549,889 Garden Design Photos

What plants should I add to my front garden?

Begin by considering the area immediately around and leading up to your front door, and choose a garden design that blends in well with the style of your home – for example, abundant foliage and flowering plants will perfectly complement a period property, whereas man-made materials, geometric shapes and contrasting textures are great ideas for a contemporary garden design. If maintenance is an issue, opt for succulents, bushes or neatly-pruned hedges; and if you don't have a green thumb, stick with grass and use a gravel pathway, water feature, timber fence or stone wall for variation. If you have a balcony garden, get creative with hanging plants, living walls, and potted plants with underplanting.

What garden features should I add to my backyard?

The backyard is for entertaining and playtime, so incorporate seating, dining areas, play spaces and sunny relaxation spots. Vegetable gardens and rose gardens are popular yard additions, especially when combined with a pergola, arbour, raised bed, border, walkway or fence. You can even add fun accessories like birdbaths and feeders to aid with birdwatching. For the ultimate party house, incorporate a pool and patio or deck with a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, barbecue and outdoor kitchen. If you're an active, sports-loving family, add a basketball court, volleyball court, bocce ball or croquet. And don't forget about outdoor furniture! A bench in a garden makes a great reading or meditation spot, while a weatherproof chaise lounge, sofa and chair are nice for taking in sunny days.