Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to your lawn. If you want to cut back on grass mowing, consider using stones for garden paths instead.
Old metal pipes can be used as edging for your yard or garden. They can even be filled with shells or other decorations for a fun look!
1. Bricks
As the foundation for the rest of your garden, a lawn can play a major role in establishing the tone and style of the space. This is especially true if you use it to create a feature of its own or to highlight areas. There are all sorts of creative lawn ideas that let you express yourself. From shapely styles to showcasing features and even creating zones, the possibilities are endless.
Edging is a crucial aspect of any garden, helping to control weeds and foot traffic, and to give the entire design structure and order. Brick edging is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to add a stylish flair to any garden. It can also be used to mark a division between a garden and lawn or simply frame a bed of flowers.
The key to a good brick edging job is proper preparation and construction. Start by laying down a layer of sand or paver base over the entire area to be edged, then level it to as close to the lawn line as possible. This is where a spirit level really comes into its own, as you want to lay the bricks evenly and tap them down gently one at a time.
Once the sand has set, it’s a good idea to run a mason’s line across the area to establish where to cut your bricks, and then work out which pattern you want to use for the edging. Many patterns are fairly simple, such as a single row of linearly-placed bricks or perhaps a single basket weave row. Experiment with the different designs to find which you like best, and remember that if the edging is running into a bed of flowers, it’s worth adding extra rows of sod to give the overall effect more height.
2. Stones
Stones are a wonderful way to add texture and color to a garden or lawn. There are many different types of stones available and each one has its own unique characteristics. Stones can be used to create a range of settings and structures in your yard, from fire pits to sitting areas, ponds and even water features. If you have a stone wall in your garden, try planting ferns and creepers on top of it to bring it to life.
Another great use for stone is to line your garden with it. This is a simple and effective way to bring a clean look to your garden, especially if you have a low maintenance garden with low shrubs and flowers. You can also create a stone walkway with stepping stones, which are both beautiful and functional. This helps prevent the grass from being damaged by frequent footsteps and it gives your garden a softer, less manicured look.
If you are looking for a more creative idea, you can paint pebbles to make games and shapes in your garden. For example, you could paint 10 small pebbles in bright colors and mark out a naughts and crosses game. Alternatively, you could paint pebbles as ladybugs or bumblebees and lay them out in a maze.
If you have a smaller space or a more modern garden, you can try a scatter-patterned stone look with rectangular pebbles. This creates a very interesting and unique design and works well in urban gardens with hardscaped designs. If you have a larger garden with more space for plants, try mixing in some boulders for a more natural feel. Boulders work well in all kinds of landscapes and they are perfect for adding height to a garden. They can also work as a focal point, especially if you plant them with tall and spiky sedums or ivy-covered trees.
3. Birdbath
Providing a bird bath is an easy way to attract songbirds to your yard. But you don’t have to rely on store-bought versions, which are often heavy and expensive. Instead, try one of these DIY bird bath ideas, which will add style to your lawn while also providing a great place for feathered friends to wash away the insects they’ve encountered during the day.
Recycled Glassware
Birds are drawn to water, and this creative DIY bird bath uses a glass serving platter and a pipe flange for a simple yet stylish design. The whole thing can be made with supplies you probably already have at home, including paint, glue, and a little creativity. The terra cotta serving plate in this design from Our Fairfield Home & Garden is a great example, but you could also use a pretty vintage mug or a colorful glass serving bowl.
Lined Puddle
The best birdbath you can make is a natural one, such as this one, which is simply a lined puddle of water in the middle of a flower bed. You can make a lined puddle by digging a slight depression in the soil, then lining it with pond liner or a tarp before filling it. Just be sure to set the puddle in a location where birds will feel safe, such as a shady spot near foliage for cover.
Another option is a simple fountain, which will add movement to the water, making it more attractive to birds. It’s easy to create a fountain yourself by adding a dripper or water wiggler to an existing pedestal bowl. If you want to really attract songbirds, look for a fountain that has a mechanized aerator, which will add bubbles to the water.
4. Knight in Shining Armor
A knight in shining armor will add an eye-catching element to any front yard. It will surely be the talking point for guests and neighbors. It will also serve as a sentinel to keep unwanted critters away from your flowering pots and shrubbery.
This digital graphic is great for teaching students the principle of design PROPORTION. This worksheet breaks down a knight’s body into simple lines and shapes, demonstrating how to shade and engrave different parts of the figure for depth. It is also useful for teaching figure drawing. This product is an excellent choice for k-8 students. Comes with a bonus question sheet.
5. Trees
Just like a wall in your home, the lawn sets the stage for the rest of your garden. It’s the backdrop for planting, furniture and more – so why not give it a tonal look with contrasting shades of green?
Try a neat strip of gravel punctuated with alpine plants and a fire pit in the centre. It’s a simple way to modernise your lawn and create a cosy space for relaxing with a good book.
A small lawn is perfect if you want to prioritise other features in your garden, such as a shed or summerhouse. Or you could experiment with zero-maintenance faux grass to take the strain out of mowing.
Encourage moss to grow on your lawn for a natural, old-world look that doesn’t need mowing and is great for shaded spots where grass struggles. Vibrant flowers, like crocuses, snow drops and daffodils look fabulous growing underneath. And you can add a splash of colour with copper lawn edging, which draws the eye and is particularly effective around a border of vibrant spring flowers. The tonal look also works well for highlighting a particular part of your garden or creating zones within your outdoor space. Trick the eye with clever planting, too – draping trees and willows trail over the grass, making it hard to see how far your lawn extends.