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Yard and GardenHouseLandscape Design
Novozhenina Anna
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A well-kept yard allows you to frame your home favorably, provides self-presentation and the basis for further impressions. Well thought out and organized yard design and landscaping should complement the natural surroundings and continue the interior design intent. Everything will be discussed in more detail later in the article.
Backyard Makeup Ideas
After reviewing the basic rules of landscape design, move on to landscaping the space. Check out the ideas below for landscaping your backyard.
Replace obsolete materials
For this purpose, solid concrete with brick strips is now often used. Make a patio area with concrete, add white sand and add a fountain for dramatic effect.
Enlarge your patio area
A common backyard mistake is making the patio too small. When you're working on your backyard makeover, consider extending the patio to accommodate larger furniture and provide walking around the space.
Patio is a useful yard decoration
Re-paving
Plain gray concrete can be quite boring. Transform your backyard pavers to transform the feel of your entire area. When redoing paving slabs, you have two options: remove the existing sidewalk or transform what you have. Create stains and etchings on the concrete path to make it look like natural stone. If you want to remodel your existing paving, you'll save money on materials and labor.
Low cost garden paths
Don't let small or awkward spaces limit you
Tight spaces can be a challenge and often end up going unused. However, you can transform a narrow space into a backyard fully equipped for outdoor activities. Creative layout and space-saving techniques can be used to fit more features into a small or awkward backyard.
DIY your backyard
You can remodel your backyard yourself, without professionals and their resources, if the matter is limited to feasible work. However, this does not include demolition and installation of new small architectural forms, as this work will take the average homeowner weeks to complete, while a team of professionals can do it in a few days.
Lots of ideas for creating beauty
Projects that involve installing running water, gas, or electrical lines may be additionally complicated. If you want a fountain, a built-in grill, or lots of lighting, it's best to hire a licensed professional. However, when choosing a DIY option that will save you some money, consider planting your own plants. If Make sure you know the requirements for each plant to choose the best location. Consider also installing a patio area yourself.
Basic Rules
Most plants love sunlight, so they should be planted where they can get enough of it. Shade-tolerant plants are best hidden from too much sunlight.
Regular watering is an important part of keeping green pets thriving. So even at the planning stage, you should take care of the irrigation and soil drainage system.
Patio Design Ideas
Patios are all about outdoor living. You'll likely spend many hours with friends and family on your patio. Instead of purchasing a large home, many people are looking to expand their outdoor living space. The result is a larger, more luxurious and more secure patio area.
Outdoor patios have become hubs of activity, focused on entertainment and relaxation. A well-designed patio will not only add additional living space to your home, but will also increase its resale value.
Organization of a recreation area
Since your patio will provide the foundation for your outdoor living space, it should be durable, well-constructed. There are a variety of patio and paving materials to choose from. Determine what size, shape and style of patio best suits your needs. Use the information here to start collecting ideas for your new patio.
It's time to stop thinking of your patio as just a place to spend time outdoors. It can serve as a hub for a variety of functions including dining, cooking, socializing and relaxation. The style of your patio will change depending on what features you want to accommodate.
Flowerbed care
Typically, natural stones are characterized by increased stability and durability. They easily tolerate all natural phenomena and temperature changes, but rocks are still susceptible to contamination.
In order to reduce the degree of exposure of stones to various contaminants and moisture absorption, they can be treated with water protection agents. Impregnation helps not only fight dirt and moisture, but also improves the structure and appearance of the stone.
Of all the stones, time benefits only limestone. Over the years, this stone becomes better and stronger.
Concrete patios
The durability and versatility of concrete makes it an excellent choice for paving your patio. A concrete patio has many advantages compared to corrugated sheets and other surfaces.
Concrete patio in the courtyard interior
Benefits of concrete patios:
- Highly durable.
- Low operating costs.
- Adaptable to any style.
- Can be poured into any shape.
Decor options:
- Colored concrete. There are several ways to paint concrete, including contrasting, integrating, solid and liquid painting methods (used in combination with embossing), and full staining.
- Embossed Concrete – The surface of your concrete patio can be stamped to create a texture that mimics stone, brick or other materials.
Embossed colored concrete to look like stone
If you already have a patio that is cracked or dirty, you can clean it with concrete. Concrete sanding will make your patio look like new. A reclaimed concrete patio can be painted and stamped.
Another strong trend is to integrate plants into areas where expansion joints would otherwise be located. They help create a more breathable surface and break up the vast structure with greenery. It is not uncommon to use artificial turf in these areas, especially in areas where moisture needs to be maintained.
Grass between seams to maintain moisture
Are concrete patios susceptible to cracking?
Concrete is good for warm climate landscapes that do not experience the extreme freeze-thaw cycles of northern regions that cause uncontrolled cracking. Other factors can also lead to cracking.
This will be of interest to you: Do-it-yourself landscape design for the garden (185+ Photos). Styles You Should Know About
Planning
Before you go to the store and buy seedlings and seeds, you should get a site plan and plan the habitats of future plantings.
Special programs will help you complete beautiful landscaping, but for those who are not particularly computer friendly, all this can be done the old fashioned way, using a site plan and colored pencils.
Ideas for gazebos
Gazebos and other shade structures are another way to enjoy nature even if the conditions outside are not the best. During the hot summer, you can relax and have fun outdoors without getting sunstroke. Shade structures also extend the season into fall and winter. If your structure is built with a solid roof or even insulated walls, you can enjoy calm winter mornings while sipping tea without the worry of rain or snow.
Cozy gazebo for summer relaxation
Types of shadow buildings
Gazebos are a self-contained structure, organically placed in the landscape. They can stand on a path and define a space for a walk, or they can define a patio area or outdoor entertaining space. A pergola usually has open sides and a slatted or solid roof.
Pergolas in landscape design
Patio structures are similar to pergolas, except they are attached to the house. This can be an advantage because the patio area can use the house for support and therefore can cost less than a freestanding structure.
Octagonal-shaped gazebos with a durable roof are most often used in traditional gardening areas. They can be an attractive addition if the style of the surrounding landscape works with the structure.
Traditional garden and park area
A canvas canopy is a modern way to get relief from the sun. The fabric is stretched through specially designed posts to accent and cover a seating area or patio. A canvas canopy looks great with the straight lines and simple geometries used in modern homes, and does double duty as a decorative and artistic part of the landscape.
Canopy for gazebo
A screened deck is built right next to the home, usually at the back door for easy access. Instead of glass windows, it has large screens to keep out insects. A screened terrace is great for dining as you get quality time outdoors without any uninvited guests.
A sun room is also being built right next to the house. Because it can be fully insulated and built with two-pane windows, it is a four-season structure that acts as an addition to your home. The sunroom is completely weatherproof, so you can watch birds and wildlife in comfort, even in winter. What really sets a sunroom apart from the rest of your home is that it has lots of windows that enhance outside views.
Fireplace, Russian stove or hearth in the courtyard of a private house
Let's leave the grill for forays into nature. If you like to gather loved ones around the fire, then let it be a full-fledged family hearth. Moreover, in the photo we have ideas for different tastes and budgets!
Terrace decoration
No matter what size backyard you have, you can make the most of the available space and live the dream. Here are some easy DIY landscaping ideas to create a great outdoor space that you can enjoy day and night.
Customize your space with decking
There's nothing like a new deck to transform your backyard into an outdoor living room or a great party spot. It's an easy, affordable way to expand your living space that will last for many years, and with a little know-how, you can build it yourself.
Terrace – a room with decking
There are several options for decking materials. In addition to traditional wood flooring, there is an eco-friendly alternative. Composite decking can be made from recycled plastic, which is durable, easy to install and maintain, and resistant to rot and pests.
Build with beams
Beams made from environmentally friendly material
You can shape your backyard to any size and give it a natural, earthy look with treated pine beams. Treated pine beams are resistant to decay, fungus and pests, making them one of the most versatile, easy-to-use and hard-wearing landscaping materials on the market. They can be used to create a retaining wall, stepped garden, flower bed or as a border along your beds.
Space with retaining walls
Retaining walls are a great way to create interesting steps for your backyard design. You can use them to create a raised garden to surround your entertaining space or create a quiet corner to unwind. Retaining walls are also a good way to level out areas of sloping block and add extra space for the kids to play or for you to entertain. Depending on the look you want, retaining walls can be made from logs or treated pine sleepers. Use specially formulated wall holding materials that are interlocking, durable and come in a range of colors.
Own paving
You can add real definition to your backyard and create a great look with pavers. Plus, it will be an easy project that you can do yourself. Pavers make a solid base for your outdoor entertaining area, or you can create a path through your garden. There are a variety of colors and installation designs on the market to suit any backyard, from concrete textured pavers, panel pavers, and sand pavers.
Simple and convenient covering for the yard
Add color and texture with pebbles
Pebbles are an easy way to bring different colors and textures to your backyard. You can use it to fill empty spaces in garden beds or as a ground cover to complement a paved or decked area.
For a purely decorative look, you can use pebbles to create a border or landscape path. There are many colors and styles to choose from in white, blue, orange, red, green, lime, silver or gold. Using the same colored pebbles, you can create solid colored areas or mix colors to create a brighter look.
Bright flowerbed using pebbles
Some tips
Before starting landscaping, it is better to level the terrain or, conversely, make small beds or hills.
Several evergreen plants will help give the area a cozy look even in the off-season.
“Bald spots” between young trees will help hide flower beds or herbs, which can be easily removed as the trees grow.
For aggressive plants, it is better to select a special area where they cannot destroy their more gentle counterparts.
Photos of landscaping your yard will help you choose the most interesting options and find yourself a new useful hobby.
Front yard landscaping
When it comes to decorating your front yard, you'll want to think about what features of your home will be highlighted, as well as how you can transform it into an outdoor space that gets lots of use. If you want to spend your holiday time there, privacy will be key. Privacy can be created with a wall or hedge.
Get a new perspective
Before choosing a project, look at your landscape with fresh eyes and a broader perspective. We are so accustomed to our landscape that it can be difficult to determine what others might see. There are two simple tricks to see the landscape from a new perspective. With both of these methods, the goal is to forget what you think about your landscape and instead look at what actually exists.
The first is an old artist's trick. Get far enough away from your landscape that you can see everything at once. Then squint your eyes until the picture blurs and try to clear your memory.
“Paint” your picture to create a landscape
There may be areas that, when viewed blurredly, appear dark and overgrown. Some areas may look messy because there are too many small plantings, statues or pots. Or, you may have an area that is bright and clean, but a little too empty. All these ideas can give you a general idea of which projects to tackle first.
The second technique you can use to see your landscape with new eyes is to take black and white photographs of your landscaping. By adding color, you can make a familiar space feel new, so you see it with objective eyes. Nowadays, most digital cameras have a black and white setting, so this is easy to do even if you are not a techno genius.
Define boundaries and add mulch
Clean edges deceive the eye, creating a neat and well-kept landscape. If the lawn has encroached into the garden beds and created an uneven line, defining a boundary can improve the appearance of the entire landscape.
Start by laying out a garden hose to define the new boundary. Don't make the beginner mistake of creating a wavy "drunk snake" line. Instead, make wide curves that are scaled to the size of your home. Then use a hoe to cut the grass until you have a clean, attractive line.
Define a beautiful mulch line
Once you've established a neat border, add a layer of wood chip mulch for a sophisticated look. The bright color is attractive, smoothes out uneven soil surfaces and generally gives landscaping a professional finish.
Trim huge bushes
If the plant is clearly not intended to be a hedge, then it needs to be pruned. Otherwise, it will feel like the service is out of control.
Prune the shrub at the base, removing any branches that are within 6 inches of the ground. This gives a more open look and works wonders on Rhododendrons and other shrubs that can appear gloomy and overwhelming when sprawled across the ground.
Neat bushes in the yard of the house
Another good task is to carefully trim any plant that touches the house. Plants that lean against your home can cause paint cracking, as well as mold and ants. Trimming plants 20 to 30cm from the house will give the landscaping a more open look and also give you the opportunity to clean the house or paint it if necessary.
The lawn is the main part of landscaping
A beautiful and well-groomed lawn is the dream of many land owners, but you should not think that it grows on its own. You can prepare the area and buy a ready-made rolled lawn, the care of which is limited to regular mowing and watering during dry summer periods.
There is also an option to spend more time, but grow a lawn yourself from a special mixture of seeds. Currently, you can find several types of seed material for sale for different types of lawns. They are parterre, universal, sports and Moorish.
But any of these types of grass for landscaping a private yard requires proper design.
To maintain an even lawn planting boundary, you need to mow it periodically. To limit the green fragments, a shallow ditch up to 4 cm deep is made along their edges, which is filled with small pebbles or shavings of coniferous bark.
Border tape is also used to secure the lawn line.
An area covered with a green grass carpet can be diversified with all kinds of ornamental plants and flower beds.
Smooth, mowed lawns are an important element of the improvement of a private home; they can be used for outdoor recreation, playing game sports, meditation and contemplation of a large amount of greenery, pleasing to the eye and calming.
Trees
The key quality when choosing a tree for your front yard should be its discreet appeal. The right tree can transform a front yard, adding structural interest, seasonal color, shade and dimension. The best tree choice for your front yard depends on factors including your climate, the space you have, preferences, and the orientation of your landscape.
Trees for small spaces
When choosing a tree for a small front yard, look for a specimen that will create a focal point without dominating your home or landscape. There are many small or dwarf tree varieties that will not grow taller than 8 meters, but have eye-catching features that more than make up for their lack of height, such as interesting leaf shapes and unique branch directions. Good options include dogwoods, Japanese maples, cherry trees and purple plum trees.
Decorative trees for small spaces
Blooming
Flowering trees will give your front yard a welcome splash of color after a long winter, often before the rest of the landscape comes to life. The effect will be similar to the shape of a vase full of flowers, providing a temporary but vibrant splash of color and an intoxicating aroma. Many flowering trees also provide multi-season interest, producing colorful berries and vibrant fall foliage such as flowering cherry trees, myrtle, apple trees and eastern redbells.
Shadow
Planting trees for shade in front of your home can block the harsh morning and afternoon sun from pouring into your windows, keeping your home cooler throughout the summer. Their dense canopies of leaves also slow the evaporation of water from lawns and garden beds. Shade trees come in many shapes and sizes, but fast-growing varieties deliver their benefits sooner. Examples include red maple, oak, poplar, birch, and ash.
Slender birch tree on the site near the house
For autumn foliage
Every front yard should have at least one tree that provides dazzling fall color, with leaves that turn seemingly overnight into brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red or purple. Some trees, such as the sugar maple, will produce a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from yellow to orange and finally to red.
Evergreens
While many deciduous trees will reward you with spring flowers and fall color, their glory often fades in the winter after the leaves have fallen, leaving you with a lifeless landscape. Almost any front yard can benefit from the year-round color and sculptural beauty of conifers.
Layout: what you need to consider when drawing up a project
Modern projects suggest that the territory of a private yard must first be demarcated. You can do this yourself, using simple calculations or online programs. This is especially necessary to do if the private yard occupies a small area. The yard must be divided into the following zones:
- Rest zone. First of all, it is necessary to allocate a separate area for a recreation area. In this area it is necessary to place a gazebo with a table, comfortable chairs or benches. The table can be either stationary or folding. It is imperative to install an awning or roof to provide shelter in case of rain or scorching sun. Also, in this area it would be appropriate to place a barbecue area. The recreation area must be decorated with flower beds with beautiful flowers.
- Sports area. This zone should be highlighted if the owners lead a healthy lifestyle. As a rule, it contains football or basketball courts and a tennis court.
- Children's area. This zone is designed if there are children in the house. It is necessary to build a sandbox, playgrounds, and a recreation area for children in which you can place a table and small chairs.
Small vegetable garden
If you have a small garden at your dacha, then you need to take into account issues such as crop rotation. This is the correct placement of vegetables, fruits and flowers within the yard so that crops do not crowd out each other and harm the harvest. For decoration, you can use elements such as paths, lighting, fences and fences.
Relative to neighboring areas
When building a private house, the rules for the location of building boundaries described below must be observed:
- As a rule, a residential building must be located more than five meters from the red line of the road and at least three meters from residential streets.
- In addition, a distance of more than six meters from other residential buildings must be maintained.
- The farm block in which livestock is kept must be located at a distance of at least four meters from the neighboring plot.
- The septic tank or cesspool must be located at a distance of at least twelve meters from the neighboring plot of land.
- Large trees or green spaces must be planted at a distance of at least five meters from the fence of a private house.
All these requirements must be complied with, otherwise administrative liability is provided.
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.
pros
The positive aspects of a vertical vegetable garden include:
- decorativeness, which you can clearly see when looking at photographs of backyards planned according to this principle;
- saving space and the ability to place the structure in any corner of a small area;
- ease of care;
- inaccessibility of the crop to most pests;
- practicality, the soil in small containers warms up much faster in the spring, therefore, ripening occurs earlier, which allows you to get several harvests in one season.
