Landscaping ideas for the backyard?

Rechard
by Rechard

Hi all

I have recently bought a new home and planning to innovate new ideas for my new home. My first step is to design a patio in my backyard and surrounding it with plants and grass to make a natural scenery to my backyard. I think landscaping is one of the best ways to supply fresh air within the locality. Can anyone share your thought regarding the installation of landscaping in the backyard?

Thanks!


  11 answers
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 11, 2021

    A picture of your backyard would be most helpful so we can see what you are starting with, if you have 1 or more could you please post them. so you can get some specific ideas.

    Landscaping is a fantastic way to provide freshness to a location-such as a patio.

    What do you have in mind for a patio...concrete, a deck, awning, pergola, roof, dimensions...?

    What does your backyard look like...trees, sloping, overgrown, vines, muddy, how large or small?

    Plants and grass, consult your local nursery or Cooperative extension and see what they recommend for you area of the country.

    You might want to consult landscaping companies and get some free ideas on what they suggest or could do for you. Get free estimates and pick their brains.

  • Janice Janice on Apr 11, 2021


    Hi Rechard, How exciting to have a blank slate to work with and create exactly what you want for the years to come! Congrats on your new home.

    I suggest you contact your County Extension Agent and request assistance and information from them. They can supply you with much good info about what plants grow well in your particular area and some may even be able to diagnose your soil and offer advice about soil amendments to insure good growth and health of whatever is planted. They'll know what "zone" you're in and can be a world of help and it is a free service.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Apr 11, 2021

    I draw out on paper what I think I want my project to look like then I decide what plants, shrubs, trees, etc I can use in that location - it depends on the sun, shade, soil, planting zones etc. then I took photos of the area and went to my local nursery (not like Home Depot but a real plant nursery) and asked for free advise and they were very helpful

    I would put the patio in first so you won't disturb your new plantings.

    https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/patio/installation-how-to/6-steps-patio/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48pp5pNY7x8


    https://www.landscapingnetwork.com/patios/how-to-landscape.html


  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 11, 2021

    Hello. Congratulations on your new home. Landscaping is one way to add a tractive curb appeal feature and be able to enjoy your property. It’s important to know your gardening zone and soil situation before suggesting particular plants and landscaping. Most plants success depend on their hardness to geographic planting zones presenting weather conditions. This information could give us more clues to give you the best suggestions for plant success!


    Additionally for the best local professional advice

    I would highly suggest contacting your cooperative extension. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site there waiting to answer the communities questions that know your local situation quite well.


    Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal.


    If your office is closed....there might be alternative online venues like Ask an Expert as well as emailing your local master gardeners extension office for their

    guidance.... in a non contact manner.


  • I would visit the local nursery for ideas and the best plants for your area.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Apr 11, 2021

    I believe the most important thing is to talk to an expert in your area so you know what kind of plants to use and how they will thrive in your area.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Apr 12, 2021

    Such a broad subject. Depending on your zone and so many other factors, you can simple to amazing designs. I've never had a back yard but I've always added as much plants and beauty to my sides and front.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Apr 12, 2021

    Your patio needs to drain away from the house and be about 3" above the grass line.

    If you're planning on using pavers, be sure and do all the prep work to a T.

    If you're planning on putting up a shade canopy, like a pop-up then plan on digging some holes and concrete-ing in galvanized steel eyelets or other hold downs.


    If you want to build a large shade structure, you'll need larger concrete Pad Footings.

    Large shade structures may require a Building Permit and you can call your local Building Dept. and ask them what those "thresholds" would be.


    I'd pick up a Sunset book on landscaping and there's a half dozen on that topic.

  • Maura White Maura White on Apr 13, 2021

    iscape has a free app: https://www.iscapeit.com/