1. Patches of color
photo168/iStock
The bursts of color in this long flower bed really liven up the path. While mixed colors have their own merit, the patches of red and yellow offer an eye-pleasing view.
2. Cute round bushes
While you can embrace your inner Edward Scissorhands and create sculpted bushes in many shapes, consider investing in shrubbery that naturally grows “round,” like these suggested by SF Gate. They’ll still need regular trimming, but not as much.
3. A hedge of hostas
ozgurcoskun/iStockHostas are beautiful in flowerbeds, gardens, and yards. They are an easy landscaping element to use and don’t need a whole lot of care to keep them looking gorgeous.
4. Add a rocky path
There are many ways to use rocks and stones in landscaping. This rickety-looking stone stair path gives the yard a whimsical, yet somewhat rustic, look.
5. Go wild with the bushes
lana2011/iStock
Bushes are a great way to add color to your yard. They also add shade, depending on how big they get. A collection of multiple types of bushes in varying colors, like this one, adds a creative look to the space and fills in emptiness.
6. Mix and match rocks
When using stones and rocks in your yard, you don’t have to use all the same colors or styles. The combination of gray rocks next to the brown and gray mix in this image shows how gorgeous mixing and matching can be.
7. Cool slim trees
Kyryl Gorlov/iStock
If you’re looking for a cool, smooth aesthetic with simple landscaping, a line of evergreens like this one looks nice. You’ll need to trim them once in a while, but there’s not much other upkeep on a job like this.
8. Single pops of color
Sometimes it’s the simplest designs that make the most impact when you’re landscaping your lawn. The bursts of a single color in this garden offer an eye-catching sight without being too busy.
9. Light up the little things
Ryhor Bruyeu/iStock
Lighting isn’t a necessary part of landscaping, but it can add to the serene aesthetic of your yard’s look. The little solar lights used along this path highlight the pretty greenery.
10. Watery wet wonderland
Nadanka/iStock
If you have a pond in your yard or are putting one in, plants will be an important aspect of landscaping. Lily pads add whimsey, while long grasses give a wetlands vibe.
11. Classic color combinations
dvoevnore/iStock
Complementary colors like purple and yellow look gorgeous together, while the orange and yellow mix of family colors feels natural. The bright colors make the white flowers pop as well.
12. Clever groupings
can72/iStock
The clever groupings of plants in this yard are pleasing to the eye. They stick with greens, yellows, whites, and pinks to make things not too busy.
13. Bushy grasses
beekeepx/iStock
Puffy grasses give the yard a natural fancy look while keeping things earthy. Grasses are pretty easy to grow as long as you pick the right ones for your growing zone. The USDA has a plant hardiness map to check when you’re shopping for flowers, shrubs, trees, and more.
14. No flowers needed
Elmar Langle/iStock
You can design a stunning yard without flowers. Greenery and the right gardening mulch can make for a beautiful sight and is just colorful enough.
15. Hedge your bets
tab1962/iStock
Hedges and other various bushes make lawns look neat and tidy, as long as you’re keeping up on trimming. A lawn this nice looking needs a lot of upkeep and fresh mulch every year.
16. A rainbow of colors
ablokhin/iStock
You don’t have to stick with only one or two flower colors when you start working on your gardens. Consider picking something from each color of the rainbow and beyond, like in this garden.
17. Brightening white fences
jorgeantonio/iStock
Plain old white picket fences are pretty, but they’re enhanced by the right landscaping around them. These purple flowers and pink roses make the perfect partners in this yard.
18. Mixing greens
SvetlanaKlaise/iStock
Even if you opt out of planting a bunch of flowers in your lawn, you can still opt for color variety. Pick green plants in various hues.
19. Make more of your tree space
HannamariaH/iStock
If you have lots of trees in your yard, use the space around them as something more than somewhere only the weedwhacker can reach. Create beautiful flower beds, and do a little less mowing.
20. Keep it simple
Tisomboon/iStock
Some simple greenery, a freshly cut lawn, stones, and some bunny décor make this a relaxing yard to hang out in. No need for flowers, it’s colorful enough.
21. Singularly simple
Meindert van der Haven/iStock
You don’t have to fill up flower beds with tons of plants and flowers. Keep it simple when you want. This yucca plant looks beautiful in solitude.
22. Lovely layers
hikesterson/iStock
Use the space you have as best as you can. This home doesn’t have a huge front lawn, but the layered look of the landscaping makes it look bigger and uncluttered.
23. Pretty in pink
Elenathewise/iStock
The pink flowers really stand out in this flower bed. Blend colors, but pick something bright as a focal point.
24. Gather succulents
alpssimon/iStock
Succulents are pretty easy to care for, and they’ll grow in the most amazing places. Whether you’re container gardening or you want to cover an ugly dead tree stump in your yard, this is a great way to do it.
25. This garden rocks
PC Photography/iStock
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still get the most out of your yard space with some neat rock formations. This rock garden has a little greenery strewn throughout to catch the eye.
26. Creative pots
ablokhin/iStock
Sometimes landscaping requires a little ingenuity. If you don’t have a lawn ready for planting, you can create a potted oasis. Not all pots need to be round, either!
27. A touch of color
beekeepx/iStock
Even if you prefer your oasis to look a little more desert-like, you can add some flowering brush plants that will give your grays, whites, and greens a little burst of color from time to time.
28. Vary your raised beds
Studio Light and Shade/iStock
Not all raised beds need to be at the same height. The three different heights, with some plants at ground level, give this space an artistic look.
29. Circular path markers
Antoninapotapenko/iStock
There are so many ways you can turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis, and this is definitely one of them. The circular path adds something fun and whimsical to this quiet space.
30. Brighten up a dull yard
yanikap/iStock
Even the dullest rocky landscapes can find joy in colors. The yellow flowers of this groundcover highlight the gray path in a way that almost feels “happy.”
31. Cultivated corners
ThreeDiCube/iStock
Be brave and play with the spaces you have in your yard. This landscaping layout uses some of the sharper corners as space for gorgeous collections of colors and greenery while leaving plenty of lush grass to enjoy.
32. Broken pathways
ThreeDiCube/iStock
While the well is surely the focal point of this backyard, the broken stone pathway adds a delightful feel to the well-manicured space.
33. Breathtaking patterns
Vadym Terelyuk/iStock
While there is already an art to landscaping, you can make it even more artistic by creating beautiful paintings in your flower beds.
34. Create a small green oasis
JaimePharr/iStock
This gorgeous stone patio looks like the perfect place for a BBQ or summer dance party. Whether you’re relaxing or getting your groove on, the little island of plants is sure to bring a smile to your face.
35. The perfect pond
scaliger/iStock
If you have the space in your yard and the money to invest, a lovely pond like this will bring much peace and serenity.
