What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard?
The cheapest way to landscape a backyard is to do the work yourself in phases, using mulch, seed, and small starter plants instead of mature stock.
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Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask before designing their space, grouped by topic. Pick a question to see the full answer.
Backyards Pergolas & gazebos What is the point of a pergola if it doesn't have a roof?
A pergola without a roof still cuts direct sun by roughly 40 to 60 percent, depending on how closely the slats are spaced and how they are angled.
Gardens What plants should never be planted together?
Black walnut and tomatoes are the classic pairing to avoid: walnut roots release juglone, which kills tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and apples nearby.
Backyards What are the easiest landscapes to maintain?
The easiest landscapes to maintain combine hardscape, mulched beds of native plants, and evergreen shrubs, with little or no lawn.
Design principles & rules What are the latest trends in landscaping?
The latest trends in landscaping center on using less water, less lawn, and more of the yard for actual living.
Design principles & rules What are the landscape design trends for 2026?
The big landscape design trends for 2026 are smaller lawns, native and drought-tolerant planting, and backyards built as outdoor rooms.
Design principles & rules What landscaping trends are considered outdated?
Outdated landscaping trends include dyed red mulch, plastic edging, shrubs sheared into tight balls, and large lawns with nothing else going on.
Design principles & rules What design mistakes make a backyard look tacky?
The mistakes that make a backyard look tacky are usually excess and mismatch: too many decorations, dyed red mulch, and mixed materials.
Design principles & rules What are the common landscape design mistakes?
The most common landscape design mistakes are ignoring mature plant size, skipping a plan, and scattering features with nothing tying them together.
Design principles & rules What makes a good garden design?
A good garden design has a clear structure, suits how you actually use the space, and looks decent in every season, not just June.
Design principles & rules What is the 3 year rule for gardening?
The 3 year rule says perennials and shrubs need three growing seasons to hit their stride: sleep, creep, then leap.
Design principles & rules What is the 5-4-3-2-1 method for gardening?
The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a planting formula: one focal plant, two large shrubs, three medium shrubs, four perennial groups, five groundcover plants.
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