Unique landscaping ideas that don’t cost the earth

First things first, one of the biggest deterrents to spending time in the backyard is the state of the backyard. Cast a critical eye over your garden and where necessary prune, weed, deadhead and even remove those plants that are well past their prime. You will be amazed at how much better your yard will look with a bit of a tidy up. Better still, it’s an activity you can rope the entire family into and, with any luck, shouldn’t take more than a weekend or two to achieve.

The garden below was created by Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects using a mix of existing plants and materials and new to create moments of privacy and of shared enjoyment. Image: Stephen Goodenough.

As with any undertaking, starting with a well-conceived plan will ensure your backyard makeover has something for everyone. Think about spaces that can be used by groups for outdoor dining, providing space for the kids to play, and even a small area of retreat that can be used as your own private outdoor sanctuary. A backyard that offers all of these, or even just a sampling, will be well used and enjoyed.

For a group space think about seating — either built in or outdoor furniture — zones. A dining space is a must for larger get togethers while, equally important, a smaller, more casual area, say around a firepit, is ideal for informal gatherings.

For the kids, an area of lawn for backyard cricket is a staple but it doesn’t have to be the be-all and end-all. Obviously, if space and budget allow, then a backyard pool would be a big hit, and not just for the kids. But also consider elements such as a climbing wall or even challenge them to a native plant scavenger hunt in their own backyard.

When it comes to creating a private space, think about engaging all of your senses through the inclusion of a water feature, sensory plants and features designed to bring birdsong into the space or specific melodic elements of their own.