6 Landscaping Choices That May Be Overlooked
Creating a beautiful yard goes beyond just planting flowers and mowing the lawn. Many homeowners miss out on landscape elements that could transform their outdoor spaces into something truly special. These often-overlooked options can add unique character, sustainability, and functionality to your yard while reducing maintenance time and costs.
The landscaping ideas in this article are for inspiration and general information only. Consult qualified professionals and check local requirements to ensure plants, materials, and methods suit your climate and property before starting any project.
1. Native Plant Selections
Beyond just looking pretty, native plants thrive naturally in your local climate without extra water or care. They’ve adapted to your region’s soil and weather patterns over thousands of years.
Birds, butterflies, and bees recognize these plants as food sources, bringing your garden to life. Plus, you’ll spend less time fighting to keep fussy non-native species alive when these plants often require less care once established.
2. Permeable Paving Options
Regular concrete driveways send rainwater rushing into storm drains. Permeable pavers offer a smarter alternative, allowing water to soak through into the ground below instead of creating runoff.
These attractive options come in various styles from brick-look pavers to reinforced grass systems. This helps keep your yard drier and may reduce runoff into local waterways – and you might even qualify for environmental rebates from your municipality.
3. Vertical Gardens And Green Walls
Why limit plants to horizontal spaces when walls and fences offer prime growing real estate? Vertical gardens transform bland surfaces into living tapestries of color and texture.
Perfect for small yards where ground space is limited, these upright plantings create privacy, reduce noise, and cool surrounding areas. From simple trellises to elaborate modular systems, vertical growing makes use of often-forgotten spaces.
4. Edible Landscaping Elements
Blueberry bushes make stunning ornamentals with spring flowers, summer fruit, and fiery fall foliage. Herbs like rosemary form beautiful evergreen borders while flavoring your meals.
Mixing edibles throughout your landscape creates a landscape that’s both practical and visually appealing. Vegetable gardens don’t need to be hidden in back corners – today’s compact varieties of tomatoes, peppers, and lettuces look right at home alongside traditional landscape plants.
5. Wildlife-Friendly Features
Small additions like bird baths, pollinator houses, and brush piles transform ordinary yards into thriving ecosystems. These features invite beneficial creatures that naturally control pests and pollinate plants.
And also create opportunities for observing birds and pollinators up close. Creating habitat doesn’t require grand gestures – even leaving seedheads on flowers through winter provides vital food for birds.
6. Low-Maintenance Ground Covers
Struggling with grass in shady spots or tired of mowing steep slopes? Ground covers offer smart solutions while adding texture and interest. Creeping thyme releases fragrance when walked upon, while sedums create drought-resistant carpets of color.
These spreading plants help reduce weeds naturally, reducing the need for chemicals. Many flower beautifully or change colors seasonally, creating visual interest in areas where traditional turf grass would struggle.
