Rock Gardens have several valuable uses. They can make use of a hillside, save time in a backyard or help to create a garden in an area that need a lot of soil improvement. So a rock garden can simplify a problem area in the yard quickly while adding beauty.

photo credit: Nathan150
Rock gardens can also be used to stop soil erosion or cut back on weeds and time spent in the garden area. Once a rock garden is created it takes less time than most gardens. And one other benefit of a rock garden it that it can be quite small and still be very impressive. This makes a rock garden a perfect choice for the small space gardener.

Rock Gardens are not only made up of rocks. They contain garden plants, garden art and a variety or rock in different colors and sizes.

Rock Garden suggestions

You can do almost anything with a rock garden. A few suggestions would be to add plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, fountains, and even a fishpond. These selections are based on the size of the garden and on cost.

When adding plants or flowers you will need to arrange the flatter rocks around the plants or flowers to that they will help the flow or water to the roots of you plants and hold it at the roots. You can do this by arranging the rocks so they are partly in the dirt and partly layered onto the rows of rocks beside them.

photo credit: cliff1066™

Tip: When you plan out your garden try to make sure to leave room to be able to weed out the unwanted growth and to reach your plants to water them if needed.

Rock Garden Design Ideas

• Water fountains and birdbaths add interest to your rock garden. It’s also interesting to watch the birds and see which birds come to your backyard retreat.
• Waterfalls also add to your garden and are soothing. They will also drown out neighborhood noise, which is a benefit if you live in a town or city.
• If you are making a sizable garden design you will good pathways for people to follow and places for people to sit and look or relax.
• Garden art tucked in your rock garden will add interest and the element of surprise.

Rock gardens will add a different look to your backyard and can often be used in hard to grow areas. They can also make use of small corners that has been overlooked before in backyard design.

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Pathways add to a backyard or garden area. They can be used for utility purposes to stop wear and tear on a yard. They can also be used to divide the backyard into garden areas or separate areas for specific uses.

This you tube video shows how to create a pathway

Its important to get the pathway flat and any rock edges even so that people will not trip.

If you concerned about weeds coming through later you can place plastic or cardboard under the rocks. I use cardboard and have had much luck with it controlling weed growth.

This next you tube video shows how to spruce a walkway or pathway up with moss and ground covers. This look is particularly nice near gardens.

Pathways serve a utility purpose but also add the the landscape design. With proper layout they will add value and beauty to your backyard.

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The large backyard creates a totally different set of concerns than a smaller piece of property. From personal experience I have learned you need to break the area down into sections and work on them separately.

photo credit: get directly down

First of all with a big backyard you have more time that is needed to work the property, so “simplify!” Use mulch, put in a pond, plant an orchard or tree stand. Create areas that use space but are manageable. And to tie the areas together make use of matching color, shrubs or trees or pathways.

Break down your large backyard into manageable areas.

One idea is to create one to several island of flowers to attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial insects. How many you create will be decided on the size of your backyard.

But remember in your backyard planning – keep it simple. Drought resistant and naturalizing flowers will be easy to care for and attract the natural insects, butterflies and birds. Ground covers will stop weeds and cut down on watering and mowing.

Your garden area will be a focal attraction and add color and interest to your yard. You may consider adding a bench or two for relaxation near the garden areas.

A large backyard can be arranged to create a campfire or camping area by surround he area by shrubs or small trees that grow 12 to 15 foot tall. This area could be used for camping, parties or as a secluded area to get a few quiet moments to yourself.

A grove of trees or a small orchard will also make use of an acre or two. Just select trees that are hardy and will not add time to your backyard work schedule.

photo credit: thisisbossi

And to tie your backyard designs together and make walking your property easier add pathways.  Pathways with a width of approx. three to five feet are better for circulation and maintenance along with children being able to use them for bicycle trails.

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When backyard design is mentioned most people expect a time consuming project that will cost a small fortune.

photo credit: byrdiegyrl

But with the use of mulches, small plants or shrubs and garden art you can redo small sections of your backyard in a day.

If you divide areas of your yard into sections you can work on one section at a time to create mini gardens or garden rooms. Using this system the entire backyard will not be torn up and you can work with a small budget. You will also be able to enjoy the backyard while projects are underway

This you tube will show you five ideas for small backyard landscaping design ideas they used.

These ideas may give you a start for redoing you own backyard oasis or creating one.

I liked the use of mulch and stone in the video to create an easy to take care of patio area. I also like the use of small plants, mulch and less grass.

When planning your new small garden areas decide what is important to you and incorporate those ideas into your plans.  This may be a mini patio, reading room; children’s play area or a work area.

There are two ideas to keep in mind when planning your backyard projects.

1. Design the areas with change in mind. Will your children be growing up or will you be starting a family? Should the recreational area be downsized? Will you be adding a pool or removing one in the future?

2. And the last idea to keep in mind – is to keep it simple. With proper planning you can have a beautiful lush backyard oasis without spending the entire weekend working in it.

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The winter months when yard work and gardens slow down or come to a complete halt is the perfect time to plan small space design ideas.

photo credit: jessicareeder

There may have been areas of your garden and backyard what did not work as well as you intended or that just need an overhaul. I myself have noticed that when I make better use of my space I also have less work, and although I like working in the garden I also like relaxing too.

So what can you do to improve the use of your backyard and garden space?

• The patio can serve as an entertainment area and children’s play area. Add storage benches to tuck away children toys and games when not in use.
• Have a foldaway picnic table or have a movable table that can be used in another part of the yard.
• Switch to vertical gardening, raised bed gardening or container gardening to make use of small spaces, patios and hillsides.
• Look at areas near the house or garage to see if there is space that could be used that is setting unattended.
• The use of a hammock that be put up or down, tents for the children, mini wading pool, or a badminton set can add hours of entertainment but all items can be taken down or traded to make use of small spaces.
• Use small furniture in the backyard. It will give a feel of more space.
• Tall plants will soften corners and add depth making your space feel larger.
• Add night-lights and lanterns to extend your time in the backyard. The evening will add a new feel to your area and a feel off space. If you stagger your lights in layers you will also add the feel of more depth.
• Use an online landscape planner or grab graph paper and lay out your backyard Make cutouts of the shape of your home, trees and any other backyard item. Move around your cutouts to see if you can make better use of your available space.

Most important, take time and think back to last summer. What worked in the yard and what did you miss or was a bit disappointing. This is the time to make plans and add comfort and atmosphere to your backyard oasis area.

Last year I noticed I needed to redo the patio area and make it more of an extension of the indoor living space. I also want to add more night lighting. So these are winter planning ideas I will be concentrating on for better use of my small space backyard and patio.

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