nail the edging brick pavers

Landscape Edging

Create a dynamic look around any existing lawn or garden feature with some landscape edging. You can go with a patio paver/stone or maybe brick to add a nice border.

Retaining Wall

A DIY retaining wall is a fantastic way to add character and dimension to a sloped yard. Retaining walls take ample planning and strong landscaping knowledge, so be sure of your DIY skills if you plan on building one. A poorly reinforced wall won’t hold up for long.

Stone walkway bordered by lush green plants, leading through a garden. Moss grows between the stones, suggesting a natural, serene environment.

Stepping Stones

Stepping stones can add a touch of minimalist outdoor design. Break up the yard with some simple stepping stones. According to NC State University, “Stepping stones are versatile and durable ground surface components used to create outdoor play and learning settings. They can be installed linearly as secondary pathways in sensory gardens.

Wide stepping stone pathways with fragrant, “stepable” plants between the stones create sensory pathways for crawling infants. Select durable stones and, if possible, from a local quarry to represent local geology and reduce expense. Stones should be smooth and flat to avoid becoming tripping hazards.”

A finger points at a collection of small, multicolored pebbles scattered on a surface, highlighting their varied textures and shapes in natural light.

Rock Garden

Don’t want to nurture plants and shrubs? Well, a rock garden is a great alternative and requires a fraction of the maintenance.

A small waterfall flows over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, creating a serene garden scene. Smooth stones line the water's edge.

Water Features

You can DIY a water feature or go the simpler route of purchasing one. Both are good options. According to Samah A. Abrahem and Hiyam Siham Taha, “The presence of water in its various forms plays an important role in enhancing the quality of the physical environment.”

A wooden barrel with metal bands collects water from a metal pipe, positioned against a rustic red brick wall in a well-lit outdoor setting.

Rain Barrels

A DIY rain barrel costs less than $100 and works just as well as any barrel you can buy. But first, determine if collecting rainwater is illegal in your state. Planning to buy one? Here’s a list of our favorite decorative rain barrels.

FH02JUN_OUTROO_01-2 outdoor living room

Create An Outdoor Living Space

If you’re more of a kick-back-and-relax type, consider building or hiring someone to build your dream outdoor living space. Whether you prefer an outdoor kitchen, a dining area or maybe a bar to entertain, there are plenty of options.

A woman pours mulch from a bag onto garden plants while standing on grass. Surrounding trees and flowers create a lush, vibrant landscape.

Low-Maintenance Ground Covers

Sand, gravel, mulch and bark are all low-maintenance alternatives to grass. Plus, they can add a pop of color to break up the landscape.

A man dressed in a floral shirt and shorts adjusts a tiki torch in a backyard setting, with seating and a cocktail visible nearby.

Lighting

Consider adding tiki torches or other outdoor lighting to your backyard oasis. You can also create an illuminated pathway. Lighting is also important if you want to throw an evening party in your yard.

Lush green grass stretches across the ground, blades swaying gently in a light breeze, with trees and a building blurred in the background.

Artificial Grass

Maintenance Tips for Plant-Free Landscapes

If you’re planning to design your yard with non-plant landscaping decor, it’s important to follow a few key maintenance tips. Carefully consider the placement and upkeep of elements like rocks, sculptures, and other hardscape features to keep your space looking its best. Also, check the quality. Good quality means longer durability.

Apart from that, regular and periodic inspection is crucial. You need to check whether there are erosions or debris accumulation. If you are using rain barrels, you should follow some steps. According to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, “Disconnect the rain barrel during the winter to avoid damage. Disconnect it from the downspouts, empty the barrel, wash it out and store it upside down in a protected location. Clean the barrel using a non-toxic substance to remove residue or algae.”

A well-designed and well-maintained yard will always enhance your landscape and remain functional for a long time.

FAQ

Is plant-free landscaping budget-friendly?

Unlike gardens, plant-free landscaping is always budget-friendly. You may need to spend some money to buy pavers or artificial turf. But in the long run, you won’t have to spend on maintenance. This is mainly like a one-time investment for your landscaping.

Sources:

CBF: “Rain Barrel Maintenance”
ScienceDirect: “Life cycle environmental assessment of retaining walls in unsaturated soils”
LRRB: “Asset Management for Retaining Walls”
MDPI: “Relating Knowledge and Perception of Sustainable Landscape Practices to the Adoption Intention of Environmentally Friendly Landscapes”
NLM: “Urban Landscaping Landscape Design and Maintenance Management Method Based on Multisource Big Data Fusion”
ResearchGate: “Study on artificial water features in line with design principles within the context of spatial perception and environmental psychology: Yildiz Technical University Yildiz campus example”
ResearchGate: “Effect of water features on the microclimate of residential projects in a hot-arid climate: A comparative analysis”
NC State University: “Stepping Stone Pathways and Small Patios”
ResearchGate: “Landscape Plant Material, Size, and Design Sophistication Increase Perceived Home Value”
NLM: “Analysis of the Artistic Effect of Garden Plant Landscaping in Urban Greening”
UCLA: “Front yards as green infrastructure”