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9 Garden Layouts You Should Consider For Your Outdoor Space

A garden layout is a plan for the arrangement of plants, flowers, and other features in your garden.

The layout of a garden can be as simple as a few herbs on a windowsill or as complex as a multi-acre property with multiple outdoor spaces. You can have dozens of trees and flowers, or you can have just a couple of plants.

The goal remains the same: to uplift your outdoor space and make it feel more comfortable and welcoming.

9 Popular Garden Layouts

There are certain layouts that you should consider in order to make the most of your space and create an outdoor oasis for you and your loved ones.

Let’s begin.

1. The Focal Point Garden

A focal point garden is one that features a central element around which the rest of the design is based.

This could be a beautiful tree, an eye-catching sculpture, or even a simple water feature, like a fountain.

The rest of the planting in the garden should be arranged in such a way that it complements the focal point and enhances its overall impact.

For example, all paths should lead to the focal point, or you should place the most beautiful flowers or plants around it.

A garden layout with a focal point being a fountain

2. The Container Garden

Container gardening is a great small garden layout perfect for homeowners with not a lot of time on their hands.

These add color and interest to any outdoor space without having to do a lot of work. It’s a real minimalistic approach to gardening, and you can plant flowers, vegetables, or plants.

Containers can be placed on patios, decks, or even balconies, and they can be filled with a wide variety of plants to suit any taste.

A container type of garden with flowers

3. The Shade Garden

If you have an area of your property that is shaded by trees or larger buildings, you can still create a beautiful garden space by choosing plants that thrive in low-light conditions. This would usually be a narrow garden in compact spaces, like between a house and a fence or another building.

There are many shade-loving plants that will add color and interest to your garden.

Shade-loving plants can also grow indoors, and most of them require less attention than other plants.

A shade garden with plants that strive in the shade

4. The Herb Garden

The herb garden is a great way to add both beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. This garden is great for a rather small space that doesn’t allow larger plants or trees.

It’s a minimalistic approach to gardening to can keep you busy when boredom settles in, or to help you relax after a stressful day.

Herbs can be used for cooking, as decorations, or even for medicinal purposes.

When choosing plants for your herb garden, ensure you’re picking those that can grow in the area you live.

A basket with herbs

5. The Vegetable Garden

Vegetable garden layout ideas are a great way to get fresh, healthy food right from your own backyard. Although growing your own vegetables requires a great deal of attention and care, seeing it come to life brings great joy.

If you’re thinking about getting an edible garden like this layout, be sure to choose plants that are well-suited to the climate and soil where you live.

You’ll also want to consider how much space you have to work with and how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance.

Growing vegetables is great for homeowners with a lot of free time on their hands, but if you’re busy with other projects, this might not be the best choice.

Homeowner growing vegetables

6. The Flower Garden

A flower garden is the most popular choice for many homeowners, and for good reason.

Flowers add beauty and elegance to any outdoor space, and they can be used to create a wide variety of looks. They will refresh the air in your backyard and transform your property into a welcoming space for both birds and humans.

Remember that flowers require your attention regularly, though. Consider the soil and the weather conditions of your area before you decide on this garden layout.

Flowers in a garden layout

7. The Rock Garden

A rock garden is a great way to add interest and texture to your outdoor space.

This layout requires cinder block walls and plenty of rocks and stones to create a beautiful garden that will leave everyone speechless. In rock garden layouts, you’ll see raised beds of flowering plants, a living wall with climbing plants, and a lot of sun exposure because of the lack of trees.

Raised garden beds, irrigation, companion planting, mulching, and water-efficient crops are all important for gardening in dry climates.

Rock gardens can be created with a wide variety of plants, and they can be designed to suit any taste.

At Land Designs by Colton, our outdoor designers can help you build the perfect rock garden that will make all your guests want one themselves.

A garden with rocks and a fountain

8. The Japanese Garden

Japanese gardens are known for their beauty and serenity, and they can be a great addition to any outdoor space.

A Japanese garden includes a pond with koi fish, many decorative elements, and rocks. The design principles are asymmetry, enclosure, borrowed scenery, balance, and symbolism.

Note that you’ll need a rather large space for this layout, and a tiny backyard will not look at its best with a Japanese garden layout.

You’ll also want to add many paved paths and ornaments to create a unique feel.

A Japanese garden

9. The English Garden

English gardens are characterized by their lush, green landscapes and their classical design elements.

If you’re going for an English garden layout, be sure to focus on diversity and to add an architectural feature of folly. A kitchen garden works great in this layout, especially with a table and a couple of chairs for tea enthusiasts.

Because an English garden has a wide variety of plants, you’ll also need to find the perfect space to place every plant.

When planning your English garden, be sure to choose plants that are well-suited to the climate and soil where you live.

An English garden

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the different types of gardens that you can create, it’s time to start planning your own.

Our main advice is to take into account the amount of space you have to work with, the climate where you live, your personal taste, and most importantly, how much free time you have on your hands.

Every plant and flower will require your attention, some more than others. It’s a pity seeing a beautiful flower die ahead of its time, or seeing a plant eaten by insects.

Here at Land Designs By Colton, our garden designer can help you get the best outdoor space in the neighborhood. If you need help regarding your garden layout, give us a ring at (720) 580-3677 or request a quote today if you want to get your project started!