefront? What is your lifestyle, do you have children and pets, do guests often gather for barbecues and barbecues, do you have evening gatherings in the fresh air? The set of “scenery” for your private yard largely depends on the answers to these questions. Taking into account at the initial planning stage many nuances of the further operation of your site, you will save not only money, but also time for subsequent alterations, reconstruction and corrections.
Of course, the landscape design of your yard will largely depend on its size. If the territory is large, then the flight of your imagination will be limited only by financial capabilities and features of the territory’s landscape, soil type and location in relation to the cardinal directions. But if we are talking about a small backyard of a city private house, then in this case it is necessary to set clear priorities. In a few square meters it will be difficult to place a children’s playground, a place for barbecue, a patio for relaxation, and a large flower bed with flowers.
Having worked out the optimal plan for creating a landscape design, we go to the area and mark the exact location of all objects (gazebos, flower beds, rock gardens, ponds and patios). For simplicity, experts recommend dividing the entire area into squares. Each such segment will have a key figure - a building or a decorative element. This way it is easier to evenly distribute all planned landscape design items and create a balanced appearance of the site.
Before starting construction work (if any is planned), it is necessary to check the condition of the territory. If segments of water accumulation are found, install drainage. At the same stage, all communications necessary for watering plants and operating artificial reservoirs, fountains and waterfalls are laid.
Paths, steps and flower beds
Garden paths are an integral part of any landscape design. In addition to their main goal - organizing safe movement around the site, paths perform the functions of zoning and decorating the territory.
Garden paths can be laid out from large but flat stones, concrete slabs, clinker or ordinary bricks, cobblestones, covered with fine gravel or pebbles, fencing with special low borders. By combining the material of the paths, you can get not only the necessary functionality, but also a decorative decoration for your garden or yard.
Landscape design and geometry are inextricably linked. For some, harmony and balance in the environment is seen in smooth lines, rounded shapes, winding paths and oval flower beds. Some people need rigor and clarity - straight garden paths, as companions from point A to point B, strict forms of shrubs, trimmed with what is called a “ruler”, and an absolutely flat lawn. Only the owners know what plants and tree shapes will be able to caress their eyes and bring calm and balance to their mood.
It is better to plan the planting of flowers in flower beds or garden tubs in such a way that the flowering of some is replaced by the flowering of other varieties. In this case, your yard will be able to delight you and your family with bright colors throughout the warm season (in most regions of our country - this is approximately from mid-April to early October).
If the landscape of your site involves some hilliness, then instead of fighting nature, creating artificial embankments and leveling slopes, you can succumb to the natural arrangement of hills and lowlands and build beautiful steps that can act as a focal point, attracting everyone's attention.
High-quality fencing
You can build stone fences yourself, after first familiarizing yourself with the detailed algorithm of actions. Such elements of the site look good and have excellent durability, which cannot be said about wood, which requires careful care.
To make it more aesthetically pleasing, it is worth integrating it with niches; you can install a special box in them and plant flowers. Visually, the idea looks great; it feels like the plants are breaking through the stones.
To create such a space, you need to pre-plan the fence, and during laying simply skip one or two elements, depending on the size of the future “built-in” flower bed.
Artificial ponds on the site, fountains and cascades
It’s rare that an oriental landscape design is complete without a small artificial pond or a small source of water. And as we know, all European and American landscape designers, and our compatriots as well, draw inspiration from the founders of the art of bringing beauty and harmony into the territory surrounding the house - the eastern peoples.
Japanese masters consider water not only the source of life, but also, together with the earth, a symbol of harmony and balance of all living things. Organizing an artificial reservoir on a site is not easy; you will need to contact specialists, study the features of the soil and landscape in order to choose the right place, conduct communications and subsequently tirelessly take care of the proper functioning of the fountain or cascade. But all the effort, work and money spent will pay off when you can watch the fish in your artificial pond or watch the water flow into a small tank.
Concreting
Site preparation begins with leveling the soil. Then you need to dig a pit about 30 centimeters deep. The bottom of the pit must be compacted well and covered with a sand cushion approximately 25 centimeters thick.
On top of the pillow you need to lay a reinforcing mesh, with a rod of at least 8-10 millimeters in diameter and with a cell width of no more than 20-25 centimeters. Then you need to start concreting.
The grade of cement should not be lower than M-300. For one share of cement there should be three shares of sand and crushed stone. The thickness of the concrete mortar layer should be at least 12-15 centimeters.
To avoid the occurrence of places where moisture accumulates and the risk of concrete cracking, the surface is carefully leveled using a rule and checked with a level.
Efficient lighting system for a private yard
Lighting the territory of a private yard is not only a matter of extending the time of communication with the surrounding nature, but also a priority of safety. A well-thought-out and harmonious lighting system will allow you to calmly move around the site in the dark, be on the patio and enjoy the illumination of decorative items in your yard landscape design that are especially significant to you.
First of all, think about functional lighting - illumination of the facade of the house and additional buildings, the entrance to the garage or parking lot, the main entrance. Experts recommend placing lighting fixtures in such a way that the outlines of the perimeter of your yard are visible and possible paths of movement around the site are highlighted - garden paths, steps.
Next, you can begin to develop a decorative lighting plan. You can create lighting near a flower bed, garden sculpture, rock garden or pond. Trees and shrubs are illuminated using LED strips, so-called “lighting without lanterns.”
Lamps can be built into the spaces between the degrees, but this point must be considered at the initial stage of designing the location of landscape design objects. Currently, there are many lighting devices that operate on miniature storage batteries that draw energy from sunlight. You will not have to spend money on electricity bills; the dim light of energy-saving lamps will be enough for safe movement along the paths of the site.
Application of gravel
This bulk material can solve several problems at the same time; when arranging a private yard, you can often notice dust on paths and terraces; after backfilling, these nuances will no longer bother the owner.
Gravel is able to stop the soil, and when the wind blows, small particles will not rise into the air. Using this advice, you can mulch the soil efficiently, it will not dry out and flowers or shrubs growing nearby will need to be watered less often.
With such paths, the overall design can be transformed in a short period of time, and the area will become at least twice as beautiful. To fill a flowerbed, you don’t need to purchase a lot of material; a 10-liter bag is enough to carefully lay the granules on an area measuring 50x50.
Rest place with fireplace
Even in a small area you can find a corner for organizing a relaxation area with the possibility of cooking over an open fire. Agree, it is unfair to deny yourself the opportunity to invite friends for a barbecue while living in a private house with a yard, even if it is located in the city center.
A round hearth serves as an excellent focal point, around which garden furniture (chairs or small sofas) is placed, paths are formed and plants are planted. The beam layout system in this case will be the most advantageous.
An outdoor fireplace or large stove made of stone will not only be a functional embodiment of cooking various dishes over an open fire, but will also form a relaxing place where you can simply relax, watching the flames in the hearth.
Spectacular gazebo
When you start decorating your yard with your own hands, you should provide a place to relax; wooden buildings look best. You can assemble such structures yourself; you just need to purchase the components and prepare the necessary tools.
It is better to pour a foundation under the gazebo, then its service life will be as long as possible, and the lower elements of the structure will not be subject to the harmful effects of moisture.
Important! It is not recommended to install such buildings in those regions of the country where there is too much snow in winter; 30-40 cm of precipitation can ruin the facade in just 2 years; it is better to choose a different material.
Brick or foam block is perfect for creating a brutal and no less chic gazebo; for a beautiful yard design you just need to take care of the interior decoration.
Installing benches or soft corners near the table will facilitate long-term communication on various topics, and the area itself will look cozy.
Outdoor or covered dining area
To install a dining group you need very little space. You just need to purchase a table and chairs (or mini-chairs) to be able to dine outdoors.
But if you have the opportunity to organize a covered canopy for the dining area on the site, then in this case your plans will not be affected by bad weather conditions. In hot weather, you and your family or guests will be protected from the sun; in rainy weather, you can safely continue lunch or dinner.
If there is no drainage ditch
If there is no drainage ditch in the area of the proposed entrance, then the builder’s task is greatly simplified, because there is no need to build a bridge. The most appropriate ways to create an entry in such a situation would be:
- paving;
- concreting;
- creating a driveway from paving slabs.
Each of them deserves a more detailed conversation.
How to Design a Small Backyard
Very often, urban private houses cannot boast of having a large surrounding area. Usually in front of the house there is a place to park a car or arrange a garage, and all areas for recreation, games and cooking in the fresh air have to be moved to the backyard, the size of which is very limited.
In this case, it will be effective to place a wooden platform or deck as the basis for arranging a patio or outdoor dining area. Perennial plants in bulk beds along the perimeter of the territory or near the fence will not only decorate your backyard, but will also hide your area from prying eyes.
Next, all you have to do is choose garden furniture that will serve as a place to relax or eat outdoors. Outdoor furniture can be portable or stationary. Usually, solid stone or wooden furniture is used as stationary furniture, but for small courtyards without awnings this option is not the best option. It is better to give preference to folding furniture that you can hide in the pantry or attic when cold weather sets in.
Currently, there are many options for garden furniture to suit every taste and wallet size. The most popular among our compatriots is outdoor furniture made of plastic (affordable price and easy to transport) and artificial rattan (looks respectable and expensive). But there are many models made of wood, forged metal, stone and even bamboo. The choice of furniture for a private patio will depend on your financial capabilities, frequency of use and ability to care for the furniture. For example, plastic furniture can be washed with a hose, but rattan products are very dependent on moisture. Forged chairs and tables need to be tinted every 2-3 years, and wooden furniture needs to be impregnated with oil and coated with varnish or protective antiseptics.
A hedge can be a decoration for your backyard. In addition to the main purpose - fencing the territory and protecting against the entry of strangers, the fence can also serve a decorative function. Its frame can serve as a basis for the arrangement of weaving plants, forming a combined hedge, or the design of the fence itself can stand out against the general background of the landscape design.
An unusual fence design or its bright color will bring a positive mood not only to the recreation area, but also to the entire backyard area. Furniture or soft fillings matched to the color of the fence will create a harmonious patio with an attractive appearance.
The backyard area, in addition to the option with a wooden platform, can be laid out with concrete or stone slabs, covered with fine gravel or decorative pebbles, delineating the boundaries with low borders or metal (polycarbonate) boundaries. But in the case of loose flooring, you need to be prepared to constantly add material and level it over the area.
Organizing a dining area on a wooden platform is one of the most common options for using a small backyard area. What could be better than a meal with family or friends and family in the fresh air? In such an environment, the appetite is better and the food tastes better.
For an outdoor dining area, it is better to use light but stable furniture that you can bring under a canopy or even indoors and put into storage during the winter. But in addition to the design and material of garden furniture, the design of the products, their color and texture also matters. If the entire composition of the dining area is designed in similar colors, the place for eating will delight and soothe, creating a peaceful atmosphere. If you decide to use bright, accent pieces of furniture or decor, then the atmosphere of the dining area will become tonic, charging you with optimism and good mood. It all depends on the temperament of the homeowners and the result they want to get from their stay in the backyard.
In addition to organizing a place for relaxation or a dining area, you can place a segment for preparing kebabs and barbecues in the backyard. Whether it will be a stationary fireplace, a portable grill, a real Russian oven or just a large grill - it all depends on your preferences and the size of the yard. But in any case, you will need to take care of seating near the fire and a table that will serve many functions.
