The size of your front yard plays a big role in determining how you should be landscape your front yard. The location of your home is also a determinant factor when deciding on the decorating tips for your yard. For instance, front yards in urban settings cannot be landscaped as those in the countryside. If you are trying to create some sort of privacy, then you might want to control and block the visibility from the outside.

Invest in a privacy screen to block out prying eyes. While at it, use a well thought out a privacy screen that will partially block the outside world while maintaining the overall appeal of the front yard. Try to use a balanced approach to create a cozy and an inviting feeling in your front yard. A front yard with fencing like lattice is ideal for creating a beautiful front yard. Lattice is also popular for creating the right amount of privacy. Shrubs on the other hand create a barrier through a living wall.

Potted up plants are a great way of decorating the front yard and considering that there are seasonal plants, you can use potted plants to alternate the outlook of your front yard. While at it, ensure that you use appealing pots and vases to hold your plants. Incorporate traditional charm such as pieces of antique to create a focal point in your front yard. A rogue iron gate is a perfect example of how you can create traditional charm in your front yard.

Are you tired of having an outdated backyard? If yes, fret not because you can bring it up to date without breaking the bank. With a low-maintenance garden, less turf-grass and a few drought tolerant plants, you can create a timeless backyard that will not have you worrying about the seasons. As a homeowner, you should be in a position to determine the sustainability of your backyard from an environmental and economical angle.

For a contemporary look in your backyard, try subtle touches of different textures on your terraces if you are to escalate the excitement level. If you intend to create a private enclosure in your backyard, then a dramatic wall is the way to go. This is ideal if you are so close to your neighbors.  A waterfall and a naturalistic stream is another modern addition to your backyard. Invest in contemporary tiers to create a sense of excitement, peace and interest in your backyard. Get a modern bench and perch it in the corner of your backyard to evoke that ideal backyard look. Add a few mirrors to create a spacious illusion in your backyard.  Merge ornamental and edibles for that blended backyards outlook that is bound to create a contemporary haven right in your backyard besides giving you a bountiful harvest of herbs, veggies and fruits. This is also a perfect option if you are running away from mainstream backyard ideas such as turf grass.

Showy landscape ideas are so yesterday and most homeowners are opting for less showy landscapes. Instead, homeowners prefer to use natural and quality materials that will not only add a sense of style but also add a functional element in their backyards. Water features in the backyard are also in and contrary to what you would expect; water features are an inexpensive way to add a unique outlook to your background. You can opt for either a high-end water feature or a portable fountain. Either way, these inexpensive options will not dent your bank account.

Add some outdoor fabrics more so those that are waterproof and fade resistant. For instance, fabrics made of acrylic fibers are excellent for the backyard. While at it, ensure that you incorporate a back-to-the-earth element in your backyard and add bees and chickens. Have you thought of joining the Go-Green campaign? Now that the world is going green, it would be wise to invest in eco-friendly items for your backyard.

With a number of low-maintenance options, homeowners are spoilt for choice. For instance, synthetic grass has a way of brightening up your patio without denting your wallet Synthetic grass creates a beautiful outlook that will leave your guests in awe. Besides, synthetic grass maintains its color throughout the year even without mowing or watering. This is usually ideal if you have a small patio.

Your existing lawn can get a tad patchy and demand too much in terms of maintenance. Considering that, you want to save money and time; a low-maintenance patio would come in handy. Settle for a landscape that will be convenient for you, your family, your guests and even your pets. As such, you might have to part with your grass patio and go for decomposed granite, drought-resistant grass and flagstone pathways. A fire pit also adds a sense of class in your patio.

If you have a pool within your compound, then you might want to settle for pool friendly plants as they create a beautiful illusion of a lush tropical oasis. If you have limited time and resources, then a patio that requires as little maintenance as possible is ideal. Speaking of pools in the patio, ensure that you plant grass around the pool and more so, add a few stones in between for a spectacular look. Most importantly, grass planted around the pool stays evergreen all year round. The only hassle that you will face is that of collecting debris from your pool occasionally.

A pathway is essential for your landscaping to be complete. You do not want to be stepping on your well-manicured lawn or on the plants. Follow the steps provided below, and you will have the pathway of your desire.

Make an outline of the pathway

To make an outline, use the garden hose. Lay it in an arc and create curves with a natural flow. Test the layout by walking on it and adjust until you are comfortable with it. Mark the layout with chalk and remove the hose. The least width of the path should be 24 inches to enable at least two people to pass or someone pushing a wheelbarrow. Lay the two sides of the path ensuring the same width throughout. You can use a dowel to help you with that if you do not trust your eyeball judgment. You need to place one side of the dowel where there are chalk marks and the other end where the hose is. Mark this other side with chalk marks to complete the layout of the path. This will ensure that the finish is professional and the width consistent.

Landscaping your yard does not have to cost you a lot. You can easily achieve the look you have always wanted for your landscape and still leave your wallet intact. Some people believe that to landscape, one must spend a lot of money. On the contrary, you can get an attractive landscape while doing it on a budget.  A lot of money is spent on getting rid of weeds on lawns and in the garden by buying weed killers. This does not to be the case. You do not need to get rid of all the weeds. Some weeds such as clovers are healthy to have so that they can fix nitrogen into the soil. Removing all the weeds leads to monoculture, and the lawn is not as healthier as the one that has some weeds.

Instead of making the brick patio using concrete, a situation that may lead you to hire someone, consider laying your bricks or stones in sand. This way, you can do it yourself and reduce the cost of hiring someone to do it for you. Another area that a lot of money is spent is on water features. You can do this inexpensively by use of pond liners and modern pumps that can be easily installed. Use stones, which you can get free from construction sites to add to the features and with additional effort, you can build waterfalls.

Go for cheap plants instead of buying the expensive ones. Sure, the quality is not the same, but it saves you money. What you need to ensure is that the plants get extra care after you plant them and after a while, they may look as good as the expensive ones. Ensure that before buying the plants, you check if they are of good health. Check if they have insects and diseases. In case they are infected, do not buy them. Take advantage of supermarkets and online shops that sell the plants cheaply. You can even get plant sales for annuals, perennials and shrubs towards the end of summer in July and August.