The most successful landscapes tend to achieve the perfect mix of beauty and function. If your landscape is in need of a refresh, you may be wondering which type of project would have the most impact. Does your landscape need a springtime upgrade? Consider these four landscaping ideas in Syosset and Northport, NY.
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Rethinking the Lawn
Gorgeous landscapes across the world include lush lawns, and they often make sense as a focal feature in front yards, where they can create an aesthetically pleasing buffer between the curb and the front of the house.
The backyard, on the other hand, has a multitude of functions that are different for each family. You may have kids and dogs that need lots of room to run, in which case a lawn is a necessity. The same can be true if you’re an avid player of backyard games. However, if your backyard is primarily for entertaining and relaxing, you could consider replacing parts of your backyard lawn and redesignating the space for other activities and amenities. Not only will you get a more usable outdoor living space, but it would also reduce the maintenance requirements.
This doesn’t mean that your backyard needs to become one giant paver patio. In fact, a better patio design doesn’t necessarily mean “bigger”—but if you’ve been longing for more in the way of outdoor rooms with specific uses, this next tip could be of interest to you.
Multiple Outdoor Spaces
Many backyards feature a single patio that houses all of the family’s activities. If this isn’t the ideal solution for you—for example, if you want to relax with a good book but there’s just too much activity close by—then you could consider using some of your lawn space to create mini-patios with specific uses, just like individual rooms in your house.
This is an opportunity to segregate activities, add a lot of interest to the landscaping, use different materials, and get closer to nature. Each small patio could be connected to the others with a stepping stone or paver walkway, and surrounded by a variety of native vegetation. Natives will reduce your water usage and require less maintenance, while rewarding you even more with their beauty.
Permeable Pavers
On the topic of being water-wise, permeable pavers could be a great option for your landscape. They allow surface water to seep through the paver joint spaces into the ground without disturbing the pavers, and preventing runoff or pooling. Permeable pavers allow rainfall and snowmelt to return to the soil and replenish the local aquifer. They’re available in a range of styles, from the look of classic brick to patterns inspired by natural stone.
Thinking Vertically
There are many landscape features that can make an outdoor living space and home look amazing, but they are mostly concerned with the horizontal plane. Thinking vertically can add needed dimension to a backyard—as well as privacy and utility. Vertical gardens, for instance, can be stand-alone masonry features within easy reach of your outdoor kitchen. Here, you can create a lush backdrop of gorgeous flowers, fruiting plants, vegetables, and culinary herbs.
Related: GET THE MOST USE OUT OF YOUR OUTDOOR FIREPLACE THIS SPRING IN OLD WESTBURY AND HUNTINGTON, NY, AREAS
