5 Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Expansive Yards in Madison and Chatham, NJ
An expansive Madison and Chatham, NJ, backyard can call for the need of thoughtful landscaping and large hardscape features to properly address the size of the space. Consider incorporating these outdoor living features into your overall landscaping plans.
Related: Add These Landscape Design Ideas to Your Wish List This Season in Bernardsville and Chatham, NJ
Use the Patio as a Starting Point
In a big outdoor space, the patio could be a starting point to which the rest of the landscaping plan can connect. Collaboration of your ideas with a landscaper could result in a multi-level patio that serves various functions, with oversize stone slabs setting the tone for the main patio that meets the expanse of the outdoor space.
In general, patios today are fully functioning outdoor rooms that primarily serve as areas to relax and entertain. Ensure that you have planned plenty of space on the patio to do all the activities you love.
Add a Shade Structure to the Plans
On hot, sunny days you will be glad for some shade on your patio. When you don’t need full shade, a pergola can be the perfect addition to your patio space. Not only does it introduce a vertical outdoor feature into the horizontal design, but the wood integrates with the natural surroundings.
When your landscaper situates your pergola right at the back door, you can step out into dappled shade whenever you wish. Placing your outdoor furniture there can mean that this space can be enjoyed for morning coffee and evening drinks.
Hefty wood posts can sit atop stone bases that offer planting space if you want it. When you add climbing vines and hardy blooms to the base, they will climb the posts to flourish on top of the overhead beams.
Make Some Curves and Geometric Shapes
Incorporating curves into the patio and walkway designs can soften the lines of the outdoor spaces. Curving walkways can juxtapose the angles of the house and pergola perfectly to create a balanced space.
Another excellent technique to create an amazing large backyard plan can be to frame specific grassy areas with stepping stone slabs or rectangle pavers. Outdoor furniture within these areas can create a distinctive place to gather beyond the more formal patio.
Whether you purposefully make the most of grassy areas or opt for a large hardscape, breaking down the expanse of a lawn into usable spaces offers a lovely view and set areas for entertaining.
Consider Landscape Boulders and Stone
Oversize boulders in the landscape beds can be proportional to the planting plan. They add visual weight to the landscape design and make designated spaces to nestle trailing flowers and seasonal bulbs.
Consider using sustainable smooth stone as a replacement for traditional mulch. The tones of the stone contrasted with the lush, green grass and leafy, blooming shrubs can be eye-catching. A plus is that it will not need to be replaced every season.
Use Retaining Walls as Outdoor Living Dividers
While retaining walls can be associated with solving a slope issue in the yard, they can also be an ideal choice as space dividers. Think about adding one to the perimeter of the patio for a cozy, more intimate feel, or use a retaining wall to define an outdoor space such as to distinguish the outdoor dining area from the general patio.
Retaining walls are customizable, so you can have a portion of your stone wall be higher than another portion, to help shield your outdoor living space from a neighbor’s view. The lower wall can serve as additional seating for larger groups or serving space.