10 Best Types Of Garden Features That Add Life To A Landscape

If you want to create an outside retreat, thoughtful landscape design is essential, whether you have a little courtyard in an urban setting or a massive estate in the country. Our collection of fascinating garden features and examples that make the most of their natural surroundings can assist you in transforming your patios, yards, gardens, and other outdoor landscapes.

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Any garden should have elements of diverse natural composition to break up the monotony and increase the attractiveness of the space. So without further ado, let these garden features lead the way for improved landscape design in the following years.

1. Outdoor water fountains

Fountains have played a significant part in landscape design for hundreds of years, in both public and private settings and both public and private places. Garden fountains are less labor-intensive to create than other types of landscaping water features, such as waterfalls and ponds, and they provide a straightforward method to incorporate the pleasurable sensory effects of flowing water into your outdoor setting. You can visit OutdoorFountainPros to browse through various water features that will be perfect for your garden.

Gardens may be made more dramatic or more serene by including water elements into the design. Moveable water features, such as waterfalls, rills, and fountains, provide an invigorating soundtrack and visual stimulation to the outdoor area.

Still, water, whether in an aquatic garden or a koi pond, evokes feelings of peace and tranquility. Garden fountains are unusual in that they combine visual attractiveness with natural sound, which is particularly important given that most of the sensory experience of a garden is visual.

Garden fountains may be constructed to generate spectacular splash effects, or they can be basic and understated in their form and appearance. The architectural style of the residence, the type of landscape design (formal or casual), and the amount of space available in the landscape all influence the choice of fountain style and size. It has to be a suitable size for the function it will play in the landscape before installing it.

2. Hedges

Live hedges, which may be used as a fence or a green wall, can be produced with the assistance of plants. It is used to conceal an undesirable location or structure or screen a certain site or building. They aid in the division of the garden into numerous sections. It serves as a natural backdrop to a garden, just as a picture frame would for a photograph.

Among the features of a good hedge are its thickness and density; the presence of leaf from the bottom to the top; its tidy appearance; and if it is a blooming hedge, the color of its bloom should not conflict with the overall color scheme.

Acalypha, with its copper-red leaves, is one of the most common foliage hedges, and it is appropriate for medium-sized hedges; Acer palmatum, with its copper-red leaves, is another frequent foliage hedge; and Acer palmatum, with its copper-red leaves, is another common foliage hedge.

Clerodendron inerme is an evergreen drought-resistant plant commonly found along the roadside and is appropriate for use as a low to medium hedge. It is not eaten by cattle or goats and is suitable for a low to medium hedge. Additionally, Duranta is an evergreen, drought-resistant, fast-growing plant with a very tidy habit and vivid green leaves, making it an excellent choice for use as a midsize hedge.

Murraya exotica with its small dark green leaves is suitable for any size of the hedge; Dodonaea viscose with its evergreen narrow shining leaves is ideal for a medium hedge; Pithecalobium Dulci (Inga dulce), with its thorough stems and small feathery leaves, is suitable for a medium to tall hedge; Lawsonia alba (Maruthani) with its pretty small bright green leaves is ideal for a low to medium hedge.

The use of blooming plants as hedges is widespread, and there is a huge selection available. The Bougainvillea is the most well-known of these plants. A variety like ‘Thimma,’ ‘Dr. Rao’, or ‘Louise Wathena variegated,’ produces lovely blossoms as well as variegated leaves that are both attractive and useful.

3. A Summer Residence

It is constructed of wood and iron and is the same size as the glasshouse. Location in a relaxed, shaded environment is recommended. Shade-loving plants are primarily cultivated in pots, and their attractive foliage is highly valued in the marketplace.

A greenhouse or glasshouse is another name for this structure. Plants that thrive in shade, wetness, and water benefit from creating a unique atmosphere that is cool, airy, damp, and marshy, thanks to this technique.

Typically, the root of such a structure is constructed of wooden reapers, angle irons, and concrete poles, which are then covered with mesh or natural creepers to provide support. To promote humidity in the center, a tank or water trough is erected, and a few seats are given for the exhibition of plants. Ideally, such buildings should be constructed in partial shade, if possible or having screens placed which might add more beauty for the people sitting there and relaxing. This types of screens can be purchased from www.luxuryscreens.co.uk.

4. Rock Garden or Sunken Garden

It’s developed by exploiting the already-existing despair. The depression is divided into many layers, each planted with ground coverings, borders, flower beds, and herbs of various sizes. A pond or pool is created in the depression’s center, used to produce aquatic vegetation. Plants are grown in the fissures and gaps between the boulders in a rock garden. The contrast between its roughness and the softness of the blossoms is beautiful.

The stones help the plants retain water and keep their root systems cool. Some cacti and succulents, such as Lantana, Setcreasea, Verbena, and others, maybe cultivated effectively on the plains if planted on the sunny side. Ferns and certain indoor plants also appear natural on the rockery slopes in the shade, as do some other plants.

5. Carpet beds, flower beds, and borders

It is termed a carpet bed, the practice of growing ground cover plants closely together and pruning them to form a pattern or alphabetical letters. Edge plants with vibrant leaves have been discovered to be more appropriate for this use. The use of annuals and herbaceous perennials in flower beds creates the massing impression of varied colored flowers. Borders are continuous beds that are longer than they are wide, and they contain only plants of one kind.

That’s pretty much it. If you want to beautify your landscape even more, you may use some of the characteristics mentioned above. If you aren’t pleased with the five garden features above, you may want to investigate more garden features on your own to see if there are any that you like better than the ones listed above.

6. Arbors and Pergolas

Arbors and pergolas are architectural structures that not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also serve practical purposes. These features add height and vertical interest to your landscape, providing a focal point for climbing plants like roses, wisteria, or grapevines. As these plants grow and intertwine with the structure, they create a lush, shaded area beneath. This shade is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers respite on hot summer days, making your garden more comfortable and inviting. The addition of arbors and pergolas can transform an ordinary garden into a tranquil retreat with improved landscape design.

7. Garden Statues and Sculptures

Garden statues and sculptures are excellent choices for gardeners seeking to infuse art and character into their outdoor spaces. These artistic elements become focal points, adding a touch of whimsy, elegance, or mystique to your landscape. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from classical statues, abstract sculptures, or even custom-made pieces that reflect your personal style. Garden statues not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also serve as conversation starters and expressions of your creativity. By strategically placing these pieces, you can achieve better landscape design that reflects your unique personality.

8. Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a versatile and practical addition to any garden. It not only enhances the aesthetics but also extends the functionality of your outdoor space. Properly placed lighting fixtures can create a magical ambiance in your garden during the evening hours, allowing you to enjoy your landscape long after the sun sets. Whether you opt for subtle path lighting, elegant lanterns, or enchanting string lights, outdoor lighting improves safety, highlights key garden features, and adds a layer of sophistication to your landscape design. With the right lighting, your garden becomes a captivating haven both day and night.

9. Waterfalls and Streams

For those with larger garden spaces, water features like waterfalls and streams can be the perfect addition. These natural-looking elements evoke a sense of serenity and mimic the beauty of nature, making your garden a tranquil escape. Waterfalls provide soothing ambient sounds, while streams can wind their way through your landscape, adding movement and life to your garden. With the option to incorporate aquatic plants and fish, these features contribute to an improved design that celebrates the harmony between hardscape and nature, creating a dynamic and visually appealing outdoor environment.

10. Birdhouses and Feeders

Attracting birds to your garden is not only enjoyable but also contributes to a balanced ecosystem. Birdhouses and feeders are functional garden features that can also be decorative. Placing bird houses throughout your garden encourages nesting, and bird feeders provide sustenance for local bird species. The presence of birds adds animation and color to your garden, creating a lively atmosphere. Watching birds in your garden can be a source of entertainment and a connection to the natural world. Integrating birdhouses and feeders into your landscape design brings nature closer to home, resulting in a better overall design that fosters biodiversity and engagement with the outdoors.