• Home
  • My Blog
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Cuckoo4Design

  • My House Tours
    • Home Tours
    • Our Garden
  • DIY
    • Craft Projects
      • Home Decor Crafts
      • Macrame
      • Wall Art
    • furniture makeover
    • DIY projects
    • Cat DIY
    • Decorating Tips
    • Home Improvement
    • Organizing
    • recipes
    • Halloween
      • Halloween Costumes
      • Halloween Decor
    • Christmas
      • Christmas Decor
      • Christmas Crafts
  • Travel
  • Shopping
    • My Amazon Favorites
    • Shop My Home
    • Shop My Fashion Favorites
    • Shop My Instagram
    • My Etsy Shop
  • Pets
    • Favorite Cat Products
    • Cat DIY
    • cats
    • Meet our cats
    • Living Pretty With Your Pets
  • GDPR, DISCLOSURE & PRIVACY POLICY

Small yard landscaping ideas

DIY projects· our garden

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Print
149.4KShares
Share
Pin149.4K
Tweet

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

I know that some of our neighbors didn’t want to purchase the steep-hilled lots on the side that we are located on in our duplex home neighborhood. To me though the hill in our yard presents a beautiful backdrop and it is what we see when we look outside from the back of our house. I had so many different ideas in my head when we moved in and I thought I’d share my small yard landscaping ideas with you today.

Last week I shared our new stock tank pool with you and since you couldn’t really see where the pool is located exactly in our yard, I thought I’d also share some more all over photos where you can see how our small yard is laid out and landscaped.

Small Yard Landscaping Ideas

Making good use of every inch in your small yard can be a challenge for some. Over time we have made every square inch of our sloped and narrow yard work for our needs while looking nicely landscaped as well.

We have several designated areas in our yard and the yard is actually only about 33 feet wide. There is a play area at the side of the house which could now be taken down since our kids don’t use a playhouse and sandbox anymore but we have kept it up so far for when friends come to visit with their small children.

Our yard also has a paver patio, a cat enclosure, an herb garden, rock stairs leading to a flagstone patio under big sycamore trees and now our little stock tank pool as well.

Below is a photo of our yard when we moved in and just started to work on the stairs and upper patio. We also didn’t have a fence yet.

the beginning of our small yard landscaping

The stock tank pool is now on the left side of those stairs and the cat enclosure is on the right side of that hill, leading all the way to the top.

And here are the stairs going up the hill now:

our small yard landscaping in the current state

Another view from up top looking down where you can actually see the rock stairs much better than from the bottom. It shows that it’s not as grown in or overgrown as you may  think it is from the bottom.

view from the top of our garden

The rock stairs are lined with different colored foliage coming from bushes, trees and a variety of different hostas which are my favorite.

before and after of our small yard landscaping

 

Designating different areas in your small yard landscaping

Creating different designated areas within your garden just like rooms in your home is one of my favorite ways to landscape any yard, not just a small yard like ours.

We sectioned off different areas with rocks and plants to create an intimate feeling. Our patio has a retaining wall with plants behind it and the stock tank pool is located right behind it to the left. (click HERE to read more about the DIY setup)

small yard landscaping with a stock tank pool

The rock wall and the fact that it is nestled within the hill also gives it a cozy and intimate feeling.

Adding different colored and textured plants and rocks

To me the most important thing when “decorating” your landscaping with plants is choosing different textures and colors for interest, just how you would inside of your home. Usually, I never pick a plant by their flower color but I try to stick to choosing the plant according to the foliage since that is what you see most of during the growing season.

I mentioned that I love hostas and we have a large variety of them with different sized and colored leaves. If you aren’t sure what you are doing yet and want to start somewhere, I think adding hostas is a great place to start. Plant the large ones in the back with the smaller ones in the front.

I also like breaking those hostas up with different ornamental grasses like the light green one below or with different ferns. These types of plants alone give you a great variety of texture and color.

small yard ideas with pool

We live in a climate where it gets really cold in the winter which can make it harder to chose plants but what I mentioned above works really well for us in our climate.

If you live in a warmer climate than you have a lot more to choose from for sure.

Of course, let’s not forget about the texture and colors the rocks add to the landscaping. They are always my husband’s favorite part. He is almost like a caveman collecting big rocks and taking pride in grouping them. LOL

small yard landscaping with pool

patio set in small yard landscaping

blue and red patio table decor

(By the way that candle is my favorite new citronella candle and I found it at Homegoods but unfortunately, it isn’t available online. I searched forever to buy more. It is called Aloha Paradise Island Coconut Cintronella Candle by DW Home. Buy one if you see it at your local Homegoods or TJ Maxx. So so good!)

stock tank with seating area in small yard landscaping

We have a little herb garden to the right of the pool where the rock stairs are leading up to the rock seating area and wall.

cat enclosure hidden in small yard landscaping

paver patio in small yard landscaping

stock tank pool nestled into small yard landscaping

blue bird bath nestled in small yard landscaping

table setting in small yard landscaping

splashing water in stock tank in small yard landscaping

floating in stock tank pool in small yard

Below are also two cellphone photos I took while we were just hanging out one night to show you what the pool looks like at night. We love it!

stock tank pool at night

stock tank pool with tiki torches at night

Designate an area for your pets

My pets have always plaid a huge role for me when I was growing up with dogs and now loving and owning cats. Designating an area in our yard is a must for us and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Behind the table, you can see our cat enclosure. A tunnel leads to it from our living room window and another tunnel leads up to our upper patio.

paver patio with retaining wall in small yard landscaping

They love being outside with us this way. It is way too dangerous for them to roam the neighborhood. If you watch my cat enclosure video or pool video then you can hear the gunshots from the outdoor shooting range. We also have cat hating neighbors and busy streets which is why we feel the need to keep them safe.

cat enclosure in our small yard landscaping

cat tunnel in our small yard landscaping

The tunnel leads to the below space on the upper patio at the top of our sloped yard.

Find out HERE how to build a tunnel like that and HERE how to build an enclosure)

smaller enclosure in our small yard landscaping

The next image is an older photo of the upper patio (see more HERE). The smaller enclosure is to the left of the hammock:

woodsy summer patio dinner in our small yard landscaping

I think we were able to fit a lot of special little areas within our tiny, narrow, sloped yard and it is perfect for us. I hope that you were able to get some ideas to use in your own yard.

 

If you are new to my blog or just need to catch up on some things… 

Below are the other areas inside and outside of our small home:

(To see more simply click on the specific image)

My Annual Summer Home Tour
The perfect white and blue chandelier for our daughter's bedroom
Blush and Marble, Vintage Inspired Budget Bathroom Remodel
Tips for Decorating your Bedroom on a Budget
black, white and gold powder room with sharpie stenciled walls
Turning my white laminate builder grade kitchen into a green and white two-toned kitchen
Ikea Godmorgon sink and graphic black and white tiles - Cuckoo4Design
Dining room and kitchen makeover
butterscotch leather butterfly chair in sophisticated boys bedroom with dark green walls, mixed plaids and soccer memorabilia and yellow sputnik light fixture
black and white striped porch with tropical colorful accents
Small yard landscaping ideas
Basement Man Cave with Sports Illustrated Collection - Cuckoo4Design
Modern European Eclectic Christmas Tree with pinecones, white stars, clear Christmas balls and white Christmas balls on a real untrimmed fir tree | blue, white and black fireplace area with leather swivel chairs
Vintage Rattan Sofa For Our Porch

small yard landscaping ideas

 

Tschüß,

Previous Post: « Our new stock tank swimming pool in our sloped yard
Next Post: macrame and fringe hammocks »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marty says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:01 am

    Julia, your back yard has turned into such a fabulous garden and that pool and patio area is to die for. I love what you did with the pool, it is totally amazing.

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 7:36 am

      Thank you Marty! We love haning out outside

  2. Kathy says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:06 am

    I loved reading your stock pool post and seeing the rest of your backyard today is so fun. You have some great zones and beautiful landscaping. Thanks for sharing all of your tips!

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 7:36 am

      Thanks Kathy! We love our yard

  3. donna says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:24 am

    I am amazed at how you have turned a small space into such a paradise. You use every inch! The little pool is a really neat idea for a small yard. You are so talented Julia!

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 7:37 am

      Thanks Donna, we tried to squeeze in as much as possible while trying to not overdo it.

  4. cassie bustamante says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:56 am

    you guys have made your backyard such a beautiful retreat for you and your animals! i love it so much! i am in love with that stock tank pool, and suddenly have a watermelon craving.

  5. Jessica | House Homemade says

    June 3, 2019 at 8:28 am

    oh my goodness I want to be out there right now!! I love the cat enclosure too.

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 9:14 am

      Thank you Jessica, I hope the weather will hold up this week so we can be out there.

  6. Nancy says

    June 3, 2019 at 8:45 am

    So cozy and unique. I really love the stock tank pool and all of your landscaping!

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 9:14 am

      Thank you so much Nancy

  7. tammara says

    June 3, 2019 at 8:46 am

    You created a relaxing backyard. You can tell a lot of work was put into giving yourself a slice of peace and calm.

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 9:15 am

      Thanks so much Tammara

  8. Ann says

    June 3, 2019 at 9:10 am

    Your yard is fabulous. Wish my hostas looked as healthy as your do! Do you have problems with slugs eating your hostas? They seem to love mine.

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 9:16 am

      Hi Ann, they only occasionally do but it’s not a problem. We have a problem with carpenter bees and ants instead

  9. [email protected] says

    June 3, 2019 at 9:56 am

    Hi Julia –

    What you have done to your small backyard is truly remarkable! Most homeowners would have never saw the potential and vision you had for it. It is beautiful and your own piece of paradise. I hope you get to enjoy many hours out there this summer and beyond.

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 12:05 pm

      Thanks so much Diane! It all took a very long time and it was worth it for us.

  10. Meryl King says

    June 3, 2019 at 11:32 am

    It’s so wonderful Julia! Congrats!

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 12:04 pm

      Thank you so much Meryl!

  11. Debbie says

    June 3, 2019 at 11:46 am

    Beautiful! Great ideas and many thanks for sharing. I love how you have provided such a safe and great looking space for your fur babies so they are always included, too. This is how it should always be. Very safe and able to join the family since they are a huge part of it. I love including large rocks and small boulders for landscaping.

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 12:06 pm

      Thanks Debbie, I wish I could screen in my entire yard so they could come outside with me wherever I am. I know they don’t like not being able to sit with me outside.

  12. Jessica Brigham says

    June 3, 2019 at 12:20 pm

    I could get lost for hours enjoying this backyard oasis!! Absolutely glorious … I’ll be over in a bit 😎

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 1:02 pm

      Thank you Jessica, visitors are always welcome 😉

  13. Corinna - TheBohoAbode says

    June 3, 2019 at 2:38 pm

    I am smitten with your cool stock pond! Your yard is so unique and the landscaping is beautiful. The cat run is my kiddo’s favorite part.

    • Julia says

      June 3, 2019 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks Corinna, I wish I could screen in the entire yard so they could hang out everywhere with us.

  14. Audrey says

    June 3, 2019 at 6:49 pm

    SO dreamy! I love what you did to the stock tank!

    • Julia says

      June 4, 2019 at 5:21 am

      Thanks Audrey, we really love it and have used it a lot.

  15. Shelley says

    June 4, 2019 at 8:11 am

    What an incredible backyard!!! Oh what I would do to have this as my outdoor space! That pool is amazing and the cat enclosure is just the coolest ever!

    • Julia says

      June 5, 2019 at 7:32 am

      Thank you Shelley, we do love it lots 😉

  16. Margaret says

    June 5, 2019 at 7:54 am

    Your yard is so inviting…love all the little areas.
    You certainly made the most of a small yard …especially love the pool.

    • Julia says

      June 8, 2019 at 7:31 am

      Thanks so much Margaret

  17. Janelle Burnett says

    June 6, 2019 at 12:59 pm

    This is amazing. This would definitely be were I would be hanging out the entire summer.

    • Julia says

      June 8, 2019 at 7:30 am

      Thank you Janelle, we sure will be hanging out there a lot

  18. Tina Bousu says

    June 8, 2019 at 8:04 am

    Oh my gosh that stock tank pool, that is so awesome my kids would go crazy! And all of your lush landscaping, what a perfect backyard!

    • Julia says

      June 8, 2019 at 8:05 am

      Thanks Tina, my kids love it too, even though they are older already.

  19. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says

    June 28, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    Oh this is gorgeous!!!! Love all of the changes you made to your yard. It’s completely ready for Summer now!

Primary Sidebar

Cuckoo4Design


I’m a German citizen living in the US who is cuckoo for all things DIY, design and pets. This is my design journey of our small home on a budget. Come stay a while and look around.

Topics

I am a participant in several affiliate programs which includes the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. To read more about this please click over to my full disclosure statement HERE.

Copyright © 2021 · Cuckoo4Design · Julia Konya · All Rights Reserved · GDPR, Disclosure & Privacy Policy

149.4KShares
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkayPrivacy Policy