Not all of us are blessed with large backyards. But there’s no need to worry as it’s possible to practice smart design in smaller spaces! Whether you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, loft, or house with more indoor than outdoor space, you can still carve out a yard with soil, trees, plants, patios, seating, and even water features. Scroll down to read about our small backyard landscaping ideas for you.
There are many incredible landscaping ideas that you can discover to stimulate your creativity. You’ll be amazed at the variety of backyard designs and solutions available once you start researching them. Consider looking into hiring a Minneapolis landscape design company, (or one in your area) to get a quote and talk through your desired ideas.
In no time, your tiny piece of land will feel like an entire backyard paradise. It doesn’t matter if you’d like space to host a party or the opportunity to relax in the natural world; even small backyards can be adapted to suit your needs. Here are some fantastic Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas for you to choose from.
Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas
Plant shrubs to surround the space
If you don’t want to water your garden every week, swap the flowers with leafy bushes. To create a lush, overgrown garden that looks as welcoming as it is green, layer different heights of shrubs.
Make a focal point
Make a focal point
Surround Yourself with Lavender
Even if you don’t have much space, creating a warm and welcoming environment in your backyard is possible. Choose plants with a pleasant scent like lavender to make your small yard feel warm and inviting.
Make Use of Vertical Space
With some basic carpentry skills, it’s possible to DIY tiered garden beds that can give you much more gardening space without biting into your walkway. Not the DIY type? Vertical garden beds are also available for purchase!
Install Seating
Chairs and other lounge chairs can take up much space, which is an issue if you don’t want to bump into them as you navigate your small yard. You can increase your entertaining possibilities by installing built-in seating around your yard or deck.
A floating deck can help you define spaces
A deck doesn’t need to be built directly on the house. You can create the illusion of more space by tucking your floating deck in the corner of your small yard. Add a table and chairs to the platform for a cozy place to enjoy morning coffee. Or, you can add a hammock for a private retreat. A simple deck measuring 10 x 10 ft with pressure-treated pine costs $2,000.
Add statement flowers
You might prefer to keep it simple in your garden by choosing one flower shrub like a rhododendron, which will immediately attract attention and add something unique to your space.
Layered landscaping
Layered landscaping includes tall bushes at the back and a line of colorful plants towards the rear. Layered landscaping will add beauty to your backyard.
Add a Cobblestone Path
Add cobblestone paths and flowers to your small backyard to make it feel like an English garden.
Create Terraces for Garden Beds
If there is a steep slope, a small backyard can feel smaller. You can increase the visual interest of your yard by hiring a professional landscaper who will install terraces on the slope. Plant flowers and evergreen shrubs on the terraces to take it to the next level.
Install an In-Ground Plunge Pool
Although an Olympic-sized pool is not possible, you can still enjoy a refreshing dip in cool water with little yard space with this small backyard landscaping idea. If you have a small yard and are looking for a way to relax in the heat, a plunge pool is a pool that’s shallow enough to be used for lounging instead of swimming. A 6-by-12-foot pool costs $20,000 on average. It may be worth it if you enjoy spending time in your backyard on hot summer days.
Build a Decking Around an In-Ground Spa
You can choose to build a hot tub if building a pool is not practically possible in your area. However, the in-ground option is still viable. This allows you to keep the yard looking larger and opens up the space visually. A custom deck built around a hot tub can make it feel like a place to hang out, no matter how you’re in or out of the water.
Create a relaxing vegetable garden
Make your garden into a stunning centerpiece by incorporating a wire arch. The foliage of your vegetables will wrap around the arch, providing a tranquil place to relax.
Design a Japanese garden
If you don’t have enough grass or soil to work with, make your backyard a Japanese garden by adding bamboo, stones, and lanterns.
Add a Fire Pit
Everyone enjoys gathering around a fire pit, which is why you should make it the center of your backyard. Include landscaping around the area where you can relax by planting lush bushes, blooming rose shrubs, and steel arches filled with vines.
Plant blooming rhododendron
You can add a splash of drama to your yard by planting a huge blooming Rhododendron, and it’ll add a massive impact of color and make you feel as if you’re in a botanical park.
Create a floral arch
Add Some Roses
The most efficient method to add a bit of elegance to the exterior of your home is to plant a lot of roses; roses can enhance the beauty of any backyard with their sweet scent and sheer beauty.
Create tiny islands
Your backyard will stand out from the others by planting small islands of blooming flowers and shrubs across your lawn.
Add a Small Pond
Living close to a beach or lake isn’t necessary to take pleasure in the waters. Just install a small pond in your backyard!
Add planters
Create symmetry in your garden by planting flowers within rows of similar pots. It’ll add a modern touch to your garden.
Add a bench
Make the most of your backyard by turning it into a tranquil oasis. Designate a space for an outdoor bench, then plant lush bushes and growing vines. It is also possible to install a calming fountain if you have space.
