Landscaping comes in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. When it comes to a landscaping style, choosing one or two styles when designing a landscape is important to stay consistent with the property’s overall aesthetic. It’s also important to understand what type of building the property has and what types of landscaping styles will best match or complement the building. To take the cohesion of a property and pull it all together, consider the interior design and aesthetic when deciding which landscaping style to choose for your landscape. Regardless of the property type being residential, commercial, educational, and more, the landscaping style is used to create its own character and to stand out. Before getting into a few specific examples of landscaping styles, consider these three main categories: modern, contemporary, and traditional to be a starting point of which landscaping style for a property. We list different design characteristics that define these styles. If you are unsure about what your preferred landscaping style is, review some of the examples of landscaping styles mentioned here to form a perfect picture of the visual you desire.
Modern Landscaping Styles
Modern landscaping styles are characterized by clean and hard lines that create a sharp and minimalistic look. The main principle of the modern landscaping style is ‘less is more.’ The materials used in the modern landscaping style are hard, like concrete and tiles, and therefore, this style incorporates concrete patios, paths, and steps. Three types of modern landscaping styles are given below.
Modern Minimal
Modern minimal landscaping style, as the style suggests, incorporates only the essential elements; there is no added flair in this style. The color scheme of the materials used in this style ranges from dark shades to cool grays. Plants are not planted in bunches in the modern, minimal style; they are spaced far apart or in only one area.
Though the materials used in this style are few, each one is chosen and placed with a purpose while ensuring that all the elements together create a complete picture.
Modern Farmhouse
The modern farmhouse combines the charm of an old farmhouse with the elements of the modern landscaping style. The planting beds have straight and clean edges without any awkward curves, and unlike the modern, minimal style, you will find more densely planted areas in this style and plants in more spaces than one.
The colors of perennial blooms are muted, with emphasis given to green grassy areas; climate-adapted grasses and plants are used in the modern farmhouse style. You can incorporate X-shaped or split rail fences for the rustic farmhouse look and plant trees to create focal points and provide shade.
Modern Bohemian
The modern bohemian style follows the mix-n-match policy. Warm tones and eclectic fabric and furniture create a bright and airy atmosphere. This style incorporates more elements than the others – more furniture, plants, and accessories (rugs and string lights) are used to give a full yet uncluttered feel.
The planting leans more towards the informal style compared to the other modern styles mentioned above. Climate-appropriate plants are planted in bunches and strategically placed to give a natural and open feel.
Contemporary Landscaping Styles
The contemporary landscaping style is similar to the modern one, but it creates a more natural look by incorporating more wood accents than rigid lines of hardscaping. Due to the similarity between the two styles, it is easier to define the contemporary style by emphasizing what makes it different from the modern style.
The contemporary landscaping style is more informal and eclectic than the modern style, but it upholds the same principle – less is more. Nine contemporary styles are given below.
Tropical
The tropical style is characterized by its specific planting style. The plants are densely placed with vertical layering and an intermixing of various species. These plants are primarily a rich deep green in color, and have large leaves.
Palm trees generally take over the highest portion of the vertical layer, while shorter shrubs like hibiscus and bougainvillea add complimentary bursts of color to the landscape. These plants have high water requirements as they are adapted to tropical climates. So, ensure they can thrive in the current climate or arrange for an irrigation system to be timed correctly before planting them.
Family-Friendly
Family-friendly landscaping is all about creating an outdoor space that is fun and safe for adults, children, and pets. The common areas used by people of all ages (patios, decks, lawns, etc.) should be free of poisonous plants that can harm kids and pets, have well-lit paths, slip-resistant floors to prevent accidents, and comfortable seating areas.
There is no need to include plastic elements to make specific areas fun for kids. Instead, it is common to create a natural environment with a grove or a butterfly garden, anything that will feed their curiosity.
Additionally, if you have friends or family who require wheelchair access, you can install ramps that connect one part of the landscape with the other.
Meadow and Grassland
The main element of the grassland planting style is ornamental grasses, accented with perennials and a few shrubs here and there to add texture. In nature, one single grassland plant species will be found growing in large clusters; these are called drifts.
To re-create the effect of drift in your landscape, plant grassland species in dense clusters and do not include too many species in a single cluster because, remember, less is more. These can either be arranged to give a natural loose look or planted in neat rows
Edible Gardens
Edible gardens imply creating an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space with edible elements like herbs, fruit trees, shrubs that produce berries, etc. Plants and herbs can be grown either in raised garden beds or on the ground with clean, hardscaping edges that define the space.
Consider installing raised garden beds for the herbs, as everybody can easily access these. They don’t require bending and, therefore, will not strain the knees while tending the garden.
Southwestern
The southwestern landscaping style is inspired by America’s southwest. Since this region is arid, many desert-style elements are incorporated, like drought-tolerant plants and paths of gravel. This geographical region is sunny, and therefore, elements that provide shade are included, such as pergolas and arbors.
Stone walls and warm earthy tones are included in this style. Overall the look is a little spare and minimal.
Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space
1. English Cottage Garden
Fit for a storybook, English cottage gardens are the epitome of charm. With a dense hodgepodge of flowers, edible fruits, and veggies, these gardens are quaint and imperfect. Go crazy and plant a little bit of a lot of different things to achieve this picturesque outdoor style. Plant some lavender here, daisies or other florals there, a boxwood, some vines and other shrubs . . . you get it. The overall look is only limited to plants that thrive in your climate.
2. Water Feature with Fountain
Water features add elegance and zen to a backyard. Let the soft babbling and gentle splashes relax the vibe of your outdoor space. Depending on the space you have available, a water fountain can be added to a backyard pond or pool, it can be part of a birdbath, or it can be an above-ground or small tabletop structure.
3. Several Seating Areas
Having several seating areas is beneficial for more than just backyard parties. When considering the different types of seats you have indoors, it makes sense to add extra seating outside too. Incorporate different chairs for eating, lounging, reading, and more to get the most from your space. Rather than drag the same patio chair around the yard to enjoy or avoid the sun, strategically placed patio furniture ensures you and your guests always have a comfortable place to relax.
4. Minimalist Outdoor Space
Adding more landscaping elements to your yard may not necessarily be the answer. For some, more furniture, more plants and flowers, more bird feeders, and more of anything else can make a yard feel cluttered. You also need to consider the time and care it takes to maintain everything you add to your backyard living space. Find calm and contentment by taking away the extra stuff, and highlighting your yard’s simple, natural beauty.
5. Multipurpose Backyard
Backyard landscaping ideas have to suit the needs and desires of your entire household. In a single yard, you may need space for kids to play, you may want a vertical garden, you may need to plant trees to provide more shade, you may want to plant flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds, and the list goes on. Before deciding on a drastic change that limits the use of your backyard, consider everything you want to use it for, and make sure that your landscaping ideas work in harmony with your lifestyle.
6. Well-Placed Retaining Wall
A useful and attractive sloped backyard landscaping idea is the addition of a retaining wall. This wall holds back soil and prevents soil erosion and potential damage to your home. Before breaking ground on a retaining wall, have a detailed understanding of the property line, above ground and underground utilities, know that the soil will support the wall, and that the wall has good drainage. There are plenty of available designs that fit in wonderfully with the atmosphere you’re creating with your backyard landscaping.
7. Small Swimming Pool
It’s hard to beat the appeal of a gorgeous and inviting pool. The calming blue color it adds to a space makes it feel like a vacation in your own backyard. A home with a pool is the place to be in the summer, whether you’re hanging out with friends, reading, or swimming laps. There are a variety of pools out there to suit your specific needs—your ideal backyard pool landscaping may include a diving board, a small pool for the kids, or a specific shape or length. The right pool contractor can bring your vision to life.
8. Ground-Level Deck
Say the word “deck,” and you may conjure images of a barbecue grill area, a cozy outdoor room, a fresh air yoga space, and a ton of other potential uses. Advantages to adding a deck include less landscaping maintenance, more room to entertain, aesthetic appeal, and potentially increased property value. There are many reasons to say yes to adding a deck to your backyard, what’s yours?
9. Pretty Pond
One way to amp up your outdoor relaxation is by building a pond. Do it well, and this outdoor pond landscaping idea becomes a stress-free space that exudes feelings of calm. Fill it with fish and pond plants, such as horsetail, taro, or water lilies. After you establish the ecosystem, maintenance is minimal, and you can spend more time enjoying the pond than working on it. A backyard pond is a terrific addition to a large backyard and gives you a noteworthy feature for your home.
10. Lush Lawn
Let’s face it, how the grass looks makes or breaks the aesthetic of your backyard landscaping. Thick, perfectly tended grass has a simple beauty that makes a yard look amazing. It’s never too late to improve the look and feel of your grass. Whether you grow grass from seed, or get a near-instant upgrade with turf, you can’t go wrong investing in your lawn.
11. Gardens Galore
Who says you can only have one kind of garden? Every home, no matter how big or small, has the space for a garden. Depending on your passions and your space, your new garden may be a style you hadn’t yet considered. Edible vegetable gardens and ornamental tropical plant or flower gardens are popular. With limited space you can add a vertical garden or raised garden bed to your deck or patio, start an indoor herb garden, small succulent garden, fairy garden, and more.
