Backyard Dreaming: 13 Ideas to Spark Your Imagination

Winter, at least for those in chilly climates, is a time when the garden lies dormant … which also means it’s the perfect time to sit in the cozy house and plan. Would you like to add edibles, a water feature, a flower garden, a new deck or an entire series of outdoor rooms? Take some time dreaming up a new garden plan this winter, steaming mug of tea in hand, and you’ll be ready to go when spring arrives. Mull over these ideas, then dream up your own and share them in the Comments.

1. Think of your yard as a series of outdoor rooms. This Austin, Texas, backyard seamlessly combines a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen and dining patio, and a playhouse for the kids. Think about the activity zones in your own backyard — is there something you would love to add this year? Does everyone in your household have a spot where they can play or relax in the yard? Brainstorm a few ways to add more fun.



2. Consider steps and pathways between outdoor rooms. Part of what makes outdoor rooms work well is the way you travel from one part of the space to another. Consider adding stairs, terraces, gravel paths or stepping stones between outdoor rooms. Or change the material underfoot — pavers in one area; pea gravel, concrete and grass in others.


3. Get more function out of a small space with well-defined zones. The smaller your space, the more important it is to clearly mark the boundaries of the outdoor rooms. In this backyard a patio close to the house is covered in large concrete pavers, raised vegetable beds run along the fence line, a barbecue area sits at the end of the yard, and a grassy area keeps the center open and flexible.


4. Enhance an urban yard with a unique water feature. City yards need special consideration. With neighbors and traffic so close, noise can be an issue. Space is also likely to be tight. Water features can mask sounds and, when used well, can also help give a petite yard the feeling of a secret garden. In the space shown here, a raised stepping stone path creates a bridge between the patio and a destination on the other side, containing lounge chairs and a small edible garden.


Running water is especially good at masking noises, so consider a fountain or small waterfall for your water feature. In this San Francisco backyard, the position of the water feature surrounding the deck makes it feel as if the deck is floating — a lovely way to escape in the middle of the city.



5. Make a seating area feel more private. Have a seating area in your yard but find you rarely feel like using it? If so, perhaps privacy is an issue. Even if you don’t think you mind seeing or hearing neighbors, you will probably feel more comfortable if you can increase privacy. Hedges and climbing plants can provide a living wall, and solidly constructed benches, planters and shade covers can add to the feelings of privacy and safety. Consider also adding a water feature if neighbors are close — it will mask your own conversations as well as cut down on chatter from the other side of the fence.



6. Consider doing away with the lawn. California has been suffering through a massive drought. If you live in an area that regularly experiences water shortages, it may be time to give up on the green lawn once and for all. A few large beds of perennials that are well suited to your climate, combined with wide gravel paths and seating areas, may be a better choice. The yard shown here has a small allée of trees and sculptures that draws the eye toward the house, for a look that is quite romantic — in a space as well designed as this one, you won’t even miss the grass!



7. Go wild with flowers. Another lawn alternative (though somewhat less water saving) is to go absolutely over-the-top with flowers. The classic cottage garden look does require some weeding, but it is well worth the effort for its cheering effect. Just be sure to choose flowers that bloom at different times of year, so your garden will never be completely bare.


8. Extend your indoor living space with a deck. No matter the size of your yard, pay attention to the transitional space between indoors and out. Is there a good flow there? Having large windows or French or sliding glass doors leading onto a deck will lure you outside. Even a small deck can be enough space for a few pots of kitchen herbs and plump cushions or a pair of chairs.


9. Get more out of secondary areas. Are you doing anything with your side yard? If you’ve all but given up on it, thinking it was too small to work with, why not give it another look? Perhaps you could clean it up and add climbing plants or dwarf trees to provide a prettier view from inside the house. Or, if you find a bit of extra space, carve out room for a gas grill, compost container or storage shed.

8 New Uses for Your Side Yard


10. Add edibles. Even a small yard can handle a few pots of peppers and herbs, and you may be surprised at how easy it is to fit in one or two small raised beds. If you’ve been considering adding an edible garden, why not make this the year to try it? Start with a small, manageable garden, and grow the veggies and herbs you like to eat. Doing your plant and seed shopping locally at a helpful nursery will ensure you choose plants that will do well in your climate.

Houzz guides to growing edible gardens


11. Redraw your beds. File this under Small Changes With Big Impact — carving out a new, curvy border where beds used to be stick straight is a simple way to make a garden more dynamic. Just be aware that the curvier the beds, the more challenging they will be to mow around.

Great plant combinations for beautiful garden beds


12. Sketch out your ideas on paper. Having a bird’s-eye map of a yard is an invaluable tool — and you don’t need to be an artist to create a basic one. Just walk out to your backyard, clipboard in hand, and record the basic shape of your yard on paper. Next add permanent features, like your house, trees and property line. Back in the warmth of your house, you can use a pencil to lightly draw in the features you are thinking of adding. A garden map is also helpful come spring, when you can use it to record where you planted which seeds.



13. Add evening ambience. Make those future summer evenings more magical by adding outdoor lighting around your seating area and along paths. As with indoor lighting, choosing more but smaller lights is better than having a few really bright ones.

See more of this city garden designed to shine at night

Tell us: Are you dreaming up new plans for your garden this year?

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