Backyard Landscaping: Transform One "Room" at a Time

Redoing an entire backyard in one season is overwhelming. Instead, divide the yard into "rooms" and remodel one yearly — better results for the same budget. Start with a graph-paper base map of permanent structures (house, deck, trees). Decide which existing plants stay. Copy the sketch and experiment with designs from magazines or visited gardens.

Design by Function

Frequent entertaining? Keep open space, plant borders. Want drama? Create an island bed with walkways, solar lighting, and furniture cutouts.

Screening with Plants

No fence? Plant hawthorn, juniper, or arborvitae for privacy, windbreak, and a backdrop for future beds.

Perennial Border (6 ft Wide, Sunny)

Use 3–5 plants per variety, 16–18" apart; 20–22" between groups. Odd numbers look better. Allow rear access for air and light.

Back row (tall): Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', white Phlox, blue/yellow Iris, blue Veronica, Solidago 'Golden Shower', Hosta 'Picta'.
Front row (short): Geranium grandiflorum, Potentilla 'Firedance', pink Heuchera, dwarf blue Aster, Sedum 'Dragon's Blood', Achillea 'Moonshine', Erigeron 'Prosperity'.

Adjust for your climate; The Comfortable Lazy Garden helps select native plants.

Island Beds and Preplanned Gardens

Island beds sit in lawn centers; scale tallest in middle to shortest at edges. For beginners, preplanned garden kits (e.g., Direct Gardening) remove guesswork.

Water Features and Prep

Ponds, waterfalls — even a waterslide someday. Before buying plants, consult a garden center on drainage and soil prep. Bring your plan, a soil sample, and an extra credit card.