Don’t Settle for Flat Garden Beds—4 Ways to Add Dimension to Your Landscape

If you are unhappy with the look of your yard, you are in good company. Even when you go to great lengths to keep your lawn well-manicured and your flowerbeds tidy, your yard may still seem to lack an important element that is incorporated into the enviable yards in your neighborhood. In many cases, this element is dimension. The good news is that you can easily transform a flat, dull yard into a stunning space by incorporating your choice of a few features into it.

Retaining Walls

If your yard has a gentle or a severe slope, installing retaining walls is an excellent idea. Retaining walls create several tiers of flat grounds rather than a single, sloping surface. Some or all of these tiers can be dressed up with gardens for additional visual appeal.

Water Features

Some water features can relatively flat, such as koi ponds. Others are elevated or tiered, such as waterfalls, fountains, and above-ground ponds. They can be combined for added interest. These features often become a focal point in the yard, and they add a multi-dimensional visual element. Depending on the features selected, they may also improve the ambiance through the relaxing sound of flowing or trickling water.

Raised Beds

Another idea is to install raised flowerbeds rather than beds that are flush with the lawn. Raised beds are a great feature to install around the perimeter of the house or if you have an elevated driveway. They also work well around sidewalks, patios and even trees. While raised beds can add dimension and style to your space, they should remain well-maintained at all times. Avoid installing more beds or larger beds than you can take care of. Remember that a residential landscaping service can install the raised beds and can assist with ongoing maintenance as desired.

Tiered Vegetation

If the layout and slope of your lawn are not conducive for retaining walls and raised beds, an alternative is to install tiered vegetation in your flat beds. This is easily accomplished by installing taller bushes along the back row of your beds. Then, install one or two rows of moderately tall vegetation followed by flowers or ground cover that sits just above your bed border.

Your landscaping directly impacts pride of ownership, curb appeal and property value. If you are unhappy with your yard’s look, now is the ideal time to consult with a landscaping company and to begin exploring some of the specific ideas that may work well in your yard.

Addy Reeds is a freelance writer from Eugene, Oregon. She discovered her passion for journalism while attending the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @addyreeds1; https://www.facebook.com/addy.reeds