5 budget-friendly Landscaping Projects You'll Love

Landscaping often comes with challenges and limitations, especially when discussing budgets. We wish the budget of our backyard oasis was unlimited, however, this is not a reality for most of us. At some point, you have probably looked at the exterior of your property unsatisfied with the appearance, contemplating different projects to update your outdoor living space; a common desire as the season transition driving the focus to spending time in your yard with friends and family. Now, the big question is what projects will inflict the most change to my backyard that agrees with my budget?

Keep reading for our top 5 projects you can do this summer to stay on budget!

1. Update your patio

Your patio is a focal point in the appeal of your outdoor space. Popular materials used for patios are concrete, wood, or stone pavers which can leave your entertaining space appearing bland and lifeless. 

Adding an outdoor area rug or table decor to the main seating space of your patio creates dimension and a sense of comfortability. Creating an inviting space is lucrative when landscaping. Attention to detail and creating a unified space will only increase the luxurious appeal of your patio elevating your design.  

Pro Tip: Large area rugs with dimension pulls in shades and textures from other elements in your outdoor space. Creating visual interest and expressing personal style is the key to a uniquely curated design. 

2. Incorporate a POND OR WATER FEATURE

Creating a peaceful and ambient space fit for relaxation and entertaining is highly attainable when the sounds of nature are present. Ponds and water features can be intimidating, particularly when you are looking for DIY solutions to an elevated landscape. There is a lesser-known secret around ponds, they are inexpensive to build and contribute many added benefits to your property and budget. Not only do backyard ponds create a beneficial conservation area but, they can relieve rain runoff concerns in your yard and store water in the event of an emergency. Depending on the scale of pond you may introduce to your landscape, keeping costs low is manageable as they do not require significant maintenance when installed correctly.

When incorporating a pond, be prepared for a more naturally alluring entertaining space as birds, butterflies, and squirrels are attracted. With a wide variety of pumps, liners, and more; you can completely customize your natural oasis to suit your needs and budget.

3. Build an OUTDOOR FIRE PIT

If you ask anyone in Alberta what one of their favorite parts of summer is, sitting around a backyard fire is always one of the big ones! Friends tend to gather around fires in the evening as they create a warm, ambient atmosphere fit for the best stories. Fire pits have always create the perfect gathering spot, the choices are endless for a new stone fire pit. The brick material required will keep you around the $100 mark and depending on your thriftiness, maybe even less if you can obtain recycled brick material. 

By prepping the area with sand and leveling the ground, begin placing bricks in a circular shape until complete. Once your first layer is in place, continue staggering layers until the desired height is reached. Finish by adding wood or lava rocks and let the entertaining begin! This process will also allow you to completely customize your design to complement the rest of your landscape.  

4. Create a vertical garden

What does that even mean?? A vertical garden is a great way to have live greenery in your outdoor space without breaking the bank. Traditional gardening options can be costly and require hours of attention and maintenance. Faux plant walls, as trendy and stunning as they are, do not always work for some as the price tag can run you into the thousands. Vertical gardens give you the best of both worlds as they are cost-effective and a great way to decorate your space and diminish your carbon footprint. 

Vertical gardens create a solution for those with smaller outdoor spaces or who are limited to a balcony. Vertical gardens are simple to start and tend to thrive as the surface area exposed to sunlight results in enhanced growth and improved circulation.  

5. Opt for potted plants

Designers say that the key to a luxurious outdoor living space is seamlessly bridging indoor and outdoor living in your unique style. The backyard can be an expensive space to design. When we look at key components that make us feel comfortable and relaxed in our homes, house plants and trees are at the top of the list! Try incorporating trees such as monsteras and birds of paradise for a tropical living vibe. Incorporating potted plants into your outdoor seating area will transform the feel of your space into a luxurious outdoor living room fit for entertaining.  

The enjoyment of your outdoor living space is not limited to the size of your budget or property. Unveiling the potential of your backyard comes down to envisioning alternatives and working towards solutions that fit both the purpose and budget you have set. Are you the entertainer, consider patio updates, develop design changes, or incorporate a fire pit creating ambiance and visual interest. Looking for a secluded sanctuary? Incorporating a pond or filling your seating area with potted plants will transform your space into the relaxing oasis you always desired. Despite your plans or budget for your landscaping, our team at Rockland can guide you through it with products, materials, and advice.