If you want to build an attractive landscape but don’t know where to begin, there are any number of typical landscape ideas that can provide inspiration to help you get started on your own project. You can use these ideas just as they are or add a little twist to make them all your own. So here are some common landscape design ideas and features that you to gain inspiration from.

Decks and Patios
A couple of the most common landscape design features are decks and patios. These can either be professionally installed or you can build one yourself. A patio or a deck can provide a great deal of enjoyment on many different levels as part of your overall landscape design. They can be used for family gatherings or for entertaining small to large groups on special occasions. They can also be used for a personal space to just sit and relax and enjoy. While a basic square shape was the most common of these landscape features, it is now not only possible to have them in different shapes; it is also the most desired. Though the square is very convenient for other activities, such as mowing and trimming the lawn, a creatively designed patio or deck makes it a design feature that others will be envious of.

Rock Gardens
Rock gardens are another feature that is rising in popularity. This landscape feature can provide a great deal of attractiveness, but has some added benefits as well. Landscapes that include rock gardens need less water and less attention. Additionally, you require fewer of the plants that often go with rock gardens, and they are usually hardier and need a little less care. Rock gardens are easy to care for, and therefore can save you time and money. Additionally, it is possible to build your own rock garden in the landscape, saving you even more money.

English Cottage Gardens
English cottage gardens are known for their sense of charm and lack of formality. They are more or less allowed to “just grow” requiring less maintenance than some other types of gardens and therefore are less formal in their design. This type of garden is loved by all because of its sense of charm. They are most common as a backyard landscape, and are created by those who want to enjoy their garden and show an informal sense of elegance while entertaining. While the lawn remains the most common landscape feature in the front yard, an English cottage garden is wonderful due to its abundance of flowering plants. Most English gardens include rose bushes, perennials and vines. Sometimes they are even allowed to go across pathways. In these gardens perennials are used predominately as they grow back every year without much effort.

Japanese Garden
An increasing trend in landscape design is incorporating elements of the Japanese garden. In western circles, many times this seems to be interpreted to mean showy flowers. These landscapes tend to center around these plants, as their showy flowers grab attention. However they can be expensive and difficult to care for, as they are often non-native plants. Some people though are turning their backyard landscapes into gardens that are more in keeping with the traditional Japanese garden principles of simplicity including more foliage and design structures. These types of gardens are less expensive and can be equally attractive.

The Lawn
Of course, the most common landscape feature is the lawn. This is because the lawn allows a platform for family activities. Additionally and overall it is also fairly easy to care for. It needs only be mowed by machines that are relatively easy to use, and it can be fertilized and watered fairly inexpensively, that is if one does so properly and with common sense. Different people do a variety of things with their lawns, and it has become increasing popular to add a small flowerbed in the middle of the lawn for decoration. Having trees on the lawn is also another popular way to adorn the lawn and make it more inviting and attractive.

Creating a beautiful landscape is a matter of enjoyment for most people. However, many of them find it difficult to know what is possible or where to begin. If you are hesitant about where to begin or what to do, trying a tried and true landscape feature can help you succeed in your endeavors to beautify your homes outdoor living space.

Continually developing “Ideas for Outdoor Living”

1. Kouba Says:
   August 10th, 2009 at 4:34 am

   You have a lot of good ideas here. In truth, my english is not good but after reading it what you were saying became clear.

2. Brown Says:
   August 12th, 2009 at 12:43 am

   Interesting and informative. But will you write about this one more?

3. Celu Tonos Says:
   August 14th, 2009 at 8:59 am

   I came across this when searching info on Google. I will use it to complete my report for this weekend, thanks for the info.

4. Common Landscaping Tools for Every Landscaper | Your Garden, Your Heaven Says:
   September 1st, 2009 at 10:45 am

   [...] Some Common Landscape Design Features [...]

5. Vip Says:
   October 26th, 2009 at 11:09 am

   good bog post I will be back to enjoy it some more.

6. Exi Says:
   October 27th, 2009 at 10:27 am

   Your site is really good with a lot of good information thanks.

7. Edward Hernandez Says:
   February 5th, 2010 at 9:36 pm

   Another great post!

8. Japanese Kimonos Says:
   February 10th, 2010 at 12:10 am

   You made some Good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree.