8 DIY Landscaping Ideas for a Stunning Backyard

A yard is the first aspect of a house others notice; make that first impression a stellar one. Give your outdoor space a makeover with the following 8 easy DIY landscaping ideas.

Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

Homeowners interested in DIY projects can start small (and get big results) with the following landscape design ideas for their front yards.

1. Flat Flower Beds

A little greenery can generate significant curb appeal in even a small front yard. Fortunately, homeowners have plenty of options when it comes to garden landscapes, both in terms of garden design and the types of plants worth adding to the home.

In-ground beds, also called flat beds, are ideal for beginners. They’re much simpler and more affordable to create, give plants more space to stretch roots, and can be easier to install irrigation systems.

Great plants for flat beds include:

• Groundcovers. English Ivy, Creeping Jenny, and honeysuckle are all excellent low-maintenance groundcovers that reduce the need for mowing and improve soil health.
• Perennials. Coneflowers, lavender, and catmint are drought-resistant plants that can grow for years with proper maintenance.
• Vegetables. A vegetable garden adds visual interest and puts food on the table. Easy-to-grow vegetables that thrive in flat garden beds include radishes, lettuce, and carrots.
• Native plants. Explore what plants are native to your area. They are adapted to thrive in the climate you’re in, and they can attract pollinators to help your garden grow for years to come. St. Louis native plants include aster, pale purple coneflowers, butterfly milkweed, and blazing stars.

When designing a flat bed for the first time, it’s best to stick to simple shapes. Small circles, rectangles, or thin gardens that hug the house are all easy enough to install without previous experience. Polish the final look by pairing the garden with some simple landscape edging, like rocks, and cover drip lines from your irrigation system with mulch.

2. Raised Flower Beds

Building in vertical space can add unique visual interest to any yard. Paired with a garden bed, raised beds create a dynamic green space that’s easy enough to install in most front yards.

Elevated garden options include:

• Trellises. Trellises are easy to build and affordable. They pair well with climbing plants like the Virginia creeper, red honeysuckle, and grape vines.
• Raised beds. A raised bed is easy enough to create with stacked wooden pallets or buying at a local hardware store. Cucumbers, garlic, and lavender can all thrive in raised gardens.
• Retaining walls. Retaining walls can do it all: prevent soil erosion, open new flat spaces in a yard, manage water runoff, and create a home for new plants to grow in. Roses, clematis, and creeping thyme all do well in retaining wall gardens.

3. Rock Gardens

Gardens don’t have to be green. A rock garden is a fantastic way to create a visually appealing landscape that is both easy to maintain and environmentally friendly. As is the case with flower gardens, beginner DIY-ers should stick to simple shapes for their first rock garden. Circles, house-hugging strips, and rectangles can all be appealing without being difficult to install.

Rocks that work well for these gardens include flagstone, pea gravel, and lava rocks. While rock gardens don’t have to include plants, plants can add pops of color to these installations. Low-maintenance plants that do well in these gardens include lavender and sedum.

4. Landscape Lighting

Outdoor lighting adds a sense of security to your space, makes it easier to walk around at night, and highlights your yard’s focal points.

Landscape lighting is ideally placed along walkways as well as focal points like trees and gardens. Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly options for brightening up your front yard while also eliminating the need for you to change batteries or run electrical wiring outdoors.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Backyard landscaping doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. The following eye-catching design ideas are perfect for homeowners with little to no prior experience.

5. Water Features

Water features add tranquility and dynamism to any environment, including your back yard. Simple installations like bird baths, solar-powered water fountains, and small ponds are feasible for the average layperson with a little time and effort.

Factors to consider when installing water features include:

• Drainage. Where will the water come from and where will it route to? Are there adequate drainage management systems in place?
• Maintenance. What does maintenance look like? How easy will the installation be to clean?
• Power source. Does the installation require electricity to function? If so, how will the power be delivered in a safe manner?
• Regulations and bylaws. What are the rules surrounding water features in your area? Are you required to have a permit to begin installation? Do you need a fence with a latched gate surrounding your water feature?

6. Seating Areas

Add a seating area to enhance your enjoyment of your elevated outdoor living space. Your sitting area can be as simple as a relaxing hammock or as dynamic as an outdoor sectional and table housed comfortably on patio pavers.

When choosing the right location for a sitting area, consider the following:

• Maintenance. How easy are the seats to clean and maintain? Will they rust, warp, splinter, or mold easily? Does the furniture need to be stored for part of the year and, if so, where will the furniture go?
• Lighting. Is there adequate lighting in your seating area so it can be enjoyed during twilight hours?
• Focal point. Is the seating area facing a unique view?
• Socialization. Does the seating arrangement encourage discussion and social engagement?
• Shade. Will the seated area be well shaded? If not, how will this placement affect enjoyment during warmer months?

7. Pergolas

Pergolas and pavilions can help you maximize your outdoor space. They pair well with other installations like sitting areas and outdoor kitchens to create cozy spaces that foster social connections, offer cooling shade, and enhance your property value.

There are plenty of pergola kits that make installation easy for the average layperson, although homeowners still need to do their due diligence and check local regulations to see if they need a permit to build these structures.

8. Fire Pits

Fire pits are vibrant displays that enhance curb appeal, create a focal point for social gatherings, and offer warmth during colder weather. They’re also relatively easy to create with pavers or bricks. Beginners may opt for a simple above-ground pit constructed with quality pavers, while more confident DIY-ers may try to repurpose used bricks to create a circular, in-ground pit.

Safety is naturally the most important consideration when creating these pits. Important tips to keep in mind when installing them include:

• Location. Are the fire pits at least 10 feet away from other structures like houses? Are the pits in an environment that naturally experiences high winds?
• Material. Are the materials creating the actual pit fireproof? Are there added base layer materials, like sand, to boost safety?
• Ventilation. Will the pit be in a well-ventilated area?
• Drainage. Is there proper drainage in case it rains on the pit?
• Fire suppression. In case the worst happens and fire spreads outside the pit, is there a plan in place to suppress the flames?

DIY Landscaping vs Professional Landscaping

Which landscaping projects should be DIY and which are best left in the hands of professionals? The answer to that question depends on the scope of your project and your own comfort levels.

Installing a flat flower bed, for example, is a relatively simple task that most people can do without direct guidance from a professional. Complex hardscaping or other projects, like installing gas lines to an outdoor kitchen, are often best left to the experts though.

When you are unsure of your ability to execute your DIY landscaping ideas, it never hurts to consult with licensed professionals. They can offer you expert insight and ensure that your landscape plans are fully compliant with all local bylaws. When it comes to your house and your safety, remember that it never hurts to be too careful.