A Small Backyard Landscape Plan: Functional Outdoor Living

Free Landscape Plan: Small Backyard Design Small backyard landscape plan Our free Planting Guide for this landscape plan includes a larger illustration, detailed layout diagram, five regional plant lists, plant altern

Design the Perfect Deck or Patio: Complete Planning Guide

Thorough Planning for Outdoor Living Success Your deck or patio will meet expectations with careful planning: clear goals, budget, construction knowledge, and informed decisions. Planning proceeds in stages. Set Primary

Build a Crushed Stone Path: Affordable, Flexible Walkway

Create a Natural-Looking Stone Path Crushed stone path with log edging Inexpensive, easy to install, and blending into any landscape, a crushed stone walkway with flexible edging allows gentle curves and stays in plac

Three-Year Landscape Plan: From Bare Lot to Showcase Yard

Phase Your Landscape Renovation Three-year landscape transformation Whether starting from a builders basic landscape or renovating an existing yard, careful planning and phased execution over several years pays off. T

Planting a Deck: Integrate Greenery for Beauty and Function

Plant with Purpose Around Your Deck Deck softened with strategic plantings Whether on the deck or adjacent, plants help the structure blend into the garden rather than stand as an object. Heres how to add beauty and u

What Percentage of Home Value Should Go Into Landscaping? ROI Guide

Landscaping Investment Returns Home value increase from landscaping Real estate studies show upgrading from poor to good landscaping increases home value 5-15%. Good is subjective, and exact returns vary, so this is a

Make an Urn Bubbler Fountain: Simple DIY Water Feature

Effortless Elegance in Minutes Simple urn fountain with fountain kit You dont need a pond to enjoy calming water sights and sounds. This project uses a 3-foot earthenware urn with a fountain kit — so simple, no plan r

Design and Build the Perfect Garden Shed

We asked John Hickey, senior designer at Summerwood Products, for his top five tips for designing and building the ideal shed. Plan ahead. Treat the shed like a small house. List everything you’ll store and all roles it

Mapping Your Yard: Creating a Base Map for Landscape Planning

Starting with a simple drawing of your existing landscape—a base map—lays the groundwork for organized, affordable landscape improvements. Take time with this step; all subsequent designs (site analysis, conceptual, prel

Build a Landscape Timber Raised Bed

No fine carpentry needed—just some heavy lifting and a couple of weekends. Choose durable timbers: pressure-treated 5x6, 6x6, or 6x8 in 8-foot lengths. You’ll need a 3/8-inch extension bit for drilling. A chainsaw ea

Landscape a New Site in Five Phases

Phase 1: The Bones Landscaping a bare yard is achievable in bite-sized phases. This example transforms a naked front yard over five phases, each costing roughly $1,000–$1,500 (later phases may exceed $2,000). Timeline

Large Welcoming Front Yard Landscape Plan

Free Garden Plan Our free Planting Guide includes a larger illustration, detailed layout diagram, five regional plant lists, plant alternatives, and complete installation instructions. (Free one-time registration gran

Create a Water-Wise Landscape with Xeriscaping

Water conservation in gardens is increasingly important. Xeriscaping—low-water landscaping—originated in the Southwest but is now popular across North America. It saves time and money long-term but requires upfront plan

Four Great Garden Plans: Entry, Water, Herb, and Wildlife Gardens

Entry Garden Establish strong focal points at both ends of a front walkway with shrubs or mounding perennials. Dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, or a well-pruned hydrangea provide year-round interest. Plant choices

How to Choose the Best Lawn Shape for Your Yard

The shape of your lawn influences both its usability and maintenance demands. The primary factor is how you plan to use the space. For recreation and entertaining, a large open area—circular or rectangular—works best. M

Low-Maintenance Backyard Landscape Plan

Free Garden Plan Our free Planting Guide includes a larger illustration, detailed layout diagram, five regional plant lists, plant alternatives, and complete installation instructions. (Free one-time registration gran

Where to Start When Redoing Your Entire Landscape

Landscaping done well boosts property value and suits your lifestyle. Instead of starting with additions, begin by removing detractors. Then add components that bring enjoyment and value. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Economical Front Yard Landscape Design Ideas

This two-story home sits on a generous 95-foot-wide lot with a 51-foot-deep front yard. The landscape design focuses on quick-growing, readily available plants to deliver immediate color and texture while keeping costs l

Build a Terra-Cotta Fountain: DIY Strawberry Jar Water Feature

Create a Charming Tiered Fountain Completed terra-cotta strawberry jar fountain Strawberry jars (with side openings) are handmade and unique — buy the jar first, then fit other terra-cotta elements to it. Create your

Budget Landscaping: Paint Your Way to Curb Appeal

Transform Your Landscape with Paint Video: The Biggest Wastes of Landscaping Dollars Discover how a simple can of paint can dramatically improve your landscape on a budget. Learn the biggest wastes of landscaping doll