Tired of wanting to do something different with your backyard but never know what to do? Whether your outdoor area is large or small, the opportunities and ideas for renovation are endless. But sometimes, the limitless possibilities can intimidate you into doing nothing.

Let a local gardening and landscaping business direct you. American Garden knows how to maintain Chicago landscapes and hardscapes year-round and will partner with you to design the beautiful and functional outdoor living space of your dreams. Here are some of our best tips for revamping your outdoor space:

1. Plan Out What’s Most Important to You

The best landscapes start with a well-planned design. Landscape designers can help you optimize your space to accommodate the features you’re looking for. If you opt to design on your own, consider functional zones (how you’ll use areas in your yard). Take advantage of all the space in your yard. Consider these elements in your design:

Entertaining Areas: Whether it’s a quiet night in or you’re hosting a party, having clear entertainment areas makes your outdoor space more comfortable for everyone. Consider features such as a fire pit, covered porch, or an outdoor kitchen.

Garden and Greenery: Implement unique features like rain gardens, raised beds, perennial borders, and native plants to bring character and color to your yard. Clearly separating your garden from entertainment areas prevents overflow and congestion in your yard.
Pathways and Hardscaping: Plan your pathways and hardscaping around your entertainment areas and garden.

2. Use Sustainable Designs and Native Plants

We always recommend sustainable resources and design elements, along with native plants. Consider these eco-friendly ideas to enhance your backyard:

Rain Gardens: Flooding is one of the worst things for your lawn, but a rain garden is an environmentally sustainable way to reduce flooding and manage stormwater. We recommend these filtration systems for your Chicago home.

Native Plants: Plants native to the Chicago area and the Midwest will thrive in your yard. Native plants support local biodiversity, attract pollinators, and reduce maintenance because they’re made for the environment. Consider hardy Illinois-native plants like black-eyed Susans and prairie grasses for your yard.
Efficient Irrigation: Although our rainy season is unlike many places, Chicago can experience periods of drought. A drip irrigation system conserves water while keeping plants healthy during the dry season.

3. Balance Hardscape and Landscape Elements

Every well-designed backyard blends hardscape and landscape elements to create an oasis in your backyard. Hardscape elements include:

Patios and Decks: If you have a small yard or the terrain is not conducive to greenery, a patio or deck can elevate your yard and extend your living space outdoors.
Retaining Walls: Erosion is a natural process, but it can disrupt your landscape. Retaining walls protect your yard and carefully funnel water to drains.
Outdoor Fire and Water Features: A fire pit adds warmth in the colder months, while fountains or small ponds add a calming ambiance to the spring and summer seasons.

4. Improve Your Ambiance with Proper Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a game-changer when designing your backyard.

Pathway and Garden Lighting: Use LED lights on your walkways and between your plants.
Accent Lighting: Spotlight beautiful architectural features, trees, or sculptures in your yard for a dramatic effect.

Security Lighting Systems: Security should always be of the utmost importance. Consider motion-activated lights for security.

5. Achieve Year-Long Appeal

Design your garden and landscape to be appealing throughout the year. Consider plants and designs that maximize usage and beauty regardless of the season and foliage.

Spring Blooms: Early flowers like crocuses and tulips bring life to your garden after winter.
Summer Greenery: Lush lawns and shaded areas keep the backyard cool and inviting even in the hot and humid weather.
Fall Color: As leaves change color and temperatures drop, trees like red maples and burning bushes add rich autumn hues.
Winter Interest: Evergreen trees and ornamental grasses ensure visual appeal long after other plants have died or gone dormant for the colder months.

Build Your Dream Outdoor Oasis

The right landscaping contractor can help turn your ideas into a functional and beautiful backyard. Whether you need a hardscape designer to build a patio, a residential landscaper to install native plants, or an expert in landscaping around pools, American Gardens can do it all.

Contact American Gardens today to start designing your perfect backyard oasis!

For more inspiration and expert advice, check out these resources: