Are you craving for a backyard escape that feels miles away from the everyday hustle? You’re surely not alone! About 85% of the experts from the home construction industry have observed that most homeowners are now willing to spend more time on their outdoor living spaces, like your backyards. (1)
But sometimes, owning a backyard that looks a bit generic and bland can discourage you from stepping outside your home. Imagine staring out at a plain patch of grass and a basic patio. It’s not exactly inspiring relaxation, right? Don’t worry; this doesn’t have to be your reality and you certainly don’t need to break the bank to transform your backyard into a wonderful retreat. The secret lies in embracing the charm and simplicity of natural materials.
Read on as this article explores a variety of creative and practical ways to level up your backyard landscaping using natural materials.
Invest in natural stone stairs or steps
Elevate your plain lawn grass by adding some stone stairs and steps. Besides making it easier to get around your outdoor space, they also add a sense of depth, texture, and some serious visual appeal.
There are many ways to incorporate stone stairs and steps into your backyard. For example, you can create a rustic garden path with irregular-shaped stones that leads to a secluded natural garden nook or seating area. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more creative, you can build terraced stairs, particularly if your backyard has a slope or hillside. And for an easier approach, arrange a steppingstone path using large, flat stones.
Whichever you prefer, be sure to pick natural stones that are fit for your climate and can resist the elements. You’ll also want to check that the stairs are properly anchored and level to prevent moving or unevenness over time.
Transform the space into an edible oasis
While a beautifully decorated backyard is a delight, you may take it a step further and create edible landscaping. Fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetable patches, and herb gardens are all natural additions that can be included in your backyard’s landscape design.
For instance, a mini orchard with dwarf fruit trees can give vertical interest and the promise of sweet, juicy harvests. You can even have raised beds built with natural materials like reclaimed wood or stacked stones, providing the perfect home for your favorite veggies. Just think about the satisfaction of stepping into your backyard and plucking a ripe tomato, crisp lettuce, or fragrant basil leaves whenever you want. It’s like having your own personal farmers’ market right at home!
Don’t worry; you don’t really have to complete all this planting alone. Tap into the expertise of professional landscapers and gardeners to help you with this total landscaping makeover of turning your plain open space into a homegrown paradise!
Celebrate native plants
Meanwhile, if planting edible trees and bushes is too much for now, you may go for the native plants in your local area. Native plants are the unsung heroes of natural landscaping. These botanical beauties have adapted to thrive in your local climate and soil conditions and generally require less water and fertilizer than their exotic counterparts.
So, instead of reaching for the latest trendy plant from a foreign land, just recognize the beauty of your own regional flora. You can create a colorful wildflower meadow that buzzes with pollinators, design a butterfly garden filled with nectar-rich blooms, or plant ferns and shade-loving native species. These can all make your backyard look stunning, while at the same time, you’ll be executing your part to support the local ecosystem.
Take your plants vertical
Are you worried about the limited ground space in your backyard? Take your plants vertically! You can utilize your walls and fences to create lush greenery without sacrificing precious ground square footage.
Trellises, arbors, and even repurposed pallets can be used to support climbing plants like jasmine, clematis, or passionflower, creating an attractive living wall that adds both beauty and privacy to your backyard. Hanging baskets filled with dangling plants like fuchsias, petunias, or string of pearls can also add a cascading effect. Meanwhile, wall-mounted planters can display a variety of succulents, herbs, or even tiny vegetables. With vertical gardening, you can create a truly enticing and lush backyard environment that maximizes every inch of space.
Maximize the warmth of wood
Wood has a way of infusing any space with a sense of warmth and natural charm, and your backyard landscaping is no exception. This versatile material can be used in countless ways to construct an inviting and visually appealing backyard. Reclaimed wood, in particular, is a popular option for those looking to add a unique character to their backyard while also being environmentally conscious. No wonder the global market size for reclaimed wood has reached USD$54.34 billion in 2022. (2)
You can use wooden planks to construct raised garden beds to grow your favorite herbs and veggies. Or, build a cozy pergola to craft a shaded retreat where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. A wooden fence can also define your outdoor space while adding a rustic touch. Lastly, for a playful element, specifically for homeowners with kids, consider putting a wooden swing or even a tree house that will become a beloved spot for kids and adults alike.
Use natural seating options
To truly enjoy your backyard space, you’ll need seating areas where you can relax and bask in the surroundings. But instead of buying plastic or metal seating furniture, select natural materials that will blend seamlessly with your landscaping. Statistics show that 72% of respondents are now actively buying eco-friendly products (e.g., furniture) as their technique of practicing sustainability. (3)
You can jump on this trend and be part of the sustainably conscious homeowners. For instance, you can add a rustic wooden bench on your backyard lawn to build a restful sitting spot. You can also hang a hammock between two sturdy trees (if you have) and have the best place to take an afternoon nap. If you love hosting gatherings around a bonfire, arrange a circle of tree stump stools around the fire pit.
Better yet, you can get crafty and build your own outdoor seating by repurposing old pallets; ditch the generic and totally embrace the beauty and comfort of natural materials.
Add water features
Want to take your backyard makeover to the next level of tranquility? Add a water feature! The soothing sound and sight of water can effortlessly make your outdoor space into a restful space. For instance, construct a small recirculating fountain using stacked stones or nestle a charming birdbath among your plants to supply a refreshing spot for feathered friends to splash around.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, build a shallow creek bed lined with smooth pebbles. Besides looking amazing, these natural water features can also potentially attract beautiful wildlife to your backyard.
In closing
Elevating your backyard with natural materials is an eco-friendly way to design an oasis. With the right fusion of wood, stones, native plants, and natural water features, you can create an outdoor space that’s both beautiful and sustainable. So, get your hands dirty and enjoy the process of bringing more life to your backyard!
References:
- “A Space For Any Occasion”, Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/creativegroup/country-casual-teak/a-space-for-any-occasion/
- “Reclaimed Lumber Market Size, Share, & Trends Analysis Report By Application, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030”, Source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/reclaimed-lumber-market
- “Most Consumers Want Sustainable Products and Packaging”, Source: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15087-consumers-want-sustainable-products.html