Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (2023)

Table of Contents

Landscaping is the process of making beautiful gardens for your property. For example, if you buy a home, you need to make sure the front yard looks great, and the backyard looks great.

Landscaping is one of the best ways to get more out of your property. There are different kinds of easy landscaping ideas that you can do in your yard, and you can get by with less if you do it right.

If you don’t know what you want for your yard, look around and find out what’s in style in your area. Landscape designers act as the main source of maintenance for a lawn.

If you want to do landscaping, you need to have some knowledge about plants and how they grow. You also need to be able to work with different plants and have a good understanding of how they grow.

There are many forms of landscaping that you can do when you’re first getting started in gardening. If you’re planning on buying any landscaping supplies, then you’ll want to make sure you get the right kind of materials.

It really pays to do some research and find the right plants for your soil type. The right plants for your garden will improve the health of your plants and may also help you to keep them watered longer too.

A Complete Guide About Easy Landscaping Ideas

Congratulations if you are a beginner landscape architect. You are about to enter a world of great color and excellence, and we need to guide you properly.

Clean Up

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (2)

It may not sound good but it really is the first and most important thing to do. You need to clean up the garden landscape whether you’re growing vegetables or taking care of a garden.

(Video) 5 Best Gardening Ideas & Gardening Hacks Using Coir Rope | DIY Gardening Ideas & Hacks//GREEN PLANTS

Ideally, you want to take the time to work with a professional landscape designer to make sure that your garden landscape is in the best shape possible. And, of course, you need to make sure that your garden landscape looks beautiful.

When you make your garden clean you may not have many plants but a tree and some scrubs make it more beautiful and pleasurable, a lovely, peaceful place in which you can relax.

Also Read: How To Landscape a Yard On a Budget?

Make a Plan

Before you do any landscaping, it’s important to make a plan so that you know how you’re going to proceed from one step to the next. You should know about your goals. What kind of landscape work do you want to do?

How often do you want to do it? How much do you want to charge for it? What’s the expected timeframe for the job?

It’s important to have a plan so that you can work smoothly from one step to the next and not have to deal with unexpected obstacles.

There are three elements you need to consider when you’re thinking about a landscape:

  1. The Landscape Location – That’s where the plants will be
  2. The Landscape Design – How the plants will look
  3. The Landscape Maintenance – How the plants will survive and thrive during the growing season

Start Up Front

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (3)

Startups are always looking for ways to save money and to increase profits. If you’re wondering where to start a landscape transformation, just look at your front yard. First thing that you see driving up to your home is your front yard.

Rather than working on a whole landscape that you’re not completely confident about, start with something you’re familiar with and do it as early as possible.

You’ll save yourself a lot of time later on in the remaining project and will also have a lot more confidence in your ability to do it.

Mix Soil and Homemade Compost

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (4)

Mixing soil and compost is an important part of growing a green lawn. While soil is the basic need of your plant’s growth. It’s important to mix soil with compost, because it forces the soil to remain moist during the growing season.

(Video) 21 Simple Gardening Tips for Beginners | Gardening ideas for home I Green garden plants

When mixing soil and homemade compost, keep in mind that the nutrients in the soil will be absorbed by the compost. This means that you’ll want to make sure that you add compost and manure at the right time, so that they are ready to be used. You can use grass clippings, leaves, straw, bark, and even hay.

The key is to make sure you get enough organic matter into the soil so that it can have a good start. Mainly there are two types of composting: Cold and hot. Cold composting is pretty much simple as gathering yard waste or taking out the natural materials in your garbage (like leafy foods strips, coffee beans, and eggshells) and afterward corralling them in a heap or container.

Throughout the span of a year or something like that, the material will decompose. Hot composting requires you to take a more dynamic job, however the return is that it’s a faster process. You’ll get manure in between 90 days during a warm climate.

Four ingredients are needed for quick cooking hot composet: Nitrogen, carbon, air, and water. You can also add fertilizers if you can’t make homemade composite.

Begin With Young Shrubs and Plants

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (5)

Be sure to mention what kind of plant you’re asking for and what you want to achieve. It’s better to begin with young shrubs and plants. The only Difference between mature and young plants of a given species is their price tag.

If you want to make your garden adorable and also want to save money, pick younger plants. When you begin with young plants, you’re often able to create more growth through smaller, more manageable plantings.

Don’t go too high and try to grow anything particularly ornamental, because you’ll have a hard time growing anything here.

Start with low shrubs or short bushes to get the roots in there and allow that first burst of growth. You can also pick some shrubs for winter interest, too, such as witch hazel or forsythia.

Wait Until the End Of Season

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (6)

You’ll be surprised at how many plants die each year. It’s very stressful to work with plants of all types, so it’s important to be prepared.

If you wait until the end of the season to plant, you’re going to plant your best plants, but it will often be too late to get them to produce. Usually, you want to wait until the end of the season to plant your best plants.

For example, if you plant your best tomato plants in early April, they might not produce until mid-June. You don’t want to plant in March or April, because you’ll risk killing the plants by over watering.

(Video) How to get the Perfect Green Lawn | Gardening | Great Home Ideas

There is also another benefit of waiting until the end season. Nurseries try to get rid of last season’s trees, shrubs and plants with end season or clearance sales. That’s a great opportunity to save money if you’re willing to wait.

Make Your Own Stepping Stones

Making your own stepping stones in a garden is a good way to get creative in your garden. At the beginning you need to do things that are easy and affordable for you.

Stepping stones are an extraordinary touch to any yard and look best when it has as many curves as possible.

Garden stepping stones are easy to make. You can make garden stepping stones by mixing concrete.

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (7)

BASIC GARDEN STEPPING STONE RECIPE

  • Portland Cement
  • Water
  • Mold
  • Release Agent (We use Pam)
  • Decorative elements

Mix cement with water. You can use any type of mold for your garden. Now pour concrete into the mold. Allow to sit for an hour. After that you can add any decorative element into the surface of stones. Now allow it to cure 1-3 weeks. After that these step stones are ready for your garden.

Here are some easy landscaping ideas for beginners

Potted Plants Landscaping

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (8)

Potted plants are great for adding a bit of color to your landscape. If you’re trying to create a large landscape with potted plants, you’ll need to use heavy-duty stakes or heavy-duty rope to hold them in place. Potted plants are very easy to access and move around.

Front Yard Landscaping

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (9)

The right front yard garden landscaping is a great way to make your home more beautiful. It can make your front yard look clean and inviting, and it can also help you improve the appearance of your home and outdoor areas.

It’s important to choose a front yard garden that will give you a more appealing and welcoming appearance when you walk in your home.

Stone Path for Landscape

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (10)

(Video) 10 Evergreens Every Garden Should Have! 🌲🌲🌲 // Garden Answer

Stone Path is a great way for you to build a garden and it can be used as a way to build a path for your lawn. Stone path in the landscape creates a great look for your garden without spending a lot of money on professional landscaping.

You can make your own path in your garden or anywhere else in the yard. All you need is an old, worn out board and some kind of rope. You can make it any size you like, and you can make it any color you like.

You can create a path that is as functional and as beautiful as you want it. You can also use a stone path as a pathway that goes from one side of your house to the other.

Plants Around a Tree

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (11)

Growing some plants and flowers around the tree also includes in landscaping ideas. You can also make a raised bed of wood around a tree and grow different plants. It adds a different look in your garden as a tree covered with tiny plants around.

Lighted Flower Landscape

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (12)

Lighted flower pots add a pop of color to your garden. They’re great for both indoor and outdoor use. You can add different colors of lights in different ways. Lights give an adorable look to your landscape. Fairy lights complete your garden look.

Small Fountain in Landscape

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (13)

One of the most beautiful ways to see a beautiful garden is to go to a small fountain in the garden. A fountain is a small decorative piece of water that is typically small and intended to be seen from a distance. It’s a small thing, but it’s a beautiful thing.

The water from a fountain reflects the colors of the plants, the colors of the flowers, and the colors of the trees around it. It’s like taking a picture of your garden in the summer with the light on. The pot fountain is an example of easy landscaping ideas on a budget.

Edging for Garden Beds

Easy Landscaping Ideas for Beginners | The Green Gardening (14)

Edging is a great way to build a bed and it also makes a good bed for a foundation. You need to make sure your garden bed is getting edged and aligned properly and that the edges are strong and sharp.

You can use some garden bed repair products to help keep your garden bed in shape or to help improve the appearance of your garden bed. Edging for garden beds doesn’t take too much time and is an easy way to help your yard stay healthy.

(Video) DIY Self Watering Raised Beds/Green Thumb Nursery

  • As a beginner starting with landscape is good as you can get the basic knowledge of gardening.
  • Landscaping Increases the Value of Your home.
  • Landscaping makes your home and garden more attractive.
  • Landscaping creates a healthy environment and surrounding by filtering pollutants and providing cleaner air
  • On the landscape, growing grass and trees provide cooler temperatures to our environment.

FAQs

What is the best low-maintenance landscaping? ›

Succulents and gravel are a low-maintenance match made in heaven. Cimino often incorporates succulents, which require significantly less maintenance compared to other plants, but still offer a vibrant pop of green. Succulents also give your landscaping a sculptural quality that you can't get with regular grass lawn.

How can I make my backyard beautiful on a low budget? ›

Your DIY Guide to a Backyard Makeover on a Budget
  1. Build a DIY Deck or Patio. Photo via @seekingalexi. ...
  2. Lay Down an Outdoor Rug. Photo via @alexandmike. ...
  3. Create a Stone Path. Photo via @plaids.and.poppies. ...
  4. Construct a Tree Bench. ...
  5. Set Up a Trellis. ...
  6. Create Shade with a Pergola. ...
  7. Invest in a Fountain. ...
  8. Use a Stock Tank Pool.
Oct 20, 2022

What are the 5 principles of landscaping? ›

They are:
  • Balance.
  • Focalization.
  • Simplicity.
  • Rhythm and Line.
  • Proportion.
  • Unity.
Nov 5, 2015

What is the cheapest and simplest plant operation and maintenance? ›

Hydro-electric power plant is the correct answer. In terms of maintenance and operations, a hydroelectric power plant is the most cost-effective.

What is a realistic budget for landscaping? ›

Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot, on average, for basic and intermediate services. A full makeover including landscaping design and remodeling can cost up to $40 per square foot. Basic and intermediate services may include planting grass or flowers, lawn care and thatching.

What is the cheapest ground cover landscaping? ›

Speaking of gravel, pea gravel is one of the cheapest and easiest ground covers to lay and complements all styles of plot.

What is better than mulch? ›

Rock, gravel, pebbles and other stones can be applied to landscaping features such as flowerbeds to suppress weed growth and retain moisture. Rock is economical and seldom needs replacement. It also complements modern architectural features and more minimalist landscaping.

What is the least expensive landscape material? ›

Pea Gravel - The Cheapest Stone on the Market!

Pea gravel is one of the cheapest stones you can use in landscaping. It costs about $10-50 for a ton but increases in price based on color and how much is needed for the project.

What is the best thing to replace grass with? ›

15 Alternatives to Grass for Gardens
  • Synthetic Grass. Artificial turf or grass is a practical substitute to grass lawns. ...
  • Mulch. Mulch comprises of pine needles, wood chips, sawdust, shredded bark, straw mulch, and rubber mulch. ...
  • Aggregates & Stone-Based Materials. ...
  • Clover. ...
  • Lily Turf. ...
  • Moss. ...
  • Flower and Shrub Beds. ...
  • Garden Meadow.

What is the easiest DIY patio? ›

PAVERS are the best option

For a do-it-yourself patio, a simple square design with one size of pavers is a lot easier to install than one with various sizes and curves because you will not have to cut the pavers, which takes time and skill. Pavers are strong, inexpensive, and easy to install.

Is there a free app to design your backyard? ›

1. iScape App – Free. iScape is useful in helping you get a better idea about what landscaping design would work well for you. It is easy to use and requires you to take a photo of your garden or front yard with your phone's camera.

How can I make my yard look rich? ›

10 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Space Look Expensive
  1. Mow Your Lawn. ...
  2. Pick A Decor Style. ...
  3. Coordinate Furniture. ...
  4. Create Distinct Areas. ...
  5. Add Lighting. ...
  6. Make a Grand Entrance. ...
  7. Add Decor. ...
  8. Make Repairs.

What is the rule of three in landscaping? ›

Garden design and interiorscaping: It's as easy as 1-2-3. The Rule of Three is a design concept that's so easy to use you almost can't go wrong! Simply line up three of the same plants, in the same pot, to create a visually pleasing series.

How do I design my own landscaping? ›

How to Design a Landscape Plan
  1. Create the outline. A landscape plan begins with a broad overview of the project area. ...
  2. Add existing features. Add any rocks, waterways, buildings, poles, slopes, etc. ...
  3. Create ground cover if needed. ...
  4. Add new landscape design elements.

What is the best landscaping for no weeds? ›

You have two good choices for the best weed barrier—organic mulch or high-quality landscape fabric. (Don't use black plastic. It doesn't allow rain to reach plant roots, and it traps water vapor, which facilitates the growth of mold and mildew.)

How can I make my backyard maintenance free? ›

Mulch is the No. 1 secret to low maintenance gardening. Apply it in a layer 2 to 3 inches thick, and it will help suppress weeds (less weeding for you) and reduce water evaporation from soil (less watering for you). Maintain mulch by applying a fresh layer as needed to maintain that ideal depth.

What plants require no maintenance? ›

My plant picks
  • Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) ...
  • ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) ...
  • Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) ...
  • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) ...
  • Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) ...
  • Succulents (multiple families) ...
  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) ...
  • Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Jun 23, 2020

Which is the most simple and clean power plant? ›

The most simple and clean plant is:-
  • steam power plant.
  • hydro power plant.
  • nuclear power plant.
  • diesel plant.
Sep 22, 2022

Which plant has lowest initial cost? ›

Explanation: Hydroelectric power plant has lowest running cost because it does not needs any fuel and can be operated by few number of persons. Nuclear gas and thermal power plant requires fuels also the handling cost of fuels is added with the total cost. 3.

What is the most profitable part of landscaping? ›

“The general rule of thumb with this strategy is to strive to break even on maintenance and then make the most profit from enhancements, irrigation, and lawn care. Traditionally, mowing and mulching are the two least profitable landscaping services—and at the bottom line may actually be unprofitable.”

What do most landscapers charge per hour? ›

A landscaping professional can help you maximize your landscaping budget and provide expert help with your landscape planning. The cost of services from a landscape pro can range from $50 to $150 per hour.

What ground cover will choke out weeds? ›

The Dragon's blood sedum or Schorbuser Blut is considered the most versatile and toughest ground cover that can choke out weeds. Similar to creeping jenny, this type of ground cover also has stems that easily root, so it's fast to proliferate. A dragon blood sedum is an all year-round charmer.

What is a cheaper alternative to mulch? ›

Hay and Straw

For the best effect, apply a thick layer or cover it with a layer of a different type of mulch to work in tandem and get better coverage. Luckily, hay and straw are relatively inexpensive and easy to use if applying to a large planting area.

Why should you not put mulch around your house? ›

While mulch is great, it also creates an ideal environment for pests like termites to congregate. The mulch shields them from the elements so that they can thrive. For this reason, it's not always the best idea to lay mulch right next to your home's foundation.

What should you not mulch? ›

It's especially important to avoid using rocks as mulch around common foundation plants like azalea, hydrangea, and yews; these plants thrive in acidic soil (soil with a pH level below seven).

Is it better to use rocks or mulch? ›

Both can signal “no walk” zones to pedestrians. Some areas and plants take better to mulch, but others can be improved with stones. Here are a few things to consider before buying. Definitely the standard for most landscapers, mulch is the preferred choice for gardeners who wish to add nutrients to the soil.

What is eco friendly landscaping called? ›

Green landscaping—also known as sustainable or eco-landscaping—is a method to design, create, and maintain your landscape to save time, money, and energy. Green landscapes nurture wildlife; reduce air, soil, and water pollution; and make healthy recreation spaces. Your yard can make a difference!

What can I use instead of a flower bed? ›

Some have been mentioned previously, such as having a lawn instead of flower beds. Other landscaping ideas to reduce maintenance are: Mulch planting beds heavily with fall leaves. As the leaves decompose they will enrich the soil and help reduce weeds.

Which is better cardboard or landscape fabric? ›

Landscaping fabric lasts longer than cardboard, but it prevents plant roots from properly penetrating the soil. Cardboard breaks down, but it only acts as a temporary base layer for mulch beds. A better alternative to both of these options is using a 4″ layer of mulch throughout your garden.

What is the cheapest alternative to grass? ›

  • Moss. If you have a shady yard, or a shady area in your yard, moss can be a great, low-maintenance alternative to grass. ...
  • Gravel. Gravel is an economical, simple alternative that can be used anywhere you need a ground cover. ...
  • Wood Chips or Bark. ...
  • Mulch.
Nov 4, 2017

What can I do with ground that won't grow grass? ›

Landscaping ideas without grass
  1. Lay bricks, wood or cement over the area to make a patio.
  2. Swap in artificial turf where grass won't grow.
  3. Add woodchip mulch, particularly in grassless areas under trees, for a cleaner look.
  4. Create a small garden with flowers or shrubs. ...
  5. Cover the area with rocks or pebbles.
Jul 5, 2018

How do you landscape where grass won't grow? ›

Ground Cover Saves The Day When Grass Won't Grow

For landscaping areas that ward off grass, but are conducive to moss growth, consider stepping stone pathways with green ground cover. Ground cover can withstand foot traffic similar to grass, but can be less picky about heat, shade, and water levels.

What is a cheap alternative to patio? ›

Loose Gravel

Another alternative to paving a patio is utilizing loose gravel. It's cheap and works well as a semi-permeable surface that doesn't require expensive maintenance. Borders can be used to help keep the gravel in place, or you can just rake it and add more when needed.

What is the most low maintenance patio? ›

If you love a great patio and want to embrace low-maintenance outdoor living … you'll be thrilled to know a paver patio is a low-maintenance structure! Pair it with a composite or synthetic deck and you'll have the ultimate low-maintenance outdoor living space combination.

Can you lay pavers directly on dirt? ›

Typically, it is not recommended to directly lay down pavers over dirt. For pavers to look and perform well in a permanent installation setting, the ground/dirt floor must be excavated, leveled, and hard compacted.

How do I make my yard landscape like a professional? ›

14 Secret Landscaper Tips and Tricks
  1. Use Weed Fabric Strategically. ...
  2. Create an Edge. ...
  3. Use Starter Fertilizer. ...
  4. Choose Wisely Between Bulk and Bagged. ...
  5. Garden Tools. ...
  6. Consolidate Annuals. ...
  7. Make Mowing Fast and Easy. ...
  8. Keep the Leaves.

What makes a house look expensive exterior? ›

Give it a personalized and trendy vibe with perfectly hued walls. Why not move beyond boring browns and beiges and add a luxurious feel with pops of contrasting color -smoky charcoals, sharp black, and even a pop of a saturated red or blue!

What do I need to know before landscaping? ›

10 Important Things to Consider When Planning Your Landscape...
  • Know your yard. ...
  • Who will be using your yard? ...
  • Think about themes. ...
  • Create and link spaces. ...
  • Make your plants work for you. ...
  • Structure your plantings. ...
  • Highlight important points. ...
  • Pay attention to detail.
May 13, 2019

Can I do landscaping myself? ›

If you're fairly experienced with soil types and plants and have the time, then DIY landscaping may be for you. Even so, an overall plan is a must, so you can create a cohesive look. Get more tips on how to landscape.

What are the 7 principles of landscape design? ›

The principles of landscape design include the elements of unity, scale, balance, simplicity, variety, emphasis, and sequence as they apply to line, form, texture, and color. These elements are interconnected.

What is the most important thing in landscaping? ›

Sunlight is an incredibly important feature in any landscape. The amount and quality of the light, including when and how much, affects what kind of plants are a fit for your yard. Some plants need full sun, which means six hours of direct sunlight or more per day, while other plants need partial sun.

How do you landscape a garden on a budget? ›

  1. 42 cheap garden ideas to smarten up your plot. ...
  2. Repurpose old wooden crates to make stylish shelves. ...
  3. Use old jars as mini planters. ...
  4. Try DIY terracotta candle holders. ...
  5. Create a cool, industrial-style aesthetic with oversized planters. ...
  6. Make an upcycled hanging planter. ...
  7. Guide the way with a cute garden sign. ...
  8. Glow up your shed.
Jan 7, 2023

What should I do first when landscaping? ›

Start by planting trees or shrubs.

Begin from the house and work outward. Remember to plan for the mature size of the trees and shrubs to avoid having to move them later, when they outgrow their space! Deciduous shrubs planted in front of evergreens will change the look seasonally.

How can I make my front yard look expensive? ›

10 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Space Look Expensive
  1. Mow Your Lawn. ...
  2. Pick A Decor Style. ...
  3. Coordinate Furniture. ...
  4. Create Distinct Areas. ...
  5. Add Lighting. ...
  6. Make a Grand Entrance. ...
  7. Add Decor. ...
  8. Make Repairs.

How do landscapers make money in the winter? ›

It may not be the lavish profits of full designs and construction projects, but it's income you can take advantage of through the slow season.
  1. Snow Removal. The most typical off-season work for landscapers is snow removal. ...
  2. Planet Trees and Shrubs. ...
  3. Christmas Lights Installation. ...
  4. Leaf Removal. ...
  5. Training and designing.

Is it cheaper to do your own landscaping? ›

Budget Friendly

Choosing to do your own landscaping will ultimately save you money in the long run. Yes, there may be some up front costs of purchasing your own tools and buying the wrong fertilizer a time or two, but you won't be paying to have a service come and do the landscaping for you.

Videos

1. Top Five Easy Care Flowers for Your Garden (Great for Beginners!)
(Catherine Moravec)
2. How To Design The Perfect Landscape | Landscape Design 101
(Lowe's Home Improvement)
3. Garden Landscape - How to Design a Garden
(Better Homes and Gardens)
4. 50 SECRETS FOR A GREEN THUMB | GARDENING IDEAS & TIPS
(GARDEN TIPS)
5. Unusual Hacks For Growing Plants Anywhere 🌱 || Gardening Tips & Hacks For Beginners 🌼
(5-Minute Crafts FAMILY)
6. Greenhouse Growing Basics 101 | For beginners and intermediate | Design, Pros and cons, Quirks, Tips
(Melbourne Foodforest)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated: 04/27/2023

Views: 6642

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.