35 garden landscaping ideas
By Ellie Reeves | 7th March 2025 | 9 min read
Have you decided it’s finally time to landscape your overgrown garden? Whether you want to give your outdoor space a total overhaul, or you just want to make a few tweaks to your garden design – we’ve got plenty of creative ideas and tips to inspire you. From sun mapping methods to landscape layering, dive in and discover some new ideas and techniques for designing a garden.
1. Design a curved stone garden path
Bring your garden to life by weaving a winding stone path through your outdoor space. Not only do garden paths look gorgeous, but they provide a functional purpose too. They add dimension and structure, guide walkways, and protect delicate plants from being crushed. From the gentle crunch of gravel to the unique charm of stepping stones, explore our garden path ideas to find inspiration.
2. Grow healthier plants with raised beds
With raised beds you can create designated areas for vegetables, herbs, and flowers – all while improving drainage and soil quality. Good drainage allows for proper air circulation within the soil which is crucial for healthy root development. This means you’ll have stronger plants, better nutrient uptake, and ultimately, more vibrant blooms! What’s more, the elevated height of raised beds eliminates the need for excessive bending and kneeling while gardening. This is a game-changer, especially for those with back problems or limited mobility, making tending to your garden a more enjoyable and accessible activity.
3. Position garden furniture based on the position of the sun
Sunshine seeker? When deciding on the perfect spot for your outdoor seating, take the sun's movement into account.
Evening sun: Capture the magic of golden hour by positioning your seating area at the west end of your garden.
Morning sun: If you prefer to start your day with a dose of sunshine, consider a location that receives the morning sun, like the east side of your garden.
All day sun: Crave sunshine all day long? Look for a spot that receives sun throughout the day, perhaps an open area with minimal shade from trees or buildings.
4. Encourage climbing plants with a trellis
Trellis panels provide a sturdy and attractive support structure for climbing plants such as ivy, clematis, or jasmine, allowing them to gracefully ascend and create a stunning natural display. A garden trellis can help soften hard architectural features, such as walls or fences, and bring a sense of organic beauty to the space. Whether adorning a trellis with fragrant blooms or using it to create a living privacy screen, transform your garden into an enchanting oasis with climbing plants.
5. Make a statement with a luscious living wall
Transform your external wall into a living masterpiece with a captivating vertical garden. Imagine a lush tapestry of ferns, succulents, and vibrant blooms cascading down, adding visual drama and beauty to your space. A living wall is a great option for adding greenery to a small garden or a balcony where you’re limited on planting space. Watch our video for guidance on creating a living wall, or if you want an easier option, why not buy an artificial living wall? That way you can still get the same effect without the upkeep!
6. Learn the art of landscape layering
Breathe life into your garden with landscape layering. This technique creates depth, interest, and harmony by arranging plants and features in distinct layers.
Foreground: Low-growing plants and ground covers frame the view and draw you in. Think colourful blooms and interesting textures.
Midground: Medium-sized shrubs and perennials provide structure and connect the foreground to the background. They contribute to the theme and define the space.
Background: Tall trees and shrubs form the backdrop, creating enclosure, privacy, and depth. They act as focal points and frame the space.
7. Create a decorative gabion feature
Create a unique vertical feature in your garden using a gabion. These sturdy cages woven from steel wire are traditionally used for retaining walls and erosion control, but their stylish potential has made them a popular design choice in modern gardens. Gabions can be used to create outdoor seating, unique walls, and planters.
8. Vertical gardening: make a statment with plant pots
With vertical gardening you can transform a plain wall or fence into a lush green oasis. Use trellises, wall mounted planters or hanging baskets to create an impactful visual feature in your garden. Whether you're looking to create a vibrant living wall or simply add a splash of greenery to your patio, vertical gardening offers endless possibilities.
9. Zone a large garden
If you're lucky enough to have a big garden, it can be surprisingly hard to know how to landscape a large space. Breathe life into your sprawling garden with the power of zoning. Define areas with pathways, hedges, or elevation changes. This approach unlocks an array of possibilities, from vibrant entertaining spaces to serene retreats and productive vegetable patches. Learn how to zone a garden, and check out our large garden ideas too!
10. Install modern garden fencing
Make your garden stand out from the crowd with modern fence panels with a cut-out design. Our contemporary GoodHome Neva decorative fence panels go beyond defining space and adding privacy, they also give your garden an artistic flair. Intricate patterns create an open feel, while light and shadow play through the cut-out design – breathing modern charm in your garden.
11. Try sun mapping your garden for planting success
Sun mapping allows you to plan and design your garden layout with precision, ensuring that each plant is positioned in a location that best meets its sunlight needs. This knowledge empowers you to choose the right plants for the right places, ensuring a thriving and vibrant garden. The sun mapping technique not only promotes the flourishing of plants but also contributes to the overall aesthetic and harmony of your garden.
12. Create a shaded area with a pergola
Use a pergola to create a tranquil corner in your garden, providing a comfortable and shaded spot for you to relax and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of nature. Looking for some inspiration on how to style a pergola? Check out our pergola decorating ideas!
13. Turn your garden into a Mediterranean retreat
Transform your garden into a serene Mediterranean oasis. Think terracotta pots, rustic wooden furniture, colourful Spanish tiles, and tranquil water features. Need some help getting started? Read our Mediterranean garden ideas article, brimming with inspiration and products for creating a rural escape in your own back garden.
14. Create a rock garden
Full of colourful blooms and interesting textures, rock gardens are a unique way to add low maintenance beauty to your outdoors. Mix and match a variety of rocks, from smooth pebbles to large stones. Rock gardens thrive with drought-tolerant plants like succulents, cacti, and low-growing perennials. They’re ideal for busy homeowners, as they don’t need much water or maintenance.
15. Encourage plants to climb up your garden wall
Turn a dull, bare garden wall into a vibrant, living masterpiece with gorgeous climbing plants. Imagine ivy's cascading greenery, clematis' vibrant blooms, or wisteria's majestic drapes adorning your wall. Their talent for scaling walls allows them to weave a living tapestry, softening harsh lines and seamlessly blending into the rest of your garden landscape.
16. Incorporate curves into your garden design
Create a sense of fluidity and natural movement in your garden with the power of curves! Soft lines can help guide the eye and create a sense of flow, leading visitors through the garden in a more organic manner. What's more, curved designs can make your garden feel larger by creating the illusion of depth, especially in smaller or more confined spaces.
17. Create a low maintenance gravel garden
Haven’t got time for constant weeding and pruning? A gravel garden may be the answer! Don't be fooled by the simplicity of gravel. This versatile material acts as a blank canvas for your garden design. Use it to create winding pathways, define planting areas, or even incorporate decorative features like rocks or sculptures. The possibilities are endless! Looking for more low maintenance garden ideas? We’ ve got you covered.
18. Pair white walls with white furniture
Create a cohesive outdoor space by pairing whitewashed walls with white garden furniture. White acts as a bright canvas, making your garden feel more open and spacious. The light background lets your lush greenery take centre stage, whilst the clean lines and minimalistic colour palette creates a contemporary feel in the garden.
19. Build a rustic garden bench
Bring some timeless charm to your garden with a DIY crafted rustic garden bench. Weathered and untreated wood, like rough sawn timber, blends seamlessly with the garden's organic elements. More than just a seat, your rustic bench becomes an inviting focal point. A place to gather with loved ones, share stories, and create lasting memories.
20. Transform a sloped garden with walls
Unleash the hidden potential of your sloped garden with walls. These rustic stone walls go beyond just addressing uneven terrain - they create a visually stunning and functional outdoor haven. By strategically building walls and carving your slope into distinct tiers, you now have a series of usable levels. Read our article for guidance on building a stone garden wall.
21. Add steps to your garden design
Elevate the look of your garden and improve its functionality with beautifully crafted steps. Garden steps add not only visual interest and dimension, but also practicality. They help you navigate uneven terrain and access different areas of your garden with ease. Strategically placed steps can even guide visitors along a desired path. These stunning wooden steps with white gravel treads offer a modern and stylish touch. For more information on building steps in your own garden, check out our guide!
22. Use raised beds to create a vegetable garden
Cultivate your very own vegetable garden with raised beds. We love this patch of planting paradise – ready for growing all of your favourite fruit and vegetables. Use gravel to create a separation between the raised beds so you can easily tend to your crops and encourage them to thrive.
23. Place white stepping stones over dark grey gravel
Create a captivating and elegant pathway that adds depth and contrast by placing white stepping stones over dark grey gravel. The stark contrast between the white stones and dark grey gravel not only enhances the visual appeal of the pathway but also provides an enchanting focal point within the garden.
24. Create a romantic sitting area using an arbour
Transform your garden into a haven of love with a charming metal arbour. Adorn the arbour with climbing vines, such as fragrant clematis, jasmine, or wisteria, to create a natural canopy that provides shade and privacy. Add comfortable seating beneath, such as a bench or chairs, to create a tranquil space for relaxation, conversation, or quiet contemplation. To enhance the romantic atmosphere, use soft cushions, draping fabrics, and subtle lighting to create a dreamy setting.
25. Cook up a feast with an outdoor kitchen
Turn your spacious garden into a culinary haven with an outdoor kitchen! Whip up delicious meals and entertain friends under the open sky. When planning and constructing your outdoor kitchen, consider the layout and materials that best suit your cooking needs. Use durable and weather-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, stone, and concrete, to ensure that it withstands the elements. Find out how to create your own outdoor kitchen with our useful guide.
26. Grow fruit and vegetables in containers vertically
Fruit and vegetable patches don’t necessarily have to be on the ground. There’s no reason why you can’t grow produce vertically, especially if you have a small garden. By attaching containers to a wire trellis, you can grow a diverse range of crops such as juicy strawberries, flavourful tomatoes, and delicious peas. Vertical gardening can enhance air circulation around plants, reduce the risk of pest infestations, and make harvesting more accessible.
34. Keep it simple with a fuss-free modern garden
Embrace modern style with a garden that prioritises simplicity and low maintenance. This minimalist haven exudes contemporary elegance. The large, well-maintained lawn provides a clean backdrop. Raised beds offer a structured approach to planting, showcasing flowers and plants with minimal effort. Stylish white pebbles in the borders add a sleek touch. This modern garden is easy to maintain - perfect for busy lifestyles.
27. Create beautiful borders with bark and neatly pruned shrubs
Create a uniform look in your garden by lining your borders with a row of neatly pruned dwarf shrubs, such as Conifers or English Yew. The contrast between the dark, earthy tones of the bark and the vibrant greenery of the shrubs can create a visually striking border. Bark helps to retain moisture and suppress weed growth, but also adds a textural element that complements the orderly and polished look of the shrubs.
28. Plant a variety of colourful perennials for a stunning display
Plant a diverse mix of perennials for a bold display of colour. Chrysanthemums, salvia, irises, and echinacea offer a stunning palette of bold and soft hues. These low-maintenance beauties paint an evolving masterpiece throughout the seasons. For a gorgeous display, consider strategic placement and thoughtful combinations. Group plants with complementary or contrasting colours. Play with heights and forms, adding dimension and balance to your botanical masterpiece.
29. Take your garden to new heights with a raised patio
Elevate your garden design with a raised patio. An elevated patio draws the eye, adding depth and dimension to your garden design. Offering a sense of seclusion, a raised patio is perfect for intimate gatherings. Imagine hosting summer soirées on your raised patio, surrounded by the beauty of your garden. Read our article for advice on how to build a patio.
30. FIll your borders with a selection of large shrubs
Give your borders year-round impact by planting a selection of large shrubs. Their presence creates a backdrop of lush greenery and blooms, forming the foundation of your garden design. Strategically place shrubs to add scale and proportion, this will make your garden feel more spacious. Large shrubs and small trees are great for defining boundaries, creating privacy screens, or framing specific areas.
31. Create a sophisticated outdoor retreat
Mix and match different materials and colours to create an inviting garden retreat. The deep, rich tones of the dark brown decking creates a an elegant foundation for the space, offering a visually striking contrast to the natural surroundings. The wicker furniture adds a touch of casual luxury, providing comfortable seating and a relaxed ambiance for outdoor living.
32. Add instant ambience with a fire pit
The warm glow and crackling flames of a fire pit provide a captivating focal point that encourages relaxation and conversation. Whether used for hosting social gatherings, roasting marshmallows, or simply unwinding under the starry sky, a firepit encourages people to gather together – creating a sense of intimacy in your garden.
33. Use raised containers for low maintenance gardening
Love the idea of a low maintenance garden, but still want some greenery? Raised planters are your solution! If you want a fuss-free garden with minimal upkeep, keep the garden itself paved and use raised containers to grow some ornamental plant, herbs, fruit, or vegetables. Arrange your planters however you like to create zones, focal points, or add bursts of colour.
35. Entertain guests with a garden bar
Impress your guests with a garden bar, it’s a fantastic way to elevate outdoor gatherings and create a welcoming atmosphere in your back garden. Building your own DIY garden bar allows you to customize the design and functionality to suit your preferences and the layout of your space. Whether it's a tropical tiki bar, a sleek cocktail station, or a multi-functional outdoor kitchenette, a DIY garden bar can become the focal point of outdoor entertaining.
