Buying a new home is an exciting new chapter in your life. There’s so much you can do with your own space, from repainting the walls in colors that pop to create a backyard oasis. It’s easy to get in over your head with DIY projects, so consider some of these simple landscaping ideas for your new home. These can help you personalize your space without breaking the bank or eating up your schedule, allowing you to enjoy your investment right away.
Raised Garden Beds
Planting flowers directly into your backyard can often take up extra space that could otherwise be used for entertaining and relaxing. Instead, consider creating raised garden beds or using containers. This separates your flowers from your lawn, giving the impression of a larger backyard. It also creates some visual interest from the different elevations of the bed or planter and the lawn.
Colorful Outdoor Furniture
You don’t need to install a brand new patio to have a separate area for entertaining. Instead, use outdoor rugs, colorful furniture, lights, and umbrellas to section off a portion of your backyard. Add in a fire pit and table for cocktails, and you’ll have the perfect place to spend a summer evening.
Use Symmetry
For a striking entryway in your front yard, use the power of symmetry. Plant a line of trees or flowers along both sides of a walk-way, or place some pots of identical flowers along your porch. Symmetrical designs tend to give a more elegant and polished feel to a home, and using it in your front yard can make your new space sparkle.
Install an Outdoor Structure
Gazebos, pergolas, arbors, and other structures can lend your yard some extra decoration and visual interest. Many of these features can be purchased ready-made or in kits, but you can also find designs for creating your own from scratch. Even something as simple as a trellis leaning against the wall of your home can make it stand out from the others on the block. Consider using an unusual paint color for even more pop.
Stone and Wood Pathways
Laying down some tile, gravel, or planks leading to your front and back doors can make your home feel just a little more put together. Crushed stone in between evenly spaced tiles or planks saves money while creating a modern vibe in your yard.
String Lights
Nothing makes your yard look like a fairy tale setting more than an arrangement of string lights. Attach them to the walls of your home and across the backyard using existing fences or newly-installed posts, then turn them on as the day turns to night for an atmosphere worthy of dreamy nights relaxing or dancing.
Wall Planters
If your backyard has limited space for gardening, think vertical. You might be able to attach small pots to the outside wall of your home and place a tiny, leafy plant in each one. Not only does this give you your gardening fix, it also creates an eye-catching and unique outdoor decoration that can transform a small space into something extraordinary.
Ditch the Lawn
A green lawn is classic, but you have many more options when it comes to ground cover. Try thyme, which spreads quickly, for a fragrant and unexpected alternative. You can also stay away from plant life entirely by using decorative gravel and rocks with small shrubs strategically placed throughout. This style of landscaping is particularly popular in desert regions because of the small amount of water needed to maintain it.
Plant Perennials
When planting a classic garden, choose plants that will flower again and again without needing to be replaced each year. Perennials bloom each season, making them an easy addition to your garden. There are many types available, from large bushes to individual blooms, giving you plenty of options. Instead of replanting each year, you can instead enjoy last year’s plants again and cut back on maintenance time.
Play Area
Sometimes it’s a good idea to create a separate space for pets or children to run around without worrying that they’ll disturb the neighbors or guests. Use low, modern fencing to delineate the space and allow you to keep an eye on everyone, then add in animal-friendly plants and flowers to tie it in with the rest of your landscaping. Finish with some favorite toys or play structures, and relax as everyone enjoys some personalized space within your yard.
Protect Your New Landscape
After investing so much time and money into your new backyard oasis (or new home), consider purchasing title insurance to protect your investment. With title insurance, you’ll have financial and legal coverage if a claim is made on the ownership of a home. Undisclosed heirs to the property, problems with the deed, and unpaid taxes left by a previous owner can all threaten your property and finances, but with title insurance, you’ll be able to maintain control of your home.
Speak with Mathis Title Company for more information and to obtain your own title insurance policy. Robin Mathis has years of legal and real estate experience, using her deep knowledge of each to help new homeowners get the information they need to make educated decisions about their new property.
