Welcome to our definitive guide to all the spectacular ways to make your backyard beautiful, entertaining, and fun for both kids and adults.
From adding large structures like pergolas, gazebos, or even pavilions to bedecking your backyard with unique landscaping filled with flowers, trees, shrubs, and of course, plenty of texture and color.
These ideas range in DIY difficulty and in price, so there’s something here for every budget and style.
It’s important to remember that when creating a backyard paradise that more isn’t always better.
Landscape for yourself: if you or members of your family have bad allergies, plant flowers and trees that won’t trigger your allergies and cause outdoor time to be miserable.
If you have pets or small children, consider perimeter fencing or fencing around the pool.
In the same vein, consider who will be using the backyard most often. Will you need a play area for the kids? An entertaining area for adults? A small, secluded patio for relaxation?
Will you want to garden? Would you rather have a low maintenance yard and skip the grass?
There are so many different options for your backyard that it can be dizzying, so we’ve put together an enormous guide to nearly everything you could possibly want in your backyard.
We hope you’ll enjoy this gallery!
Backyard Structures
The first step to adding luxury and functionality to your backyard is determining if you have the space to add any permanent structures. Large yards may have space for a large covered patio or a gazebo, while smaller backyards might find that a privacy screen or patio fireplace is just what they need.
Gazebos
Gazebos are an elegant addition to larger yards, and can feel cramped in smaller yards, unless the gazebo is your only patio space. Gazebos are often mistaken for pergolas and pavilions, but the difference lies in that gazebos are covered and typically have decorative, polygonal roofs.
If gazebos are your thing, check out more of them!
This cedar gazebo is nestled at the edge of the home’s property nearest to the forest beyond. A crisp brick walkway leads up to the entrance to the gazebo.
This white hexagonal gazebo features a small planting bed around it and brightly colored hanging baskets of flowers are displayed near the front. Built in benches provide seating.
A seaside gazebo flanked by evergreen topiaries and bold red flowers. The view from this structure is gorgeous. Truly a center of outdoor entertaining.
A poolside gazebo attached to the main concrete patio by means of a simple wooden foot bridge with no railings. The property is surrounded by tropical flora and overlooks the sea.
Fences
Fences are a must-have for homes with close neighbors or for homeowners who desire privacy or own pets or children that need to be corralled in the yard. They come in many different styles, materials, and heights, so it’s best to do a little research before you pick out your new fence.
We’ve got the perfect guide to get you started picking out your favorite fence.
This tall, solid privacy fence is in a beautiful, rich stain and is punctuated with wooden trellises and a succulent planting bed. Source: Zillow Digs™
This privacy fence is in a much lighter stain, but the slats are staggered to allow the breeze through. This is a great design for areas that see severe weather.
A simple picket fence may be all you need, particularly if it’s backed by a thick hedge for privacy!
Pergolas
Pergolas are often mistaken for gazebos or pavilions, but the distinction here is that pergolas are made to provide a semblance of structure over a small patio area. They are uncovered on top, with interlocking beams. For those looking to add a bit of shade to a pergola, try weaving fabric between the beams.
This white pergola is nestled above a small garden patio and bedecked with hanging baskets, climbing vines, and thick beds of flowers. The structure of the pergola is made up of trellises.
A poolside pergola above a small wicker dining set. The pergola doesn’t provide a lot of shade, but is the perfect small, unobtrusive structure to hang a wrought iron chandelier.
This large pergola is attached to the narrow back veranda and extends over a larger patio area. This pergola adds a bit of grandiose style to this patio, drawing the eye upwards.
Patios
If you plan to entertain outside, a nice, stable patio area is a must have. They are a solid, clean surface to place patio furniture on, and stand out against the landscaping of your yard. There are dozens of types, styles, and materials to consider, so you’ll want to do some research!
Want to weigh your options? Check out our definitive patio design guide!
A lovely brick patio with a mosaic type layout. This patio is spacious, with plenty of space for two lounge chairs, a dining set with an umbrella, and lots of decorative containers of flowers. The patio is shaded by several mature trees, but looks out onto the yard.
A shaded, quaint cottage style patio with large format flagstone tiles and a green striped awning. A hedge along one side hems in the relaxation area.
A large open patio tucked into a private garden. Steps lead down from the wooden deck. The outdoor patio complete with plenty of seating is overlooked by a balcony and screened-in sunroom.
Patio Fireplaces
And what’s a patio without a crackling fireplace? Fire pits are the the most common form of providing outdoor warmth, but an outdoor fireplace can be just as nice. Your guests will love sitting in front of a warm fireplace to chat on a summer or fall evening.
This elegant patio fireplace is attached to the main home, creating a small bump out. The fireplace is screened in, preventing any crackling or popping embers from escaping.
This fireplace is built into a concrete wall and takes on a much more rustic look when paired with the hanging, trailing flowers flowing like a waterfall over the roof.
This fireplace is built against the side of the home’s stone facade, blending perfectly. It extends through the top of the wooden roof of the patio and has a raised hearth that matches the brick of the patio.
Decks
Patios are nice, but a raised sundeck might be a better option for many families. Decks typically have railings and are constructed out of wood. They need a bit more maintenance than a stone patio, but the style and beauty they add to your home is well worth it, particularly if your property is a little hilly.
There are so many different styles of decks; if you’re interested in building a deck, check out your options.
A beautiful wooden deck with a latticed screen around the lower part to keep out rodents and other pests. The deck is in a rich cedar stain and has plenty of space for several seating areas in addition to a hot tub.
A smaller deck with stairs leading down to the lower section of the yard. A small seating area is positioned perfectly to enjoy the view of the expansive yard that ends in a thin forest.
A raised deck overlooking a swimming pool. This deck is surrounded on all sides by a railing and has several different tiers.
Sheds
If you’re into gardening, a shed might be the perfect small structure to include on your property. It’ll keep all your gardening supplies out of the garage and close to the very place you need the most: the garden!
An adorable spring-green garden shed decked out with lots of containers of flowers and gardening accessories. A small pink table rests against one outer wall, a great workstation! Source: Zillow Digs™
This garden shed is built at the corner of the property, facing the raised wooden beds of vegetables and herbs nearby. The designated garden area is kept visually separate from the grass lawn. Source: Zillow Digs™
This garden shed is actually fenced off by a decorative fence in addition to a privacy fence that surrounds the yard. Nearby is an arbor and plenty of potted trees.
This pretty red shed is built to resemble an old country barn, and has cute shutters and a dark slate roof.
Painted a bright green, this ramshackle garden shed stands out against the surrounding planting beds. A small picket window box and a matching bench stand out against the bright green.
Garden Bridges
There are many reasons to add a small garden footbridge to your yard, but the best reason is probably to bridge the gap over a small creek running through your property. Of course, bridges are used in zen gardens as well, some of which do not have any water whatsoever.
Check out all the great ways that garden bridges are used in garden designs!
An ornate concrete bridge across a wide but shallow and slow-moving creek. This bridge connects two sections of an expansive, lush garden.
A much more rustic bridge with a high arch above a crystal clear, shallow creek.
An ornate stone footbridge over a small creek leading into a pond. Stones piled up on either bank keep the bridge stead and in place.
This simple Asian style footbridge leads from a circular patio to a small trail through the rest of the garden over a small pond fed by a stream. Source: Zillow Digs™
A small wooden footbridge connecting the flagstone pathway to a small stone outcropping. The bridge expands over a small koi pond in a Japanese Zen garden. Source: Zillow Digs™
Trellis and Lattice Structures
Trellis and lattices are great ways to create decorative vine displays, and are also great for growing grapevines, strawberries, and even tomato plants!
Want to see all the different ways to design using trellises or lattice?
An iron lattice is placed against a large open section of facade, and roses are trained to grow over each section. The result is a flaming display of roses around an elegant water fountain. Source: Zillow Digs™
This tall trellis structure creates a tunnel of light pink roses that form a blanket above the small seating area to the rear of the tunnel. Source: Zillow Digs™
This trellis is combined into an arbor and trained with flowering vines. It also has a wrought iron gate.
Greenhouses
Like a garden shed, if you’re an avid gardener, you might like to have a greenhouse on your property. Greenhouses are particularly a great idea for gardeners who live in colder climates. The greenhouse’s glass doors and roof allow sunlight to warm the building, keeping climate sensitive plants healthy.
An adorable red and white greenhouse with a small stone walkway out front. The greenhouse is separated from the rest of the yard by a small, ankle-high hedge. Source: Zillow Digs™
A small white greenhouse the doubles as a gardening shed. This structure is placed upon the brick patio.
This greenhouse has been combined with a sunroom for a conservatory feel. The building is attached to the rear of the house and is accessible from either the yard or from inside the home.
An enormous white greenhouse that is mainly used for cultivating brightly colored roses.
Another lovely greenhouse with green structural beams, but the bottom section is built in stacked stone, giving it an all together different appearance. Source: Zillow Digs™
Garden Patios
While similar to a patio, a garden patio is a type of patio that is kept separate from the home and is accessible only by walking through the garden on a pathway. They’re great private refuges that allow homeowners to relax amongst the beauty of their landscaping.
This lovely, small patio is tucked behind leafy plants and tall flowers in great variety. To the right is a man-made creek with a small fountain. This spot is perfectly relaxing with the addition of white noise.
A secluded patio tucked underneath a pergola and lit by strands of twinkling lights in addition to small lights tucked into the trees beyond.
Another secluded patio underneath a large white pavilion. A small chandelier hangs from the center above the coffee table.
Privacy Screens
Privacy screens are the perfect way to create a secluded spot to entertain or relax even in a small yard. In larger yards, privacy screens can be used to segment off a section of the property for a specific purpose.
A private seating area is enhanced by adding a wooden screen to one side. Trailing vines draw the seating area back into the garden.
This latticed screen is decorated with a strand of lights and punctuated with contemporary containers of ornamental trees. Source: Zillow Digs™
These lighted privacy screens make a serious statement when added to a garden or patio. They’re best placed in patios where the landscaping is simplistic, so they don’t compete.
Privacy screens come in a wide variety, and these bamboo shades are the perfect way to combine the need for a privacy screen with an existing pergola structure.
Pavilions
Pavilions are the last of the trio of often confused structures that also includes gazebos and pergolas. The difference between pavilions and the other two structures has to do mainly with size, but gazebos are typically not enclosed on the side and feature complete roofs that are similar to the roof on a home.
A massive pavilion strung with lights to create a magical glow during large events. The pavilion has tons of furniture in a variety of different seating arrangements. Source: Zillow Digs™
This large pavilion breaks the rules a tad by adding a railing, but that is due to its position on at floating bridge. This pavilion is a great place to stop and admire the landscape.
A tiny rustic pavilion with a built-in picnic table. This small area is the perfect spot to stop for a picnic lunch while on a hike.
A beachside pavilion with lots of lounge chairs beneath. The rocky shores lead into the pounding surf.
This stilted pavilion rests alongside a bridge across a large marsh and overlooks the beautiful mountainous region on either side of the marsh.
Arbors
An arbor is simply an arch-shaped trellis that’s meant to cover part of a pathway. They’re purely decorative, but with a bit of imagination, an arbor can be the jewel of your backyard or garden.
A beautiful white arbor tucked into a massive hedge wall, creating a portal through to the other side of the garden, a large courtyard. Along the flagstone path leading to the arbor are small but thick plants.
This is a much more simple design, with a top similar to a pergola. The sides are covered in dense vines that merge into the planting beds on either side.
This arbor is a little thicker and has much wider lattices on either side. It’s the perfect accompaniment to this thick, colorful garden.
Backyard Garden Ideas
If your backyard is a little smaller or you’re looking to add a little bit of beautification while still sticking to a tight budget, you might want to consider adding more flower beds, potted plants, or other solutions for adding color and variety to your existing garden.
Flower Boxes
Flower boxes are a simple way to make a big impact anywhere you have a window. They’re perfect for adding bold pops of color in a very targeted way. With so many ways to personalize a flower box, it’s a great way to spruce up your home.
These bright white wooden window boxes are simply constructed, which allows the lovely lavender pansies to take center stage.
This is a simpler design. The window box itself is wrought iron with lovely scrollwork, but the geraniums are planted separately in terra cotta pots before being placed in the box. This makes it easy to swap out flowers when needed.
This is a simple black window box overflowing with trailing vines, brightly colored flowers, and some taller plants for texture and height.
Terraced Gardens
Terraced gardens aren’t an incredibly popular feature outside of agriculture or large, public ornamental gardens, but they’re a great way to landscape a hilly yard, and they’ll help keep your soil in place and reduce runoff from your property.
This garden has tall terraces that lead up the hill at the back of the property. Stairs built at the center help the homeowners get up to the higher terraces to water or fertilize.
The stone terraces lead along the side of the house following the shape of the walkway running alongside it.
Flower Planters
Adding the proper planter full of colorful flowers is a great way to spruce up any yard or patio. Depending on the size of your yard and your personal style, there are a lot of interesting objects that can be transformed and upcycled into beautiful, unique flower pots or planters.
This antique, rusted wagon is filled with a large varieties of flowers, including a few taller varieties to give the display height.
If you prefer a more simple approach, some ceramic, brightly colored planters might be just the ticket.
Even an old clawfoot bathtub can get new life as a planter. This idea is perfect for an eclectic or country garden.
Container Gardens
Even if your backyard is a little small, with just enough space for a patio, you don’t need to abandon dream of brightly colored flowers decorating your outdoor living space. Container gardens are easy to assemble, care for, and even bring inside before the first frost.
Beautiful red, orange, and yellow standard tulips dominate this small arrangement of three terra cotta planters.
Choosing planters of different heights, textures, and shapes is a great way to add subtle texture to a small container garden.
Vary the colors and materials as well. Herb gardens do especially well in container gardens, as it’s easy to keep the different herbs separate.
A container garden can even consist of smaller raised planting boxes. This garden is made low-maintenance by removing grass in favor of mulch and pebbles, with a few small planting beds for color. Source: Zillow Digs™
Flower Beds
If you do have the space for showy displays of flowers, consider adding bold swaths of flowers in thick beds. They require some maintenance, but they’re totally stunning.
This lovely garden has dozens of colors of flowers packed into beds that slowly merge together, creating a quilt-like pattern of delicate flowers.
While not as densely packed, this flower bed filled with daffodils provides much needed color to this manicured lawn.
If you prefer a smooth edge, use pavers to easily define your flower beds. Then feel free to allow your plants mingle in an explosion of color.
Tulips come in incredibly bright colors, and when paired with smaller flowers that are just as vibrant, create a blanket of beauty that has few rivals.
Rose Gardens
Roses are classic choices for gardens, as they come in many colors and have large, showy blooms and a lovely fragrance that everyone loves. They also come in many different varieties, from large bushes to climbing roses that look fantastic on trellises.
This thick garden is just filled with many different kinds of roses, creating a classic, and no doubt fragrant garden.
These beautiful magenta roses look amazing when placed in front of a large, showy water fountain in a plaza.
Even in smaller planting beds, roses have a certain appeal. This display has light pink, red, and pale yellow blooms.
This country estate is filled with slightly overgrown rose bushes, creating a magical and beautiful display.
Vegetable Gardens
If you’d rather start a vegetable garden, there are a lot of ways to make it easier on your knees and back. Vegetable gardens are rewarding in different ways than flower gardens, namely in that you can eat the fruits of your labor, rather than admire their beauty.
This is an example of a classic vegetable patch with mulch between the rows of vegetables to ward off weeds. Some small flowers are complementary to vegetables, and keep pests away.
If you prefer, you can add small planting boxes to keep your plants corralled and separate. Add cages for taller plants like beans and tomatoes.
These raised beds make it easier to keep certain plants separate and the soil free from weeds or volunteer plants.
Shrub Gardens
Not all gardens need to be rife with flowers to be beautiful. For those with severe pollen allergies, a simple green garden with bushes and ornamental trees is infinitely preferable.
This garden is filled with shrubs and bushes and has a small shrine to one side. At the center is a small pond surrounded by stones. Source: Zillow Digs™
Just like with flowers, shrubs and bushes come in so many different textures, heights and shades that you can create a varied display easily.
Small Gardens
As mentioned above, small yards can also have beautiful flower displays. You’ll just need to be clever about the way you plan out your displays to maximize the beauty while not sacrificing function.
This vegetable garden is built in an L-shape in raised beds, taking advantage of a mostly unused corner of the garden by the patio. Source: Zillow Digs™
Hedges, topiaries, and other small shrubs are added in small, square sections of this zen garden. Source: Zillow Digs™
This garden is packed around the patio, leaving the rest of the yard for play.
Large Gardens
Of course, if you have the space, you can really go all out with your designs. Add a pond, statues, larger trees, a pathway… it’s up to you!
This enormous garden really takes advantage of the space available, adding a pool, egret statues, and a large fountain in the back corner with a bench from which to enjoy it all. Source: Zillow Digs™
This garden extends into the distance, never seeming to end. A pathway of grass winds through the thick displays of ornamental trees, shrubs,and flower beds.
A simple gravel path winds through this thick garden and off into the distance. Vibrant color is center stage in this garden.
Gardens with Plants
Yes, most gardens do have plants, but there are a few that don’t, like some types of zen gardens. Either way, if you choose to add plants to your garden, you’re sure to have more maintenance than grass-only or zen gardens.
This contemporary garden is packed with dense grasses and plants, but not many flowers. The result is a mostly green, but relaxing garden with just a hint of fragrance.
Large flagstones make up a pathway through this densely populated garden that includes shrubs, grasses, trees, and water-loving plants.
This garden is dense as well, filled with flowering ornamental trees and flowers with large, showy blooms.
Rock (Alpine) Garden
Rock gardens, or Alpine gardens, favor landscapes with hills, lots of large rocks or boulders, and naturally growing plants found in those environments.
The rocky landscape of this garden is covered in moss with a few small trees. The stone steps and pathways are marked with a railing for stability.
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