home decor trends
A garden is just the first step to creating a beautiful backyard. Once you have chosen the layout and the plants you want to grow, you need to add the final decorative elements. Think of these touches as the backyard equivalent of hanging pictures on the wall or placing decorative pieces and candles on a table.
Decorating your garden is all about adding character and individuality to your garden. Some garden decor ideas are cute, some are artistic, and others are elegant and modern. What you choose for your garden depends on your personality and what you want your garden to say about you and your home.
1. Practical garden decoration ideas
Your garden decoration doesn’t just have to be pretty. It can also serve a functional purpose. If you have a fire pit in your garden, why not turn your wood storage into something decorative? Choose a metal shelf that will allow you to store multiple logs. This means you always have wood on hand for a spontaneous campfire.
A common outdoor decorating idea is a bird bath. It can be more than just a shallow bowl containing water. It can stand on a decorative base or have cute bird figurines on the side. If you grow herbs, you can even add decorative signs identifying each plant. However, these are more than just simple signs as they can be handmade or ceramic signs with a unique character.
2. Stylish planters and pots
You don’t have to put all your plants in the ground. You can add visual interest to your garden by placing some plants in decorative pots. Using terracotta pots gives your garden a traditional look. The rich color of the terracotta is beautiful, rustic and warm.
If you don’t have much space, you can create a small garden using mason jars as pots. Or you can have a ceramic or clay bowl that has several succulents growing in it.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your plant stands. You can use halved wine, bourbon, or whiskey barrels. Or how about an old clawfoot bathtub that you filled with dirt? You can even find metal stands that look like everyday items and have built-in holders for your pots. No matter what planter or pot you choose, look for ones that will help you increase the height of your garden to create different levels.
3. Fence and wall solutions
If your garden is surrounded by a fence, this is the perfect opportunity to add a little more decoration. You can have decorative wrought iron panels mounted on the wood or alternate metal and wood panels to create a sleek and modern looking garden fence.
Consider DIY garden decor ideas for a personal touch. Try painting a colorful mural on the wall or installing decorative lighting to create a unique effect at sunset. There is also the option to turn your fence into a living wall. You can grow mosses and succulents on one plate. However, be careful with this idea – succulents can be surprisingly heavy and you will need to reinforce the wall to support the extra weight.
4. Create a welcoming atmosphere
Adding a fire pit to your yard gives you a focal point and the perfect gathering spot. Choose a modern design that creates atmosphere. You won’t feel much heat, but they create an interesting visual effect.
Another option is to use your fire pit to create an outdoor living space. Purchase a portable, prefabricated metal pit or custom-build your fire pit out of stone or pavers. You can build a fire pit exactly the size that fits your yard. Place benches or sofas outside to relax outside and enjoy the weather.
5. Charming garden structures
If you have a covered outdoor area, you have the perfect setting for growing vining plants. If you don’t have a covered area, consider building some sort of shelter. You can have a gazebo, pergola or arch. Which option you choose depends on the coverage you want and the amount of square footage available.
Once you have your structure, look through garden design ideas to select one or two flowering plants that will snake upwards. Colorful flowers and blossoms will surround you. If you live in the right climate, you can even grow grapes or lemons. However, keep in mind that both are heavier vines and require a sturdier structure for support.
6. Add artistic touches
Look for ways to give your garden a unique look. There are local artists everywhere who use a variety of materials to create custom garden art. You can enrich your garden design by placing a few works of art that look like animals. Many garden ideas suggest placing this art hidden among your plants. They will be a nice surprise when you stroll through your garden.
If you have an empty garden area, consider placing a huge piece of art. It will serve as a crowning statement piece and focal point in your garden. Look for artwork that will remain outdoors permanently. Metal, glass, cork and hardwood are beautiful and durable materials.
7. Upgrade your outdoor space
Furniture is a common element of outdoor garden decorating ideas. You need a place to sit and relax in your garden. Even if you only have a small balcony, you should have a place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or an evening drink.
If you have enough space, you can create an outdoor living room. Place a sofa or sectional with one or two accent chairs. However, they don’t require a lot of space. A small café table and a pair of chairs are enough.
8. Incorporating garden statues
Statues are an easy way to add decorative elements to your garden. They are durable and beautiful. Look for sculptures that match the style of garden you want to create. A garden gnome is a popular choice, but some people find them creepy. Modern gardens look good with abstract ornaments.
Garden statues come in different materials. Try adding multiple species to your garden to make it more visually interesting and varied. You can have glass figurines, metal sculptures or stone creations of all kinds.
If you have a lot of flowers and other plants that need pollination, consider installing a bird bath and bird feeder. This will encourage birds to make your garden their home and promote stronger growth.
9. Light up your garden
Illuminating your garden will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the space even after the sun sets. You can do this with fairy lights that you hang throughout the garden. They create a warm, soft light throughout the room and illuminate your outdoor area.
For a more decorative approach, try incorporating string lights into your garden. These are small LEDs that sparkle and glow. Typically they are not bright enough to provide bright light, but are more of a decorative element to highlight certain areas of your garden. If you have a pergola or gazebo, you can attach the lights to it to create a fairy garden effect. Choose the ones that sparkle for a starry night look.
10. Enjoy contemporary charm
Potted plants are a great way to create a modern garden design. Try using large pavers or flat stones to create a smooth and well-groomed lawn. Then create a green space by placing large pots with several plants in each. Choose pots in modern colors like black or white. They should have long straight lines and smooth curves with minimal decoration.
Modern gardens use a combination of different materials. You can add large stepping stones through your pond or a wooden deck overlooking your water feature. Create boundaries and limit them with a ditch made of river stones. Skip the messy-looking flowering plants and stick with simple greenery that you can keep neat and tidy.
11. Lead the way
You must have paths through your garden. This makes it easier for you to enjoy your work and care for your plants. Paving stones, concrete or wood are used for a modern garden. For a rustic garden look, you can use pea gravel for a natural-looking path. If you want to create a vintage garden, use salvaged bricks or flat stones.
If you have a large garden, your flower bed may not take up the entire backyard. Then your path connects your flower bed to the other areas of the garden. Maybe it leads from the terrace into the garden and then around to the fireplace.
12. Peace and beauty
Water features can be a lot of work depending on the type and size you want to add. Even a small fountain will add natural noise and soothing sound effects to your garden. The only other way to add sound to your garden is with a wind chime, and these can be more distracting than the gentle sound of running water.
If you’re ready to get into some serious water play, consider building a fish pond with a fountain. You have to take care of the fish and maintain the well equipment. However, it is worth it because of the calming effect it will have on you and the entire room. For fish, you should consider koi, but be warned; they are expensive. Goldfish are a much cheaper alternative.
