However, some side yards may be hot and sunny if they are more open, facing south or west, or receive reflected heat from the house. Choose plants that can take deep shade, or focus primarily on hardscape for less maintenance. When adding plants, consider these factors: Light.Ī side yard tends to be a dark and narrow space. ![]() Lighting.īecause side yards are often dark, installing pathway, spot, or string lights will make it safer to navigate, especially at night. To dress up a side yard space, add decorative touches such as a water feature, bistro chairs, bench, statuary, artwork, or containers. Plants.Ĭhoose plants based on the amount of light your side yard garden receives, also taking into account soil conditions and mature plant size. Use a structure to create privacy, lend scale, or as a decorative element. Materials can include gravel, brick, pavers, or stepping stones. Install a dedicated pathway to lend structure and keep walking areas from becoming worn down or muddy. Consider some of these elements for your side yard. Photo: Janet Loughrey.Ī mix of hardscape, structures, plants, and accessories will help anchor the landscape and create visual appeal. Glimpses into the back yard make the side yard feel larger. PRIMARY FEATURESĪ rustic rose arbor creates a welcoming entrance into the back yard and separates the two spaces. A brick pathway will go with a classic Colonial home, while clean cement pavers will look better with modern-style architecture. Use materials that will complement the home’s exterior and the rest of the yard. Use materials that are in scale with the size of the space as well as the adjacent home. Make a rough sketch for simple upgrades, or consult a landscape professional for a more elaborate design. Peruse online resources, books, and visit local gardens to get design ideas and to see what worked and what didn’t. Consider function.ĭo you merely want to use the space as a way to get from front to back? Is there room for garden beds, a seating area, fountain, barbecue grill, storage shed, potting bench, children’s play area, dog run, or other feature? A deeply shaded side yard can be seen as an opportunity to create a cool summer retreat. Observe how the light falls at different times of the day and through different seasons. Measure the area to get a more accurate sense of size and dimensions. ![]() GET STARTED Evaluate your side yard space. Here are some side yard ideas to get you started. The area tends to be dark and narrow and present unique design challenges, so the potential to create an attractive and functional space is often missed. While front and back yards get most of the attention, side yards tend to be neglected, becoming wasted space.Ī side yard is primarily seen as a route between the front and back yards. Since urban lots are shrinking, every square inch is at a premium. With increased interest in making yards an extension of the home, more homeowners are adding outdoor spaces dedicated to eating, cooking, and relaxing. Bright blue containers, bold variegated hostas and colorful abstract paintings brighten up this narrow side yard.
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