I would like the plot located next to my house or dacha to look like a piece of paradise. For a city dweller, this is, after all, more of a place for relaxation, although, if there are beds, this relaxation is very unique)) Nevertheless, decorating a plot - a country house, a garden plot, a personal plot - is a concern for all owners. The range of possibilities is wide. There are even different styles, so they all look different, expressing the personality of the owner. True, this is the case if you decorated it yourself, on your own. Even if not everything follows the canons of landscape design... But for some reason it is precisely these areas, designed by amateurs, that are more comfortable.
Site layout
The first thing you should do when receiving a plot is to think about what and where you will have it. You decide where the house will stand - at the beginning of the plot, in the middle, closer to its far edge. Then you “arrange” the rest of the planned buildings. If you are planning to build, determine a place for a bathhouse, then place outbuildings - a barn, a chicken coop, a firewood shed, vegetable garden beds and greenhouses, and decide where the garden will be. Next come resting places - these are canopies and gazebos.
The main buildings are on the plan; now paths are being laid between them. Straight paths are needed only in one case, if the area is long and narrow. In this case, a flat path to its far end will visually make it closer. For all other objects, it is better to make them sinuous, with smooth bends.
Site plan - placing the house and main buildings
Now it's time to think about placing decorations for the area. First of all, these are flower beds and flower beds. They are built quickly, planted with annuals in the very first season will delight you, while everything else is still under construction and is still far from beautiful. A longer task is the construction of rock gardens and rockeries. Pulling and laying a couple of tons of stones is no joke; besides, they are planted mainly with perennials, and they take their final appearance only after three to four years. And then, only on the condition that you immediately selected all the plantings and planted them correctly, which without experience is an unprecedented success.
Do you want to surprise your friends and neighbors? Paint the flowerpots with luminescent paint. When darkness falls, they will glow, giving your lawn an unusual look.
Clay pots painted with luminescent paint glow in the evening no worse than lanterns
The second option for turning ordinary things into extraordinary is to use car paint with a chrome effect. Paint several stones or the same pots and get mirror stones...
Mirror balls are balls painted with chrome effect paint.
Another traditional type of decoration is small or large bodies of water - ponds and small ponds. Very small ones are built quickly - from a tire, in a couple of hours. Larger ones may take a couple of days to arrange. But there is no point in constructing ponds before the house is built and the paths are laid. Save this decoration for closer to the finish. Also, after the main construction, it’s time to install pergolas, arches, and canopies. And just at the end of the day, they begin to play with lighting, although there are very simple and original ideas. For example, take a tin can, make holes in it, but not just like that, but according to a pattern, creating a pattern. You can put an ordinary low-power lamp inside, and if there is no electricity yet, put a candle and place/hang it near the house.
A completely unsightly jar turns into a wonderfully beautiful lantern...
Place a candle inside
And hang it on the veranda or in the gazebo
This decoration of the site can be hung in the garden or on the veranda. It’s not difficult to do, it looks great, although only in the dark))
Techniques for visually expanding the area of a site
The limited space of the dacha is its disadvantage, which is difficult to hide. But you can emphasize the advantages of this place by adding bright details. A colorful children's playground, homemade benches, hand-painted wooden sculptures, and an unusual-looking vegetable garden.
It seems that behind the opening in the wall there is a garden surrounded by greenery. In fact, this is a decorative poster that creates the illusion of deception
Let's use the help of a garden path. It should be made tortuous so that the distance between objects seems as large as possible. Paths can be made of stones, gravel, brick remains, concrete tiles laid directly on the lawn grass. The placement of the arch anywhere in the dacha will create the impression that there is another garden on the other side.
Winding paths help create the illusion of a large garden
Even a small body of water will contribute to the optical effect. Calm water, like a mirror, reflects clouds and nearby objects - the garden seems much larger than it actually is
An artificial reservoir with clear water and a waterfall will give the area an “airiness”. If you place several large mirrors above the pond in the corner of the fence, they will not only emphasize the uniqueness of the space, but will visually make the area much more spacious. The path leading “into the mirror”, installed at an angle, creates the illusion that the garden is much larger than it seems.
A stream in the stones attracts the eye, distracting from the size of the garden
Mirrors should not be hung too high so that birds do not crash into them. You should take into account how the sun's rays fall on it - the reflected light should not hurt your eyes. It is desirable that something beautiful is reflected in the mirror - when installed opposite a flower bed, the effect of an endless field of flowers will be created.
Garden furniture should not seem bulky, preferably portable, light colors. Proper lighting of the resting place will visually give it additional space. It is also recommended to make buildings, statues, and tapestries white or silver.
Use combined buildings. The glazed part of this utility unit is suitable for a mini-greenhouse, and the house has space for storing garden tools
See alsoLandscape design of a site on a slope
A little about styles
The most common style in our country is “naturgarden” , although many owners are not aware of it. These are those areas that have everything at once - an entrance-front area, a garden-vegetable garden, a recreation area. Moreover, the areas are small and all, or almost all, zones are visible. Natural style allows, focusing on the existing topography and soil, to create areas with any landscape. Is there a swampy lowland? Equip it slightly by adding a pond or making a swamp, leaving natural plantings and adding decorative ones, beautifying the banks. You can make a dry stream or build a natural one. Is the area flat? Organize the area like a meadow, perhaps an alpine lawn. Put up a gazebo and plant ivy.
The naturgarten style strives to make the landscape as natural as possible, using wild plants, to which new ones are only added
For romantic natures, the same style is more suitable. It is characterized by rose-covered arbors, manicured lawns, flower beds, which are adjacent to thoughtfully overgrown secluded places.
Cozy places and arches, pergolas, flower beds, climbing roses - signs of a romantic style in the design of the site
The rustic style is easily recognizable by its characteristic “household” decorative elements. Internal fences are wattle fence or picket fence, flowers are in tubs, cans, carts. Benches and garden furniture are deliberately rough, and if they are painted, it is with a dark tinting composition, and not with covering paints.
Some examples of a rustic garden
Lawn lovers can choose the English style Any free area is sown with lawn grass. This type of garden can be described in two words: “all in a heap.” In English gardens, everything can really be mixed: a garden/vegetable garden is a single concept, besides, flowerpots are placed everywhere, and all free spaces are occupied by grass. Another feature is ivy-covered walls, a large number of roses, figurines and funny figures placed in suitable places.
Lush vegetation interspersed with manicured lawns - signs of an English garden
A classic garden is designed strictly according to the plan. This is the option when everything is clear, boundaries, shapes, height of bushes and borders. Everything is lined up and straight. Ornate benches are installed in strictly designated areas, next to which fountains are installed, decorative flowerpots with flowers, statues and columns are installed.
Clear geometry in everything is a sign of a classic garden
Feng Shui and gardening
Ancient Chinese culture believes that to create a harmonious atmosphere in a country house, Qi energy must flow freely. This is accomplished by achieving the balance of the five elements - fire, water, earth, wood, metal. The Feng Shui landscape radiates the purest energy with which it fills a person.
Place a couple of plants in a calm shade, such as purple, on opposite sides of the site. Colored bushes echo each other and visually increase the space
In the design of a small garden, color plays an important role. Some shades give warmth, others create a feeling of coolness
The color scheme of the space is of great importance in such landscaping. White and shades of purple calm and heal people. Red and yellow enhance energy and increase performance. It is important not to overload the garden and flower beds with an abundance of colors.
The colors of Yin energy are blue, purple, black, white. Yang colors include yellow, red, and orange. If the balance of Yin and Yang is maintained, then in such a wonderful space a person truly relaxes.
There should be only a few shrubs, but their colors need to be chosen so that the composition pleases with its beauty all summer long.
All plantings and buildings are also carried out on the basis of a harmonious combination of the five elements. High-quality furniture, ponds, beautiful plants, sculptures, mirror mosaics on fences, and proper garden care will help maintain energy balance and well-being in a country house.
The garden design should look like a single composition, and not a set of random elements
In the design of a small area, it is important to maintain moderation, without cluttering it excessively, keeping all the elements in the same style. If you can’t decorate the space with your own hands, you can turn to professional designers for help.
Expert opinion
Alina Kvileva
Landscape designer
Hello, my name is Alina and I am a landscape designer, if you have any questions regarding landscape design, ask, I will be happy to answer them.
See alsoWhat is needed for a site landscape design project
Fences and picket fences
First of all, the area is fenced off. It’s understandable: building materials need to be produced, but how to protect them? It's easier behind the fence. If possible, it is better to immediately install a beautiful, solid, reliable fence. Not all of them cost much. Budget options can also be very attractive. The main thing in this matter is the idea, and they are in the photo. So, a combination of long and short boards can create an interesting fence, more transparent at the top and almost without gaps at the bottom.
An ordinary picket fence with a non-standard approach also looks good
If the boards are placed edgewise, the effect is even more interesting. Now, if you don’t see it, you won’t believe it...
Who would have thought that thin boards often nailed down would make such an interesting fence?
With thin, fresh boards you can make a beautiful fence that uses the principles of wattle fence. The boards are passed between the posts and bent.
Beautiful fence made of boards
You can make a unique fence from slabs. You'll have to tinker with it - treat it well against parasites, and match the boards one to the other so that there are as few cracks as possible. You may have to work on them with an ax or plane. But croaker is almost a waste material, its prices are low, so there is a chance to get a designer fence for little money.
A fence made of slabs is cheap and cheerful, but it’s a lot of work...
More models and photos of wooden fences in this article.
If funds allow, you can put up something monumental, such as a fence made of stone or brick. It will require a lot of work and money, but it will also last a long time.
My home is my castle…
For internal division of the site, such solid fences are useless. For a vegetable garden, you can install a trellis made of a thin bar, grow a hedge, or weave a wattle fence.
Internal fences for the site
If you are “lucky” and there is a blank wall facing your garden, you can also decorate it with a kind of fence along which climbing plants can be allowed to grow. An interesting option is presented below. When the ivy grows a little it will be very beautiful. Instead of ivy, you can plant clematis. In winter, the view is worse, of course, but in summer...
Ways to decorate walls
Read more about fences in the article “Types of fences for private houses”
How to decorate a garden plot with flowers
This part of garden arrangement brings the fastest results. Annual flowers bloom within a few weeks after planting, perennials also delight, growing more and more every week. There is a separate article about regular flower beds, but here we will post some interesting ideas that can give impetus to choosing a garden style.
Decorating a site often consists of little things. For example, an ordinary wooden box can easily be turned into a garden decoration - interesting coloring and non-standard installation - hang on ropes that are shaped like hands. The pole is used as a basis for hanging pots with hanging flowers.
A little imagination and the most ordinary things become decoration of the site
Sculptures are made from ordinary pots. They select them in different sizes, fasten them with wire, add a little paint or plants - everyone has their own fantasies... the result is marvelous figures.
Man made from flower pots
Even leaky rubber gloves are useful. It's good that the colors are bright and the base is thick. They pour soil, plant annuals, tie them to trees or ropes, and nail them to fences. Fun and bright.
Hanging flower beds made from gloves
Everyone knows that flowerbeds and flowerpots are made from car tires, but probably few people know that you can make a wonderful flowerbed in the shape of a swan from planks. The result was such a wonderful swan: the “feathers” were cut out, fastened with wire, glued, the head and neck were cut out of a board.
Flower garden-swan made of planks
For those who are not afraid of difficulties, there is a more difficult option: a flowerbed in two tiers. We made an arch, laid out geotextiles and mesh, poured a layer of soil into which light-loving plants were planted. Shade-tolerant flowers grow in the niche formed below. This is such an unusual two-tiered flower garden.
Arch of flowers...
Read more about flower beds and fencing for them here.
Laying out a flower garden in a small summer cottage
A creative approach to garden design will help a lot when you have to choose between vegetable plants and a flower bed. Well-fertilized and well-groomed beds are in no way inferior in appearance to decorative flower beds. Colorful lettuce leaves, neat rows of carrots, green beans in the background along the fence. Onions and garlic are easy to combine with flowers that will bloom much later.
Beautiful flower bed with densely planted flowers
It is better to place flower beds in the warmest, sunny place. You can decorate them with available materials - colored plastic bottles, stones, bricks, and construction waste. Many flowering plants are planted closer to autumn, when most of the harvest has already been harvested. Morning glory, marigolds, daisies, and pansies are suitable. Gladioli, Alpine forget-me-not, petunia, asters, and crocuses look good.
An island with flowers in the center of the lawn breaks up the space, blocking the view, and the garden can no longer be seen through at first glance
The flower garden can be given any shape, but to save space, simple geometric shapes are preferred. If the roof of a house or one of the buildings is flat and strong, then a flower bed can be made there. It is only important to choose drought-resistant, light-loving plants. A great idea is a floating flower garden. It is located on a foam “raft” and can be attached to the bottom with an anchor.
See also: DIY garden decor
Highlights of our garden: ponds
Perhaps the second favorite decoration of the site after flower beds is ponds and small ponds. The picturesque combination of water and plants is mesmerizing and gives you coolness in the summer. Decorating reservoirs is a creative process and there are also many styles. You can make a flooring around it from boards. And so as not to have to worry about painting and impregnating them, they can be made not of wood, but of composite - there is a new material that looks very much like wood. The only difference is that it does not rot or change color. This material is called decking. It can be used to cover an open veranda or terrace near the pool. You can see an example of its use around a pond in the photo.
Flooring around the pond - it will be convenient to walk even after rain
You can also pave the space around with stone slabs. This arrangement will take more time, but many people like this option better. To prevent the entire finish from “floating”, you will have to remove part of the soil, fill it with crushed stone, compact it, and add a layer of sand on top. You can now lay slabs on it. The gaps can be filled with a mixture of sand and cement, the excess can be thoroughly swept away, and then either wait for rain or water the blind area - the cement will set, securing the slabs. The coverage will be reliable.
Beautiful red granite, and even a stream. This garden decoration required patience to set up and cost a decent amount of money.
Using the same technology, you can line the edges with boulders collected on the river bank (or purchased at a garden center).
Boulders are a great way to decorate the edge of a pond
If the paths in the garden are made of paving stones, it makes sense to decorate the shore of the pond as well. The technology is known, only the material is different.
Paving stones - no need to look for anything, everything is in the store
Decorating a garden or cottage with improvised materials
As you probably understand, you can make a garden decoration from any object or thing. The main thing is the idea, then a little imagination and work, and the decor is ready. For example, you can make a table, a small terrace, a bench around a tree and use this corner for relaxation.
Relaxation area around a tree
Often stumps remain on the site. It takes a long time to uproot them, in the process they will trample everything around them... They stick out until they become rotten and crumble on their own. And you can make very interesting things from stumps. For example, use it as a flower bed.
And even a stump on a spring day...
Or make an interesting figurine out of it for the garden.
Hemp garden decoration
About the prosaic but necessary - toilets
These buildings sometimes appear before fences, because without them it’s a disaster. Builders will develop all the nearby nooks and crannies, and who, I wonder, will like it. So, perhaps the most necessary building on the site is a toilet. Why are we talking about toilets in relation to decorating a site? But because this building can be made in such a way that it does not have to be hidden. Showing off is also not an option, but there is no need to disguise it either. For example, a standard birdhouse can be made from logs. You'll get a mini-hut.
Costs little, looks good...
Plant a plant around it, make a nice path, and this corner of the garden will also be attractive. For example, like the photo below.
Cozy corner for reflection))
A few more options on the same topic. The same simple design can be designed in different ways. You choose the style depending on how the dacha or garden plot is decorated.
And just the roofs are made differently, and the windows are different
Well, if you need a stone toilet, then why not decorate it in the style of a medieval castle. Only crowds of tourists will need to be driven away...
An interesting embodiment in the style of the wall of the cross
Photo ideas for garden decoration
There are many ways to make your garden or summer cottage bright and beautiful. Several of the ones we liked for their uniqueness were collected into a photo gallery. Maybe some of them will help you decorate your corner.
A beautiful path made of slabs and a contrasting backfill of small crushed stone
Unusual gazebo - lawn grass is planted along the frame
Swing made of large stones
Figurine on a wooden fence))
Beautiful trellises for climbing plants
Variations on the theme of flower beds made from stumps
A cozy corner for relaxation - wooden benches covered with colored dermantine
Wicker canopy for relaxing on a hot day
Unusually made fence for a wooden gazebo
Even hemp can be useful on the farm - they made a bench out of it
DIY garden paths in small garden design
The garden paths laid out in a filigree pattern do not take up much space on the summer cottage. A network of winding paths made of different materials makes a small area contrast. Regardless of the material - expensive paving slabs or auxiliary materials - paths visually enlarge a small area. Based on practice, walking along the paths on the site, the shoes will remain clean.
The most common materials for garden paths:
- Stone. A stone path in front of the entrance to a living space gives the summer cottage an expensive look. Due to its impressive cost, not everyone can afford natural stone. A suitable replacement would be facing brick, or rather its remains, laid with mosaics with your own hands. Such paths can be given different shapes and patterns.
- You can use your own hands to lay out a wooden-style path using wooden boards and leftover boards. Treat against dampness and rot with products that protect the wood.
- A gravel or gravel path will add charm to the pond.
- By applying a silicone mold and pouring concrete into it, you can make a path of any shape, size, or pattern with your own hands.
If there is not enough material, you can lay the remains of bricks, parts of concrete or wooden elements at a distance of a step: saw cuts, strips, boards, parquet. The rest of the land is sown with grass.
DIY path (video tutorial)
Unfortunately, not everyone can boast of a flat piece of land. Uneven areas of the site, a steep slope, a ditch, a hole, can be turned from disadvantages into advantages with exquisite landscape architecture: a wooden bridge over an artificial stream or a live one, a platform with two or three levels.
All this beauty, created with your own hands, will create an atmosphere of peace and become a relaxation center for the whole family. Designing the landscape design of your site is a responsible task for the whole family. A successful solution will bring not only pleasure from the work done, but also the admiration of your friends and neighbors.
