Glossary
Landscaping terms, defined
A plain-language reference to the words behind backyard, garden, and patio design — what they mean and why they matter for your project.
Focal point
A focal point is the element a landscape is designed to draw the eye to first — a tree, a water feature, a sculpture, or a framed view.
2 min readFoundation planting
Foundation planting is the bed of shrubs and plants along the base of a house that ties the building to the yard.
3 min readFrench drain
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that collects water and carries it away from a problem area.
3 min read
Landscape design
Landscape design is the planning of an outdoor space — its layout, planting, and built features — before anything goes in the ground.
3 min readLandscape edging
Landscape edging is the defined border between two areas — usually lawn and a planting bed — that keeps each in its place.
2 min readLandscape lighting
Landscape lighting is low-voltage outdoor lighting used to make a yard usable and attractive after dark.
2 min readLawn alternative
A lawn alternative is any planting that replaces traditional turf grass — clover, a native meadow, ground cover, or moss.
2 min read
Mediterranean garden
A Mediterranean garden is a style built around drought-tolerant plants, gravel, and warm hardscape suited to hot, dry summers.
3 min readModern landscaping
Modern landscaping is a clean-lined style built on simple geometry, a restrained plant palette, and strong hardscape.
2 min read
Paver patio
A paver patio is an outdoor floor built from individual units — concrete, brick, or stone — set over a compacted base.
3 min readPergola
A pergola is an open overhead structure of posts and crossbeams that defines an outdoor room and filters sunlight.
2 min readPollinator garden
A pollinator garden is a planting chosen and arranged to feed bees, butterflies, and other pollinators across the seasons.
2 min read
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