Three Great Ways To Add Definition To Naturalized Landscaping

Posted on

If you're like many modern homeowners, you're a big fan of the current trend toward naturalized landscaping. Not only does this approach involve less manual labor to maintain, but it also provides habitat for pollinators, and because native plants are typically used, the need for commercial pesticides and fertilizers is greatly reduced, if not eliminated entirely. However, a certain amount of definition is desirable in naturalized landscapes — otherwise, they run the risk of simply looking like typical woodland patches. Following are three great ways to add defining elements to naturalized landscaping. 

Water Features

Available in sizes suitable for any size of yard, water features provide visual beauty to any landscape, they also benefit the other senses. The sound of running water soothes the senses and acts as a buffer to neighborhood noise and traffic, and water generates negative ions that improve the mood and purifies the air. Water features include serene koi ponds to dramatic rock waterfalls. You can also opt for birdbaths, fountains, and manmade creeks. You can even out a backyard shower to your naturalized space.  

Outdoor Seating Areas 

Outdoor seating areas in a naturalized landscape can be used for everything for a restorative, solitary reading session to an al fresco dinner party for friends and family — and plenty of things in between. A simple garden bench provides a quiet place to rest and reflect while taking a break from weeding or other garden chores, while a rustic pavilion is perfect for entertaining. Picnic tables can be used for crafting, wine tasting, general relaxations, and picnic, of course. Outdoor seating areas in naturalized landscapes should blend in with the rest of the scene. Wood is always a good choice, particularly weather resistant options such as red cedar and teak, but don't overlook the aesthetic value of stone. 

Gravel Pathways

Cultivated pathways are one of the main differences between an artistically crafted naturalized landscape and a true woodland environment. You don't want to be slogging through muddy, uneven trails in your own back yard, so don't forget to add gravel pathways to the picture. Pathways can be leveled and evened out prior to applying the gravel so that they're easy to walk on, and to optimize the natural look, line them with low-growing woodland varieties such as wild violets and sweet woodruff and allow the plants to stray somewhat over the gravel as long as they don't interfere with the path's walkability. 

For more information on your landscaping and gravel options, contact a gravel supplier.


Share