Whichever, we rounded up some landscaping inspiration to help kickstart the brainstorming process.
Create a Corner for Relaxation
Carve out a space to relax in the backyard.
After all, it’s your own personal nature retreat.
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And the best thing about water is the birds it attracts to the garden.
To incorporate a water featureonto a patioor back deck, try self-contained units that don’t require any digging.
Awood-burning fire pit, especially, can recreate the campfire experience and add ambiance.
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Some communities require an elevated fire pit, but they don’t need to be complicated either.
Use container plants tosoften hardscapes, brighten a dark corner, or make an open area more private.
Build a Rock Garden
Another way to overcome challenging planting sites is to build a rock garden.
Kim Toscano
It provides a way to stabilize a slope or hillside while creating a unique planting environment.
In places with poor soil, rock gardens lift plants out of the native soil, improving drainage.
In desert climates, well-placed rocks add interest to minimally planted slopes.
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Single-species plantings can be just as attractive and interesting as more dramatic combinations.
Use the keep-it-simple mantra for landscaping on slopes or hillsides, too.
Imagination is key here and fun is the goal.
Kim Toscano
In the heat of summer, evening is often the best time to relax outside.
Paths aren’t the only feature that can be softened by curves.
Think about giving curves to backyard edging, decking, cement patios, and the tops of fencing.
Kim Toscano
For example, instead of trimming hedges with a flattop, consider soft undulating waves.
Terracing can tame an unyielding slope, turning it from terrifying to beautiful and relaxing.
Make it a no-mow area by planting it with alow-growing ground clover.
Kim Toscano
Clover and creeping thyme are just two examples of grass alternatives that require no mowing.
Most wildflowers need full sun, so the sunnier the spot, the better.
The hardest part of awildflower gardenis starting one.
AZ Plant Lady
and plant selection has a lot to do with how much effort it takes to care for your backyard.
The smart way is to align your landscape with its environment.
Instead,plant cactiandsucculentsthat are happy in 100-plus-degree weather without rain for weeks at a time.
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Consider Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a low-maintenance gardener’s dream.
While popular in the desert, xeriscape principles can benefit backyards nationwide.
Make that area workforyou by turning it into a rain garden.
Kim Toscano
If you have enough room, you could even set up a little table for working or reading.
Kim Toscano
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