18+ Inspiring Exterior Landscape Design Ideas

Transforming your outdoor space into a personal paradise can be a delightful journey. Here are 20 exterior landscape design ideas to inspire your next garden makeover.

1. Add Pergolas and Arbors for Elegant Shade

A garden pergola offering shade and elegance.
A garden pergola offering shade and elegance.

A pergola or arbor can provide much-needed shade and add an elegant architectural element to your garden. I’ve installed one in my backyard, and it’s become the ideal spot for climbing plants.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Wooden Pergola Kit: Enhance your garden with a stylish wooden pergola, perfect for shade and climbing plants.
  • Metal Arbor with Arch: Create a dramatic entrance with a metal arbor, ideal for supporting vibrant climbing vines.
  • Outdoor Climbing Plant Support: Support your climbing plants effortlessly with durable outdoor plant supports made for elegance.

2. Enhance with Strategic Lighting

A garden transformed by strategic evening lighting.
A garden transformed by strategic evening lighting.

Lighting can transform your garden into a magical space at night. I have strategically placed solar lights and string lights to highlight my garden’s best features after sunset.

Some handy options:

  • Solar Garden Pathway Lights: Illuminate your garden path with energy-efficient solar lights for a charming evening ambiance.
  • Outdoor String Lights: Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere by draping string lights over your garden space.
  • LED Spotlights for Garden: Highlight your garden’s key features by installing adjustable LED spotlights for dramatic effect.

3. Install a Fire Pit for Warmth and Ambiance

A backyard fire pit creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A backyard fire pit creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Nothing beats gathering around a fire pit on a cool evening with friends. I’ve found that a stone or metal fire pit can transform a backyard into a warm and inviting retreat.

Useful items to consider:

  • Outdoor Fire Pit: Enhance your backyard with a stunning fire pit. Gather and enjoy cozy evenings outdoors.
  • Adirondack Chairs: Find comfort and style with Adirondack chairs, perfect for relaxing by the fire.
  • String Lights: Create magical ambiance with outdoor string lights, perfect for illuminating your evening gatherings.

4. Combine Plants and Pots for Versatility

A versatile garden with a mix of plants and pots.
A versatile garden with a mix of plants and pots.

Mixing in-ground plants with potted varieties can add depth and versatility to your garden. I often rearrange my potted plants to refresh the look of my outdoor space.

A few choices to try:

  • Set of Decorative Outdoor Plant Pots: Elevate your garden’s look by adding stylish pots for a dynamic and versatile design.
  • Adjustable Plant Stand: Enhance your plant display by using adjustable stands for varied height and visual interest.
  • Self-Watering Planters: Ensure your plants remain healthy by using self-watering planters for effortless care.

5. Incorporate Seasonal Plantings

Seasonal plantings bringing vibrant color to the garden.
Seasonal plantings bringing vibrant color to the garden.

Changing up your garden with seasonal plantings can keep it vibrant year-round. I enjoy planting bulbs in the fall for a burst of color in the springtime.

A few helpful options:

  • Mixed Spring Flower Bulb Pack: Brighten your garden with a variety of spring blooms. Plant now for a colorful garden!
  • Gardening Tools Set: Equip yourself with essential tools for a seamless planting experience throughout the season.
  • All-Season Fertilizer: Nourish your plants with this all-season fertilizer for vibrant growth all year round.

6. Construct a Garden Pathway

A whimsical garden with a winding gravel pathway.
A whimsical garden with a winding gravel pathway.

A garden pathway can lead you through different areas, inviting exploration. I created a gravel path that winds through my garden, giving it a whimsical feel.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Decorative Garden Pathway Lights: Illuminate your garden path for safety and charm with elegant solar-powered lights.
  • Gravel Landscaping Stones: Create durable and charming pathways with high-quality gravel stones, perfect for any garden style.
  • Garden Pathway Edging: Define your garden path beautifully with flexible and easy-to-install edging solutions.

7. Explore Modern Design Elements

A modern garden with minimalist design elements.
A modern garden with minimalist design elements.

Minimalist gardens with clean lines and contemporary features can bring a modern aesthetic to your outdoor space. My own garden incorporates sleek planters and linear pathways for a stylish look.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Sleek Outdoor Planters: Elevate your garden with stylish, minimalist planters that complement any modern outdoor space.
  • Linear Garden Pathway Lights: Illuminate your paths with contemporary lights to add a modern touch to your garden.
  • Modern Garden Furniture Set: Enhance your outdoor area with contemporary furniture, perfect for a sleek and stylish setting.

8. Create an Inviting Outdoor Seating Area

A cozy outdoor seating area with lush greenery.
A cozy outdoor seating area with lush greenery.

Imagine a cozy spot with comfy chairs and a small table for your morning coffee, right in your garden. By adding some plush cushions and a few potted plants, your outdoor seating area becomes the perfect escape.

Try these:

  • Outdoor Patio Armchairs: Relax in style with cushioned outdoor armchairs, perfect for lounging in your garden oasis.
  • Round Wicker Coffee Table: Enhance your seating area with a stylish wicker table, ideal for morning coffee sessions.
  • Weatherproof String Lights: Illuminate your patio with weatherproof string lights, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.

9. Install Outdoor Art

Outdoor art pieces enhancing garden personality.
Outdoor art pieces enhancing garden personality.

Outdoor art pieces can add personality and charm to your garden. I’ve added a few metal sculptures that reflect light beautifully, creating a unique atmosphere.

Products that could assist:

  • Polished Metal Garden Spheres: Add elegance with reflective garden spheres, enhancing light and creating a stunning reflection.
  • Stainless Steel Sculpture Pedestals: Elevate your outdoor art by using sturdy pedestals, enhancing garden elegance and sophistication.
  • Solar-Powered Garden Light Sculptures: Illuminate your garden art with solar-powered lights, enhancing beauty and nighttime appeal.

10. Add a Garden Sculpture

A garden sculpture adding elegance and intrigue.
A garden sculpture adding elegance and intrigue.

A well-placed sculpture can serve as a stunning focal point in your garden. I’ve used a simple stone statue to add a touch of elegance and intrigue to my outdoor space.

Possibly handy products:

  • Elegant Stone Garden Statue: Transform your garden with a timeless stone statue, perfect for creating an elegant focal point.
  • Ornate Concrete Garden Urn: Enhance your outdoor space with an ornate urn, adding classic charm and sophistication.
  • Decorative Outdoor Pedestal Sculpture: Elevate your garden design with a decorative pedestal sculpture, offering style and interest.

11. Use Natural Stone Accents

Natural stone accents in a rustic garden setting.
Natural stone accents in a rustic garden setting.

Incorporating rocks and stones as decorative elements can create a harmonious blend with nature. In my garden, natural stone accents add a rustic charm that complements the greenery.

Check these products out:

  • Decorative River Pebbles: Enhance your garden’s charm by adding these smooth river pebbles for a natural stone look.
  • Natural Stepping Stones: Create inviting pathways with natural stepping stones that blend seamlessly into your garden landscape.
  • Flat Stone Garden Edging: Define your garden spaces with flat stone edging for a neat and polished appearance.

12. Create an Edible Garden

An edible garden with raised beds for fresh produce.
An edible garden with raised beds for fresh produce.

Growing your own herbs and vegetables can be both rewarding and decorative. I love the practicality and beauty of having an edible garden, where fresh produce is just a step away.

These products might help:

  • Raised Garden Bed Kit: Start your edible garden easily with a raised bed kit designed for optimal plant growth.
  • Organic Vegetable Garden Seeds: Grow fresh and healthy produce with a selection of organic vegetable seeds for various climates.
  • Drip Irrigation System: Ensure your plants thrive with a drip irrigation system providing consistent moisture to roots.

13. Design Curved Pathways with Natural Stones

A curved stone pathway in a lush garden.
A curved stone pathway in a lush garden.

Curved stone pathways can guide you through your garden, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. I love how they naturally blend into the landscape, making your garden feel more expansive.

A few things you might like:

  • Natural Stone Pavers: Enhance your garden’s charm by laying these durable and elegant natural stone pavers.
  • Garden Edging Stones: Define your pathways with stylish edging stones, adding character and structure to your garden.
  • Outdoor Pathway Lighting: Illuminate your stone pathways with subtle lighting, creating a magical evening garden experience.

14. Design a Themed Garden

A Mediterranean-themed garden with olive trees and lavender.
A Mediterranean-themed garden with olive trees and lavender.

Whether it’s a Zen garden or a tropical paradise, themed gardens can transport you to a different world. I’ve experimented with a Mediterranean theme, using olive trees and lavender for a calming retreat.

These products might be useful:

  • Olive Tree Saplings: Plant elegant olive trees to add Mediterranean charm and a calming atmosphere to your garden.
  • Lavender Plants: Incorporate lavender plants for a soothing scent and vibrant color that enrich your garden’s beauty.
  • Decorative Stone Pathways: Install stone pathways to create a rustic appearance, enhancing the overall garden theme effortlessly.

15. Install a Vertical Garden

A vertical garden maximizing space with lush greenery.
A vertical garden maximizing space with lush greenery.

If space is limited, a vertical garden can be a stunning solution. I’ve found that hanging planters or wall-mounted systems can add greenery without sacrificing precious ground space.

A few relevant products:

  • Wall-Mounted Planter System: Transform your space effortlessly with a sleek wall-mounted planter system. Optimize your green area.
  • Hanging Planters Set: Enhance vertical space beautifully with a hanging planters set. Easy installation for instant impact.
  • Stackable Plant Pots: Create a lush garden with stackable plant pots. Maximize space while adding vibrant life.

16. Use Colorful Foliage for Visual Interest

A garden with colorful foliage providing visual interest.
A garden with colorful foliage providing visual interest.

Incorporating plants with colorful foliage can add visual interest even when flowers aren’t in bloom. I’ve used a mix of purples, reds, and greens to create a dynamic look.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Set of Colorful Leafy Plants: Enhance vibrancy with this selection of colorful plants, perfect for creating dynamic landscapes.
  • Garden Plant Fertilizer: Boost plant growth and color intensity with this nutrient-rich fertilizer, ideal for vibrant foliage.
  • Decorative Garden Edging: Define your garden spaces with stylish edging, complementing colorful foliage beautifully.

17. Incorporate Water Features for Tranquility

A calming garden with a small pond and fountain.
A calming garden with a small pond and fountain.

The sound of water can be incredibly soothing, making fountains or small ponds a great addition to any garden. I love how a simple water feature can transform a space into a peaceful retreat.

You might like:

  • Solar Fountain Pump: Add a sustainable solar fountain pump to your garden for serene water sounds effortlessly.
  • Decorative Outdoor Waterfall: Transform your space with a decorative waterfall, enhancing peace with gentle flowing water.
  • Garden Pond Kit: Create a tranquil pond with this comprehensive kit, bringing nature’s beauty to your backyard.

18. Embrace Lush Vegetation for a Vibrant Look

A vibrant garden with diverse lush vegetation.
A vibrant garden with diverse lush vegetation.

Filling your garden with a variety of plants, shrubs, and trees can create a lush, inviting atmosphere. The mix of textures and colors adds depth and interest to any outdoor space.

Might be a good match:

  • Assorted Perennial Plant Collection: Enhance your garden’s beauty with diverse perennials that thrive seasonally. Enjoy vibrant colors yearly.
  • Organic Garden Fertilizer: Boost your plants’ growth and health effortlessly with this nutrient-rich organic fertilizer.
  • Decorative Garden Pathway Lighting: Illuminate your garden paths elegantly with solar-powered lights for a magical evening ambiance.

Text: Joyce Peterson