Do-it-yourself landscape design at their summer cottage. How to create a beautiful and functional landscape design of a summer cottage: photo ideas. Landscaping with playground

, this is not only a neat design of the local area, but also a wonderful opportunity to realize your ideas and dreams. There are many elements and nuances in this design direction. It is not at all necessary to complete special courses, our review will help you create a luxurious landscape design for your summer cottage on your own. You can see photos of the most interesting layouts in the course of our review. So, let's hit the road through the wonderful world of landscape design, design ideas and original ideas.

In fact, the concept of landscape design of the site appeared not so long ago, but the origins of this direction date back to ancient times. For the first time ancient gardens appeared in Persia, Babylon and Ancient Egypt. Various types of flowers were planted in these territories, and reservoirs were covered with nymphs and lotuses. An example of amazing landscape art of the past centuries is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Landscape art was formed in China and Japan. A special oriental style arose there, in which every natural element has a symbolic meaning.

The basic principles and laws of landscape design have been created for more than one century. Currently, the landscape design of a personal plot is an integrated approach to the design of the territory. It is assumed that the space should be in harmony with the internal feelings of the owner and reflect his interests and tastes.

Landscaping is a real art with certain laws, principles and rules.

The building blocks are based on the following:

• planning and design. To get a thoughtful design, it is better to transfer all ideas to paper. This will allow you to divide the entire space into functional zones, as well as correctly plan the systems and;
• an important stage of registration is. In this case, the shape, color palette and general style of landscape design of the garden plot should be taken into account.

It is worth noting the basic design principles:

• integrity. Location of identical elements in different areas of the site;
• simplicity. In nature, everything is natural and therefore you should not use complex shapes and too many shades;
• the principle of balance. It can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical;
• design filling. Assumes a harmonious combination of different cultures;
• smooth transitions. Tall trees are planted in the background, then medium and shortest in front.

In this video you will find various tips for arranging the site and its landscaping.

Note! Now the trend is the desire for originality and naturalness. A fashionable solution is an alpine slide and a Russian garden, combined with elements of technological progress.

The main styles of landscape design of a summer cottage

Before proceeding with the creation of landscape design at their summer cottage, let's look at popular styles.

Classic landscape design of a summer cottage: photo options

Landscaping in a classic design involves clear geometric lines. The composition is necessarily complemented by eye-catching decor in the form of waterfalls or ponds. Classic design requires a lot of space. It is suitable for landscape design of a plot of 15 acres.

The following items are often used:

• reservoirs;
• sculptures;
• furniture sets;
• tracks;
• plants.

Reservoirs are often performed in correctly geometric configurations. These are round, oval and rectangular shapes. Objects must be framed by trees or .

Remarkably fit into this style of terrace, towering above the ground. Sculptures are an indispensable attribute of the classics. Furniture sets are made of forged elements and stone products.

landscape style

Landscape or English style is especially popular. The main feature of the design is the smoothness of the tracks and the use of natural materials for decoration. Asymmetry and calm colors can be used. The site should not have sharp corners and clear lines.

When creating alpine slides, the following rules apply:

• symmetry is not applied;
• imitation of a real mountain landscape;
• stones of different shapes, textures and sizes are used.

Alpine slide must have overall dimensions. It is not recommended to stir it against the wall or. Elements such as uneven reliefs, wild flowers and ponds of irregular configurations are used.

In the photo below you can see what the landscape design of the landscape garden looks like:

Landscape design can complement a beautiful gazebo

Country style design and photo examples

Rural country style was first used in Europe. The following design features are worth noting:

• on the site there are necessarily yellow sunflowers, orange pumpkins, tomatoes and flowering fruit trees;
• small architectural forms are made of wood;
• wicker hedges, winding paths and supports for climbing crops will fit perfectly into the design;
• various antiques are used - watering cans, cart wheels and low fences made of poles;
• flowers, shrubs and trees are planted without any clear planning. It is important to create a sense of carelessness;
• will fit into the exterior of a log house, a garden bridge or a fence with a small palisade.

Rustic landscaping is especially suitable for a small lot.

Oriental style and features of its application

The eastern direction is suitable for landscape design of a plot of 4 ÷ 6 acres. Flower beds with bright vegetation, domed fountains and fountains with all kinds of mosaic patterns are used as the main elements of decor. For oriental exteriors required.

When designing this style, it is not necessary to use expensive materials. Beautiful elements can be made from improvised means. For example, a mosaic ornament can be made from the remains of ceramic.

Asian style for a simple site

Asian gardens have a history of more than one millennium. Mostly it is about Chinese and Japanese design.

The main difference between the Japanese garden is conciseness. A small area is enough for decoration. In this case, one tree and many stones can be used. The design necessarily includes water, plants, architectural elements and stones.

An important element of the garden is bonsai or dwarf trees, which are grown using a special technology. The patio can be decorated with accents of Japanese culture - screens, stone and tree decorations and lanterns. Asian landscaping is ideal for landscape design of a small plot of 4 acres.

The Chinese garden is based on the traditions of Feng Shui. The layout is carried out taking into account the harmonious ratio of Yin and Yang. The landscape is complemented by magnificent elements of Chinese culture: interesting architectural forms and original lanterns.

Exotic in the country

The exotic direction allows you to use the most extraordinary ideas. Interesting compositions can be made from different materials. It may or may not be a stone. Exotic plants and small ponds are also used. Such landscape design is recommended for a summer cottage from 10 to 20 acres. However, it may have an irregular shape.

For decoration, a lot of plants are used, a bright color palette and. From the trees you can choose plum, Tatar maple and cherry. The design can be supplemented with honeysuckle, barberry and Japanese quince.

Bamboo or barberry is used as screens and hedges. On the terrace you can put cacti or dracaena. A hammock or can be used as garden furniture.

Free style

Free style allows you to realize the most incredible creative ideas. The main elements include large trees, climbing crops and all kinds of flowers. You can mix several styles at once.

This video shows the most popular styles:

Stages of planning the landscape design of a country house and plot

Planning landscape design near the house can be done with your own hands. The existing types of layout can be seen in the photo.

Planning has the following options:

• geometric planning allows you to divide the site into territories;
• landscape used for registration of plots;
• mixed variety planning suitable for different areas.

layout

You can make a blueprint yourself. To do this, follow these steps:

• draw the contours of the territory on a sheet;
• mark all natural reservoirs and terrain irregularities;
• mark all buildings outside the perimeter. This must be done to maintain all the necessary distances;
• define all areas of illumination;
• note the prevailing wind direction and the location of the cardinal points.

The table shows the main layout options:

Creating a design first involves designing and landscaping.

Zoning

Properly executed zoning will help to make a large area more comfortable or visually enlarge a small area. The division into functional zones is carried out both for the design of a plot of 15 acres and 4 acres. You can see interesting photos and projects on our website.

The territory can be divided into the following zones:

• garden area;
• rest zone;
• dining area;
• sports area.

The site divided into separate areas should look like a single whole. One zone should smoothly transition into another.

Lighting device

An important component of the exterior is lighting. It performs many functions. Properly placed light is able to emphasize all the advantages of the site and mask the shortcomings.

Use lighting to decorate your summer cottage with your own hands. You can see the best ideas in the photo. Landscape lighting performs the following tasks:

• lighting of functional areas and sites. Illumination is necessary for a terrace, gazebo, garage or pool;
• protection from strangers on the site. Light fixtures in every corner deter intruders;
• territory decoration. Lighting is used, shrubs, ponds and a variety of architectural forms.

Arrangement of paths and platforms

An important design element is the garden path. Depending on a certain style, tracks of different sizes, shapes and materials are used. The central tracks should be more solid. The mosaic decor looks great.

For garden paths, the following material is used:

• gravel;
• a natural stone;
• pebbles;
• cover from ;
• paving stones

Platforms and paths should be combined with the main exterior style.

Note! To prevent the paths from becoming overgrown with weeds, it is recommended to lay a film under the backfill. And so that weeds do not penetrate into the gaps between the tiles, they are planted with lawn grass and moss.

Registration of a summer cottage: the main methods of gardening

An important stage in the arrangement of a summer cottage is landscaping. In this case, different methods for registration are used.

Lawns

If you plan to place a cascade or fountain in the water, then the reservoir should be placed close to the source of electricity.

Swimming pool

With the right approach, the pool can become not only a place of relaxation, but also a magnificent decoration.

As a basis, you can take the finished bowl. This will facilitate the work on the arrangement of the water structure.

The design of the area with the pool deserves special attention. It should complement the main design of the territory. Multi-colored stones, picturesque rocks or bright plants are suitable for decoration. When creating a landscape design for 12 acres, you can install not only a pool, but also add a waterfall.

Pond

A pond is one of the simplest water structures. It is suitable for almost any area. The pond is decorated with natural materials and a variety of plants.

A small pond can become part of the landscape composition. Its purpose is to decorate the garden. A decorative pond is made out with the help of fountains, lights and bridges.

Do-it-yourself garden structures in the landscape design of a summer cottage

The brazier cannot be placed next to perennial plants or near households. If a canopy is used, then you need to consider a hole for the chimney.

gazebos

For the construction of a gazebo, you should choose the most picturesque place of the summer cottage. Well, if there is a reservoir nearby. The building should be placed on a hill.

Pergolas can be of different configurations - polygonal, with or without a roof. And also made of wood, forged elements, bamboo and other materials. The patio, which is arranged in the area adjacent to the house, is popular. Such a structure is made of stone, tile, wood or concrete.

You can decorate a recreation area with the help of weaving crops. A barbecue can be placed next to the gazebo.

For most people, the dacha has ceased to personify a place with endless beds, on which you need to work tirelessly almost all summer. Now the suburban area is a territory for relaxation and aesthetic pleasure. Landscaping will help to ensure the harmonious unity of man with nature. About great ideas for the garden - in our article.

Features of landscape design

Landscape design is at the intersection of construction, architecture and crop production. For a competent design of the landscape, it is also necessary to have certain information about the style directions and the rules for the harmony of forms.

Landscaping is a real art that has been practiced by professionals for many centuries. However, if you want to transform the territory of the cottage on your own, you just need to familiarize yourself with the basics of planning and ready-made projects in order to put into practice those ideas that you like.

So, before starting work, pay attention to the following points:

- for the transformation of the site, both objects of animate and inanimate nature, and objects created by man are used, while each of them must fit into the overall composition;
- a finished garden needs to be looked after, so if you can’t devote time to this regularly, stop at simple solutions;
- think over the main idea and work plan, create a basic scheme, and add decorative elements to it;
- Not every project can be implemented in practice. Consider the quality of the soil and the degree of illumination - each plant requires special conditions for normal development.

Styles

It is easiest to work in one topic, which will determine the geometry of the location of the landings. Please note that its choice is influenced by the architecture of the buildings.

Classic style

A traditional style garden is also called a regular garden. First of all, it is characterized by consistent order and symmetry. Ideally, the direction is embodied in country estates with a vast territory, but it is quite possible to implement such projects in small areas of the dacha.

Plant shrubs and trees with a dense crown, which can later be given the correct shape. Take care of them and cut them in a timely manner. Lay paths straight, and arrange flowerbeds, alleys, lawns, ponds and parterres in geometric configurations (polygons, ovals and circles will do).

The classics require the selection of natural materials and the implementation of other buildings in a similar direction. The color palette is restrained, basic shades are suitable. You can complement the design with a fountain in the center of the composition, topiary plants, as well as beautiful antique-style sculptures.

Country style

The simplicity and comfort of rustic front gardens and gardens look cute and at ease. It is this direction that has been familiar to mankind since time immemorial, when all representatives of society lived in simple houses with modest but neat lawns.

Country is characterized by the following elements:

- fruit trees, vegetable beds;
- lush flower beds of free design;
- trails made of wood saw cuts, stone, gravel, ordinary earthen options;
- decorative details made by hand;
- wooden gazebos and benches surrounded by vegetation;
- a small reservoir of natural shape;
- a combination of natural colors with colorful and cheerful shades.

Ecostyle

The trend direction softens the contradictions between the technogenic environment and natural motives. The purpose of the eco-garden is to recreate a wilderness area in a private area. Therefore, the main rule is naturalness and ease, use:

- natural materials;
- cultivars along with field, forest plants;
- awnings and huts;
- wooden bridges, benches, hemp and saw cuts;
- creative crafts and lamps;
— garden furniture of rough configurations.

Japanese style

A somewhat exotic current for our open spaces. It requires an appropriate minimalist finish for buildings, which is not always typical for cottages. And yet, individual motives can quite organically fall on a standard basis.

To organize a garden with features of the Japanese tradition, use:

- streams, bowls of water, small lakes;
- stone gardens with pebbles;
- light, asymmetric spaces, conducive to contemplation;
- low coniferous plants, moss, sand;
- bamboo fences
- combined paving;
— seasoned colors (black, white, sandy, green, brown, gray);
— the main attention is paid to harmony, naturalness.

Minimalism

The minimalist style came from interior design. It stands on the same foundations - simplicity and conciseness in everything. With a limited set of tools, it is necessary to perform a maximum of functional tasks, to express the main idea, creating lightness and space.

The minimalist landscape is characterized by the following features:

- the site resembles a studio apartment;
- the tracks have smooth and straight lines;
- rectangular shapes;
- black, white, gray, beige, terracotta and green shades;
- abstract sculptures;
— mirrors, spotlights;
- furniture made of aluminum and plastic.

Green spaces

To start landscaping, you need to draw up a plan and decide on plant varieties for planting and their location. In this situation, it is best to use the traditional zoning algorithm:

- The outer side is a fence, which can be a fence or a hedge;
- Internal - located directly next to the main building;
- Intermediate - places for recreation and areas accessible to the eye that need to be ennobled.

As for the outer part, it can be landscaped at will. Install a beautiful fence and gate, and then complete the fence with a hedge over the entire plane or partially. The vegetation for the fence is different: fruit trees or shrubs in one or two lines. Tall trees are planted in one row, it can be: cedar, fir, pine, plum, mulberry or apple tree.

For a two-row planting, select shrubs: rose, currant, lilac. You can also arrange vertical gardening, hang flower pots on the fence or plant weaving plants near it. Such vegetation will provide an excellent aesthetic appearance and an incomparable smell.

For the area near the house, plant undersized bushes or organize a neat flower bed. In this area, a flower garden-border, a mono-flower garden or a mixborder looks organically. Set boundaries and regularly care for flowers - and you will create a cheerful image of your porch.

The intermediate zone is the most important and time-consuming. Spread the lawn over the entire area. Then it all depends on your plans. For example, combine lush green grass with an alpine slide or rockery. Designs in the form of a swing, arbors, pergolas can be transformed with ivy or bindweed. For this zone, all types of flower beds will be appropriate, it is only important to combine them correctly with the rest of the design details. Decorate the site with original flower beds: multi-dimensional, in the form of a stream, on elevations, in boxes, baskets, old shoes, logs and so on.

reservoirs

Reservoirs deservedly occupy one of the main positions in landscape decoration, emphasizing the features and perception of space, as well as filling it with functionality. Modern design offers many different variations of water bodies that you can pay attention to when planning: a fountain, a pool, a stream, a pond (classic, landscape), a garden aquarium, a mini-pond in any capacity (you can do it yourself), multi-level (including streams and waterfalls).

When choosing the type of reservoir, start from its functions, as well as the general concept of your dacha. Before planning, you should look at the natural topography of the landscape. Use them to create artificial ponds - it will look as natural and harmonious as possible.

The shape and size can be absolutely anything. When deciding on these parameters, you need to take into account the style of the entire garden, the location of the water area and the functional purpose.

Tracks

Garden paths are a necessary part of the modern design of the courtyard of a private house. Despite the fact that the main function of the paths is to create safe conditions for moving around your site, they also give you the opportunity to zone and decorate the yard area. Garden paths can be made from a variety of materials, such as large flat rocks, a variety of bricks, fine gravel, or concrete slabs. By combining materials, fencing the paths with small borders or decorating them with additional elements, you can achieve not only the desired functionality, but also decorate the territory.

Depending on the desires of the owner and the general concept, certain geometric shapes can be used. Straight or winding paths in the company of rectangular or oval flower beds will create a unique image of the space.

Sometimes private property does not have a perfectly flat surface, but hills and pits. You should not fight with nature and level the site, it is best to succumb to her will and combine the paths with steps. This diversifies the paths connecting the zones of your estate.

Additional buildings

Landscape design involves the creation of building structures for outdoor recreation:

1. Pergolas allow you to organize beautiful flower arches, light protection from the sun and wind at the pool and at the dining table, as well as zoning the space. These can be arched buildings, canopies near the main building, standing apart structures.

2. Everyone is familiar with the functional purpose of the gazebo, while it can be embodied in a variety of configurations: open or closed, braided with vegetation, located separately or adjacent to the house. Arbors are created in classical, oriental, forest and rustic styles. There are also exclusive options with swing seats, in the form of a ship, a huge kettle, an igloo with a hole at the top for smoke from a fire to escape, and so on.

Gone are the days when everyone in the summer cottage was engaged in beds and fruit trees, but did not think about the decor. Once upon a time, unpretentious flowers along the fence or a small flower bed were the best decoration of the courtyard. Today, the dacha is becoming a place of country recreation, and many owners hire a landscape design specialist. But if the hands are in place and there are a few worthwhile ideas, no big expenses are needed. The original design of a summer cottage with their own hands is made from improvised materials, which are in abundance in every garage, on mezzanines, balconies or in pantries.

Do-it-yourself cottage decoration

Mill in a country house made of stones

Decorating a flower bed with a tree

The main advantage of homemade country decor is that it is possible to attach everything that it was a pity to throw away. Each thrifty owner of the house in the garage and on the balcony, mezzanine and in the pantry has many years of deposits of all kinds of good, which will soon become an adornment of the landscape.

Do-it-yourself dacha design can be adapted to many items that have served the main period:

• bald car tires;
• plastic bottles, containers and containers;
• ropes, tarpaulin, burlap, camouflage net;
• trimming boards and thin saw cuts of wood;
• unnecessary plastic pipes;
• thick wire, chain-link mesh, metal scraps;
• old shoes and sports equipment;
• plywood boxes and wooden packaging;
• empty barrels and other containers;
• leaky teapots, bowls, pots;
• unnecessary carts and bicycles;
• old plastic and wooden furniture;
• remnants of building materials and mounting foam.

First of all, you need to evaluate the "reserves" in order to distribute them for arranging the cottage as needed. Some of the materials will go to the manufacture of fully functional devices.

In any yard, "Moidodyr" (washbasin) in the barbecue or barbecue area and a swing sofa in the shade of the garden under a tarpaulin canopy will be useful. From other old things, make flower stands and planters, all kinds of original garden decorations with your own hands.

The head of a boar from a pile of earth in the country

flower bed decoration

You will need a detailed site plan for competent zoning and marking. Even in a small courtyard of a country house or in a country garden, it is necessary to distribute functional zones that delimit:

• borders;
• sides from plastic bottles;
• hedges;
• decorative masonry;
• original fences.

A well-maintained estate does not require redevelopment, you only need creative design ideas for giving. On the new site, places for a comfortable pastime are being determined:

• hearth for outdoor cooking;
• children's playground with a decorative sandbox;
• gazebos, benches, swings;
• parking under a canopy for cars, motorcycles or bicycles;
• playground for a children's pool;
• decorative beds, flower beds, flower beds and alpine slides.

Working on a country design with your own hands, it is possible to realize old dreams and plans of the whole family. Free areas can be covered with small pebbles, sow lawn grass, undersized border plants and flowers, as in the photo.

Arbor in the country with their own hands

Flower bed in the country

DIY border in the country

garden paths

Arguments about whether paths are needed in the country last until the first downpour. In some regions, the soil is so viscous that you can’t pull your feet out of the mud - it sticks to your shoes in a heavy lump. The only way out is to provide aesthetic paved passages between summer cottages.

Paths made of different materials will help to decorate the cottage with your own hands:

• bricks or foam blocks;
• cutting boards and round cuts;
• sea ​​pebbles and wild stone;
• compacted fine gravel and sand;
• homemade paving slabs;
• marble chips and other bulk materials of small fractions;
• concrete paths with mosaic masonry of broken glass and ceramic tiles.

The country alley leading to the garden will be functional and attractive in itself, when there are original borders or rows of annual flowers on the sides. But the original idea of ​​\u200b\u200blaying will make it a real decoration of the garden with your own hands from improvised materials.

Decorating the dacha with plants

Flower beds in the country

A paved path can be below ground level or slightly elevated, have a flat or slightly convex surface. Alleys will last for many years if done according to all the rules.

A shallow trench is needed, which is marked and fixed along the rope between the driven pegs. This is the only way to make the track the same width.

The bottom of the trench is compacted with gravel and sand, regardless of the type of paving material.

Next, you need to organize formwork for concrete with filler or sides for large blocks. As decorative sides, low log pegs, rows of glass or plastic bottles of the same size dug upside down are suitable.

Sandbox with flowers

Flowers in pots in the country

Flowerbed of stones in the country

Between the formwork, the compacted trench is filled with a concrete base for recessed finishing materials. Between the tiles of the mosaic path, you need to carefully fill the seams.

Alleys made of bricks, blocks and solid tiles (without cement mix) are sprinkled with sand at the seams.

When laying tiles or bricks on sand, use a rubber or wooden mallet to fit and level.

The horizontal is adjusted by the building level.

If the site is in a lowland, be sure to organize drainage, otherwise the alleles during a downpour can turn into gutters. The situation will be saved by a shallow drainage ditch parallel to the garden path, paved with ceramic fragments or filled with cement.

Design ideas for giving will be embodied in the best way if all stages of the construction of the path and its decor are done slowly and efficiently, observing the laying technology. The easiest way is to use ready-made trellis templates for home-made tracks made of cement with filler, as in the photo. The template is rearranged step by step along the prepared trench with a “cushion of sand and gravel, filling in with the base material.

Forms for paving slabs and "euro-fence" of various sizes and shapes are on sale. You can organize a whole production for a summer cottage or start your own business.

Landscaping the border in the country

DIY border in the country

Decorative hedges, fences and borders

According to the technology described in the previous section, decorative bumpers are made to strengthen the levels of a summer cottage under a slope and the walls of a cascading flower bed. The palisade method is also suitable as a decorative hedge.

The edge of the low side can also be used as paths between flower beds and sandboxes. Children love to run along the rows of dug-in "stumps".

Hedges are a great way to save on do-it-yourself zoning of a summer cottage. Suitable shrubs for pruning, ordinary or standard roses in the form of a tree. Undersized border roses are planted between them, you get a two-row flower wall.

The simplest side is made from plastic bottles. Containers of the same color are filled with sand, gravel or soil. In a small trench, the bottles are dug up to half and covered with earth or stone chips. They can be empty, but they stay filled with something longer.

Attention! Plastic bottles cannot be filled with water - lenses form under the sun's rays that burn out nearby plants. Even a fire is possible.

DIY flowerbed

Stone castle in the country

Do-it-yourself brazier made of stones in the country house

Floral arches and climbing pergolas

Climbing roses and other climbing flowers are a great way to decorate a homemade country gazebo or arch from improvised materials. As a basis, a metal bar, corner or channel is suitable, which can be assembled into a structure with a welding machine or twisted with bolts.

Ready-made supports for arches must be securely fixed in the ground. Do-it-yourself dug pits with columns for country decor are well tamped with rubble and sand, after which they are cemented and covered with stone chips. On the top of such a gallery, depending on the climatic features of the region, grapes or fragrant flowers can creep.

In a hot climate, it is better to make a covered gallery. Remains of light-transmitting roofing materials are also suitable. Sheds along decorative paths can only be on the south side, but slanted to give more shade. A wire trellis is stretched between the pillars, where the plants will curl. The most economical way is to grow cucumbers, ornamental beans or pumpkins along the arch.

Flower lovers can decorate the cottage with their own hands from improvised materials in different ways. They make vertical flower beds in holes from wide plastic pipes, wooden or openwork metal shelves for pots, as in the photo.

Flowerbed of stones in the country

Do-it-yourself cottage decoration

Garden sculptures and decor from improvised means

Do-it-yourself garden design from improvised materials is mainly associated with such materials:

• car tires (bald tires);
• templates from plywood scraps, from which it is easy to make the missing elements for the "smiling characters" of the country decor;
• plastic containers;
• ceramic flower pots;
• unnecessary shoes;
• metal and wooden barrels, etc.

Some homemade garden sculptures are so good that they can compete with real masterpieces. For example, polyurethane foam frogs or plaster swans.

But most of the role models are made from car tires - threaded and inverted. Acrylic paints will transform any material to make recognizable characters for do-it-yourself country design. Depending on the skill and style of decorating the garden and patio, you can choose any idea. This is what swans and parrots look like from rubber, palm trees from plastic bottles.

Making a flower bed with snails with your own hands

Making a cottage with improvised materials

Table and chairs made of stumps in the country

Original flower beds and mini-flower beds

Mini-flower beds with succulents and cacti (other small plants) inside large shells look original. Equally interesting to many will be the idea of ​​​​using shoes as flower pots or old hats on the wall.

Small containers are suitable for succulents and indoor plants exposed for the summer in the open air. But before you decorate the cottage with your own hands, keep in mind that they will have to be brought into the house during a downpour, hail and gusty winds. It is better to make original forms and planters stationary, and insert flower pots for the season or upon arrival at the dacha on weekends.

Traditionally broken down vehicles are used as original DIY garden ornaments. Carts and bicycles, large parts of the car body are suitable for a small flower garden. Musical instruments are also suitable. Creative idea - a piano with flowers and a waterfall.

Fountain, artificial pond

A mini-reservoir is an excellent solution for decorating a summer cottage with your own hands. A small tank can be equipped from improvised means:

• old rubber boat;
• a large metal barrel;
• excavator bucket;
• tub;
• cistern cut.

The bottom of a homemade pond is made in a small pit, with a compacted pillow of gravel and sand. From above they are lined with a tarpaulin and a dense film in 2-3 layers, the edges are fixed with stones in the form of bumpers. It remains to fill with water and decorate with pivot plants.

Advice. To maintain the ecological balance, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the water, which is periodically drained or circulated. The fountain needs a pump and a filter. To complete the design of the "lake", add homemade frogs, a swan or a crocodile.

Flower beds in the country with flowers

DIY flower bed in the country

Landscaping with playground

So that children do not get bored in the country, and they do not take time while working in the garden and in the beds, there is a solution - a playground with a sandbox and funny home-made figurines.

An important condition is that the place for children's games should be clearly visible from different angles of the summer cottage in order to observe what is happening.

Sandbox sides are easy to build from improvised means:

• log palisade;
• painted boards;
• wide wooden box;
• big tire etc.

In any type of sandbox, children need space to sit and lay out the molds. A country children's corner can be fenced off from neighbors with a fence in the form of pencils or decorated with other home-made decor - paints to help!

If there is enough space, you can build a more interesting sandbox on the site - in the form of a ship, car or tower. Somewhere nearby, you can build a tree house with rope ladders and a slide for descending into the sandbox or a tent camp from old bedspreads. Stretch the ropes between the trees, give them clothespins and cloth, they will gladly build houses for themselves.

Original garden furniture

The fantasy of craftsmen is limitless - from plastic bottles, awning materials and wood waste they make garden furniture on the verge of masterpieces. After trimming the garden and removing dead wood, there is a lot of material left that is easy to attach to make:

• armchairs;
• swing;
• rocking chairs;
• tables and stands.

For comfort, soft seats are made, and natural-shaped material goes to the sidewalls and the frame of the products. It is very convenient to use ready-made pallets or pallets as the basis for a sofa or a corner under a canopy. Puffs and banquettes, tables and chairs are made from plastic bottles. There is time and experience - make a whole sofa for the dacha from plastic bottles, but you will need a lot of containers of the same shape and volume. A cover or cape for a homemade sofa is sewn from old curtains.

More original ideas will be suggested by photos from our gallery.

Landscaping a garden or summer cottage on your own is quite simple. Knowing certain rules, and with a little work, you can transform an ordinary site into an amazing vacation spot.

The beginning of the transformation process

About twenty years ago, the dacha was used as a garden for growing vegetables and berry bushes. They regularly went to the dacha to cultivate it, water it, and at the end of the season to harvest, which many people preserved there and left for storage.

There were very few ornamental plants and, as a rule, they were planted near the house or along the paths. Practically no one was fond of decorative landscape.

But still, there were some amateur flower growers who did not strive to harvest a large crop, but paid more attention to growing flowers and ornamental plants. They created small flower beds and flower beds, which caused delight among others.

Probably, it was these summer residents who first began to create small design ideas for arranging the landscape of their summer cottage and bring them to life.

Modern owners of dachas are trying to equip the recreation area at their summer cottage to the maximum, regardless of its size, using all kinds of plants, structural elements and even reservoirs to decorate the landscape.

Looking at a photo of the landscape design of a summer cottage, it seems that it is impossible to create it with your own hands. But, as they say, even the impossible is possible, so everything is in your hands.

How to design a suburban area?

The main thing: to have an accurate idea of ​​​​the final result in the chosen place, sow lawn grass on this site, purchase and plant the necessary plants.

The area of ​​the plot is also important, since on a large plot you can place a place for a barbecue, a decent gazebo, a pond with fountains and, of course, an alpine corner in the form of a slide.

In a small area, you will have to be content with only a few elements.

Tip: creating a lawn is a prerequisite for arranging a site; landscape design cannot exist without it!

Arrangement of the landscape with conifers

Coniferous trees are indispensable for landscape decoration. It can be thuja, yew tree, juniper, cypress suitable for warm regions. They are short, don't form much shade, and can take any shape with scissors and your hands.

Perfect as a hedge and decoration of an alpine slide. Thuja and juniper can be planted along the central path.

Coniferous trees are usually planted in autumn or early spring in favorable soil of peat, turf and sand. Between seedlings, the distance should be 150 cm or more. They should be well watered, and then fertilized with minerals. For wintering, all trees under 5 years old should be covered.

Landscaping from improvised materials

To equip the landscape with all sorts of old materials, literally everything will fit: old furniture, ceramics, hand-made figurines, etc. Use your imagination, the Internet or the recommendations of professionals for this.

Flower garden decoration

Modern designers have tried here too, coming up with some options for decorating flower beds:

Rabatka. This is a strip of flowers on the lawn in the form of a border. This lawn design can be seen on lawns in parks. For rabatka, several colors of flowers are usually used, different in height, visually resembling a staircase.

Note!

Border. In this variant, flowers are planted along the path above the border, using different types of flowers, but creeping varieties that grow very close to each other look ideal.

Mixborder. This is the name of a flower bed that combines groups of different colors on its surface. The idea of ​​the combination is to combine not only different colors, but also different flowering periods.

Mixborder should be constantly blooming! To achieve this, you will have to work hard:

• plant flowers according to the order of their flowering, taking into account seasonality,
• divide the surface of the flower bed into 3 parts: plants of 1 part should bloom in spring, 2 parts in summer, 3 parts in almost autumn.

Lawn on your own

The lawn is the main character in the ideas of landscape design of a summer cottage. Currently, there are several varieties of lawns, but for beginners, a universal look is suitable.

Uncontaminated land in your area, defined as a lawn, must be dug up, leveled, lightly tamped and sown with seeds, and covered with dry soil on top to protect the seeds from birds.

But for many, the desire to arrange a recreation area arises in areas with perennial buildings, so to speak, in familiar places where groups of friends or relatives usually gather.

Note!

The land in such places, as a rule, is heavily trampled down with patches of grass. This is a rather difficult case for beginners to start landscaping.

First you need to get rid of weeds with the help of special chemicals, following all the recommendations for their use. But you can also uproot stumps with roots and get rid of weeds on your own, however, you will have to repeat this procedure more than once.

When the land is finally cleared, it is necessary to fertilize it with mineral additives so that the young grass grows in full force.

For sowing, we choose a universal lawn mix, since this mixture does not require special care, shade and drought tolerance, and is resistant to low temperatures.

But be patient, the perfect lawn will not work from the first season, you will need to wait and work hard, clearing it of weeds and regularly sowing the seeds so that there are no bald spots.

Note!

But on the other hand, after going through all the lawsuits, you will really enjoy the result, walking barefoot on your own created lawn.

Content Features:

• mow grass in dry weather conditions;
• do not allow strong growth of grass;
• during the dry period, water abundantly, but without fanaticism.

Design of the entire suburban area

Do-it-yourself landscaping on the site can be anything you want. You can equip a small pond with decorative elements, place a light gazebo and a barbecue area near it.

The surface of the earth should be sown with lawn grass. The borders of the paths can be decorated with flowers, a mixborder and coniferous trees can be arranged nearby, but not near barbecues.

If you wish, you can decorate the fence with climbing plants.

Landscape design of a mini-lounge

Even a small area can be transformed by arranging its landscape. But in no case do not put up a high fence, do not plant pine trees, and do not overdo it in decor elements.

The fence will create the feeling of a cage, to avoid this, decorate it with climbing plants. A special flavor will be given to the summer cottage of a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe lawn with undersized shrubs.

Landscaping of a large suburban area

In this case, you can show the whole flight of fantasy: the construction of a bathhouse, parking, swimming pool, fountain and other structures. In addition to organizing a fruit and berry garden and a vegetable garden, you can make greenhouses.

The main thing in design is to correctly prioritize and use all zones correctly.

There are no restrictions in decorating the site: an alpine slide, lawns, mixborders, coniferous trees, etc. Everything can be placed. But everything is good in moderation! Dare and be happy!

Do-it-yourself design photo of a summer cottage

A person who is not professionally engaged in design may well create his own little oasis around the house. However, as in any science, in landscape design there are several rules that must be followed in order to achieve the desired result.

endure style

Many owners of suburban areas neglect the choice of style and fill the territory of the site with sculptural compositions and plants of various styles. The resulting chaotic composition, as a rule, hurts the eye. In order not to repeat the mistakes of unlucky homeowners, you need to choose a single style for decorating the site and stick to it.

Harmonious composition

When choosing the design elements of the site, remember that they must all be in harmony with each other. For example, a large fountain in the middle of a small flower bed will look ridiculous and more repulsive than beautiful. Also remember about the compatibility of the materials used, their texture and color.

Laconic design

An annoying pile of various sculptures, plants, architectural forms has long ceased to be popular. Even if each object of the composition separately can be a real work of art, in combination with a dozen other catchy designs, it will lose its charm. Conciseness and simplicity are in fashion now, implying a combination of a small number of objects that perfectly complement each other.

Style selection

As already mentioned, one of the main rules of landscape design is compliance with a single style. To make your choice, consider several options and choose the one that suits the design of your home and, of course, your taste.

Classic style

The classic design of a suburban area implies the presence of a classic-style house on the site, and the reign of ideal geometric shapes and symmetry around it.

Classic style elements:

• regular, round-shaped pond (with or without a fountain);
• solemnly executed main entrance;
• shrubs in the form of geometric shapes and evenly trimmed lawn;
• massive benches, arches, columns, arbors, flowerpots;
• plants - blue spruce, roses, grapes, begonias, lilacs, wild roses, honeysuckle, jasmine.

Country style

Rustic style in design is the complete opposite of the classic. This style is characterized by light, sweet negligence and the absence of regular geometric shapes. Flowers are arranged randomly, flower beds are full of a combination of a variety of colors, becoming like a bright kaleidoscope. Paths, as a rule, are paved with non-continuous tiles of unequal shape, lawns are mowed deliberately casually.

English (landscape) style

The beauty of the English style lies in the preservation of a well-groomed, but natural nature.

Style elements:

• arches and pavilions with climbing roses and vines;
• irregularly shaped reservoirs;
• winding paths, alternating hills with flat areas;
• hedge;
• predominance of low shrubs and trees in the territory;
• flower bed "flower carpet" with scarlet sage, begonia, Indian canna and summer cypress;
• large flowering shrubs at the entrance to the house.

provence garden

The French style is graceful and light, and it is quite possible to recreate it in a small area. The main thing is to capture the romanticism of the style and get rid of clear, straight lines.

Provencal style elements:

• gazebo made of wood or natural stone;
• gravel or stone ornate paths;
• flowers in round flower beds or in boxes, flowerpots;
• vines or ivy on the gazebo, fences;
• fruit trees with palmettes (with a fan-shaped crown) next to light-colored stone walls.

Japanese style

This is the ideal landscape design for a country house, if its territory is not too large. The main element is a reservoir with a bridge, islands, decorative stones and lamps. Among the plants, juniper, rhododendron, bonsai predominate, which look great among moss, stones and water. The peculiarity of the Japanese garden is minimalism, symbolism (underlined by round elements) and tranquility.

Modern style

This landscape design of a suburban area denies negligence and lightness, it is distinguished by thoughtfulness and boldness of lines.

Art Nouveau elements:

1. Perfectly trimmed lawn.
2. Neat geometry of the site, giving preference to arcuate, round lines.
3. Mandatory presence of a fountain or artificial pond.
4. The use of predominantly natural materials, possibly in combination with metal.
5. Bright flowers (for example, irises), trees and shrubs of irregular shape.
6. It is possible to have a terrace and various kinds of retaining walls.

Country style

Country is an exaggerated rustic style. The landscape design of a country house of this type, when done correctly, looks amazingly simple and romantic.

Country style elements:

1. Light sloppy paths made of tiles and natural stone.
2. Chaotic arrangement of shrubs, trees and flowers.
3. Fruit trees, a huge amount of greenery, replete with colors, bright flower beds and beds with sunflowers, tomatoes, strawberries, flowering pumpkins.
4. Outdated kitchen and garden utensils as decorative elements.
5. A pond with a bridge and a wooden gazebo nearby.

Chinese style

This style is reminiscent of the connection between nature and man, its peculiarity is in the thoughtful arrangement of each element in accordance with the rules of Feng Shui. In a Chinese garden, there is always a key element that attracts the most attention, and the remaining elements are arranged according to the “Yin-Yang” principle (the principle of contrast): for example, the combination of stone and water, shadow and light. There are usually traditional Chinese buildings on the site as well.

Hi-tech style

Landscape design of a country house in this style is suitable for those who do not like to deal with flowers and garden beds for a long time.

High-tech style elements:

• general orderliness, straight lines, clear geometrization;
• dim flowers and plants: hostas, ferns and the like;
• clear forms of plants;
• predominantly artificial materials in decoration: plastic, glass, concrete;
• a large number of original lamps.

Below in the article you can see different styles of landscape design of a country house in the photo.

Track design

Garden paths form and define the landscape of the site, give it a certain character. For the design of the tracks, you can use gravel, concrete, decorative tiles, stone, paving stones. You can combine materials: for example, the middle of the path can be occupied by slabs, and around them - a space covered with gravel.
The optimal width of the garden path is 1-1.5 meters, so that two people can freely disperse on it. For practical purposes, there should be a slight slope on both sides of the path so that rainwater does not collect in puddles, but flows onto the grass.

Flowers and greenery

There can be a great variety of solutions for filling and decorating the site. Consider the most common of them:

Lawn

This is a classic solution that most people resort to when choosing a country house landscape design. The lawn can be garden (ordinary), parterre, non-grass. With the right choice of type and careful care, the lawn will bring harmony and atmosphere to your site.

flower garden

Choosing the shape and style of a flower garden is not as easy as it seems at first glance, but the result is definitely worth the effort. Remember that a modest house on the site is ideally complemented by luxurious flower beds, and it is better to choose a laconic flower garden for a lush building.

Flower bed shapes:

1. Mixborder - the most popular type of flower garden, which harmoniously combines flowers, shrubs and maybe even small trees. This type of flower garden allows you to choose different types of plants and any form of flower bed that can "wrap around" paths and buildings. The combination of contrasting colors and sizes looks spectacular (tall plants are located either in the center or along the edges of the flower garden).
2. Rabatka is a ribbon of flowers that are combined in color and size. Rabatka is usually planted along paths, lawns, it can be one-sided or two-sided (for example, grow on both sides of the alley).
3. A vertical flower bed is a great solution for a flower garden in a small area. Flowers are planted in a multi-tiered container, which is filled with flowering, climbing fruit-bearing plants, herbs or greens.

Green spaces

Another option for landscaping the site is planting shrubs and non-fruiting ornamental trees. For example, boxwood with a curly haircut can give your site a completely unusual look. Grape vines can also be planted along the walls of the site buildings.

Alpine slide

Alpine Hill is a special landscape composition, which is hills with flowers, shrubs and other decorative elements. The first layer of the slide is broken brick or gravel, which is covered with a mound of earth in the form of a mound. After shrinkage of the earth, stones are installed, then elements of medium and small size. The best plants for the slide are stonecrop, edelweiss, saxifrage, backache. A properly designed alpine slide looks incredibly impressive.

Trees

If the size of the site allows you to go beyond ornamental trees, feel free to plant trees such as black locust or horse chestnut: they will be a great addition to any design. Rowan and bird cherry will give the site coziness, and euonymus - originality.

Different types of landscaping examples, as well as the design of a country house plot - photos can be viewed in our photo gallery.

reservoirs

When choosing the type of pond that can be the highlight of your garden, proceed from your preferences, the style of the site and the purpose that the reservoir should serve. It can have an exclusively aesthetic role, but it can also be practical: for example, water from a reservoir can be used to irrigate a site.

Pond options:

• fountains;
• ponds;
• swimming pool;
• waterfalls and cascades;
• circulating rivers;
• water mills.

Landscape design of a country house, photo examples using reservoirs, see below.

Fence selection

The fence that separates your site from the neighboring one should be stylistically consistent with the house and garden. Carefully choose the material: brick, wood, stone, metal, green hedge - and remember about compatibility. You can decorate the fence with climbing vines and vines. Fences within the site can be used to separate different areas (for example, vegetable garden, garden, recreation area). Any material will do, the only requirement is compliance with the general style of the site.

Arrangement of a recreation area

The recreation area can be sites of various sizes, shapes and purposes.

Alcove

The simplest, unpretentious version of the recreation area and at the same time very functional. In the gazebo you can sit alone, enjoying a book over a cup of coffee, you can meet friends and spend time playing exciting games and talking. The gazebo can be made of wood, metal, brick and stone, can be open or glazed, round, square or in the shape of a polyhedron - such as the owner wishes. The most important requirement for a gazebo, as for any element of landscape design, is compliance with the design of the territory.

Patio

A patio is a small patio, which, as a rule, looks like a terrace or an open veranda. A patio area is chosen on a flat sunny place in a picturesque corner of the garden, covered with tiles, wood or clinker bricks and equipped at your discretion. Usually the patio has benches or sofas for seating, outdoor lighting, a small table, flowerpots, there may also be an outdoor fireplace.

Place for cooking

Many owners of a suburban area want to have a place in the backyard where they can barbecue or barbecue. Options for organizing a place for cooking on fire depend on the method of preparation. Can choose:

• B-B-Q;
• brazier;
• Russian oven;
• open hearth;
• fireplace with garden kitchen.

A separate safe area is needed for a Russian stove and barbecue, while a canopy on a wooden deck is enough for a barbecue. A dining area with an open hearth will brighten up any yard, and a kitchen with a fireplace, although a very expensive project, makes it possible to constantly enjoy cooking and eating in the fresh air.

An additional simple option is to place an open-air dining room (you can make a special area with a canopy, a long table, sofas, or just set up a small table with a few chairs) to cook food in the house, and eat outside in a picturesque corner.

decorative elements

Decorative figures on a country plot have long ceased to be limited to garden gnomes. There is a huge variety of garden décor elements that are chosen according to your preferences and the overall composition of the site. The most interesting options:

sculptures

Sculptures vary in shape, size and subject matter. It can be an animal or a fairy-tale character peeking out from the shadow of the foliage - the story of this creature can be invented and told to guests. Sculpture can also be an avant-garde design composition that will be the highlight of your garden.

Vases

Flower vases are an alternative to flower beds that are gaining more and more popularity. Plants in a flowerpot are easier to care for, and such a composition looks no less impressive.

Lighting

Decorative lighting is an original way to diversify the design of the garden. The combination of lamps of different heights looks the most advantageous. Light contrasts can emphasize the beauty of any element of landscape design, give the garden a mystery or romance. White (yellow) lighting focuses on the naturalness of nature, and color creates unique visual effects.

stones

Do not rush to get rid of stones removed from the ground. Small, smooth, possibly colored stones can be placed between a flower bed and a path, for example, and large stones can be used to simulate an oriental style rock garden.

Decorative elements in the landscape design of a suburban area in the photo can be seen further.

Design options for plots of different sizes

Different ideas can be implemented on plots of different sizes.

Plot of 6 acres

To give a feeling of spaciousness to a small area will allow a low fence and winding paths. The best design option for a small area is the geometric style, which was often found in Soviet dachas: it makes the most efficient use of space. In the northern part of the site, you can place a greenhouse, technical buildings. There may also be a row of trees that will shelter from unpleasant winds and help organize the space of the site. Make sure that the house in a small area does not cast a shadow on light-loving plants. In the decor, you can use vertical gardening, which will be the original and best option for decorating a small area.

Plot of 10 acres

The trees and the shed on the larger lot are still on the northern side, but there is much more room to decorate the remaining space. On such a site, you can plant a lawn, fairly large flower beds or undergrowth (low grasses and shrubs that do not need a lot of light: bluebells, ferns, daisies). You can install a gazebo or even a sauna - all buildings will fit perfectly into the surrounding design if they are entwined with neat vines. The size of such a plot also allows you to arrange more complex compositions: a Japanese garden with a gazebo and an artificial stream or a "wildlife corner" with forest trees.

Plot of 12 acres

A garden of this size provides great opportunities for expressing your imagination. On it, in addition to residential buildings, you can install a pond with a waterfall, and the soil that is excavated for equipping a reservoir can easily turn into a base for an alpine slide. The main path of the garden can branch into small paths and go to distant corners. On a large plot, you can create a safe play area for children or equip a patio to relax.

Photo gallery

In our gallery you will find 19 more great ideas on how to make a landscape design for a country house.