14 Charming Ways to Upgrade Your Garden (Beyond Adding Plants)

Accent Your Entryway

Welcome guests to your backyard oasis with a defined, decorative entry point. "An ornamental gate or arched entry gives the garden a sense of arrival and separation from the rest of the yard," says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen. "This simple addition can provide charm and structure!"

Define the Boundaries

Crisp, neat borders around the outside of your planting beds give your landscaping a professional, polished finish. "Edging can help to define your garden beds and can be as simple as a clean cut with a spade, or as formal as a cobble or bluestone border," says Pete Cadieux, ASLA, of A Blade of Grass Inc. If your budget allows, spend a little extra to avoid plastic edging. "Choose steel, stone, or wood to elevate your space and create clean lines for a more refined look," says Lenhart. 

Enhance Garden Beds

You don’t need to move or add plants to give your garden beds a makeover—just add a soil covering. "Refresh your garden’s appearance with fresh mulch or gravel to suppress weeds, help with drainage, and give a new, cost-efficient look to your space,” says Lenhart.

Incorporate a Water Feature

Whether it's a birdbath, a water fountain, or a small pond, a water feature is a tranquil and beautiful addition to any backyard space, plus it can drown out loud neighbors. "Recirculating fountains offer a great way to turn a noisy space into a serene respite by masking surrounding sounds with white noise," says Cadieux.

Install Practical Lighting

Enjoy your outdoor space late into the evening by installing outdoor lighting. "String lights, lanterns, or solar-powered path lights can enhance the garden’s ambiance and make it inviting even after sunset," says Alexander Betz, landscape designer with Plant by Number. "When choosing lights, ensure they are IP-rated waterproof and made of rust-resistant materials to withstand outdoor conditions."

You can also install lighting to highlight specific elements of your garden design, such as illuminating your favorite tree, lighting a stepping-stone walkway, or adding a soft gleam around the edges of your patio. "Pathway lights, uplighting on trees, or string lights over a seating area can dramatically enhance the mood and usability of your garden after dark," says Lenhart. "Look for warm-toned LEDs to create an inviting glow."

Build Stylish Walkways

Pathways split gardens into defined areas, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space (while making your plants easier to access). "A path through your garden allows you to experience it fully and can be made of whatever material matches your garden’s style—mulch for a more natural look, pea stone for a classic English garden feel, or natural stone for a more formal aesthetic," says Cadieux.

Even small gardens benefit from additional pathways. Add a few stepping stones to connect your garden and porch or install a casual gravel walkway along your patio and driveway. "Natural stones or precast pavers are beginner- and budget-friendly," adds Lenhart.

Use Vertical Space

Take your garden to new heights with trellises and arbors—with or without vines and flowers. "Even without climbing plants, these structures create height and architectural beauty, acting as focal points in the garden," says Betz. "If you do have climbing plants, such as clematis, climbing roses, and star jasmine, placing these pieces nearby will allow them to grow vertically and create an even more beautiful space."

Attract More Birds

Make your yard more appealing to birds by implementing birdhouses, bird feeders, and birdbaths. "Attracting birds adds movement and life to your garden while supporting local wildlife," says Betz. He recommends placing feeders and houses in quiet, predator-free spots 5 to 10 feet above the ground.

A birdbath can do double duty as a white noise water feature and a draw for backyard birds—if you put it in the right area. "Place your birdbath near native shrubs and flowering perennials that attract birds," says Betz.

Use Art as a Focal Point

Sculptures, statues, and other types of garden artwork provide a pretty focal point to a garden space. "Statues, wind chimes, or metal art pieces bring personality and visual interest to your space, says Betz. "Different sculptures and art can also deter unwanted animals."

Landscape architect Janice Parker likes to add pieces inspired by nature‚ like a textural pineapple or oversized acorn, to her outside space. "We like to put them on a wall, a ledge, or just simply on the ground by the entry to the garden," she says.

Add Boulders

Large rocks and boulders are nature's sculptures. Add clusters of them throughout your landscape to create a minimalist, organic atmosphere. “Placing boulders next to fine-textured plants like grasses creates a juxtaposition of hard and soft,” says Lenhart. “Bury boulders at least by one-third, so they look like they've been there forever, not dropped in.”

Add Colorful Accessories

Highlight the natural colors of your garden with outdoor fabrics and décor in complementary colors, from throw pillows to blankets. "There are so many wonderful outdoor fabrics in so many shades and prints—have fun," says Parker.

Create a Garden Wall

A garden wall—whether made of stacked stone, sleek concrete, traditional brick, or neutral stucco—is a practical and stylish way to elevate the look of your outdoor space. Build a low wall to highlight your favorite shrubs, as Parker did here, or go for a taller option to provide privacy and sound dampening. 

Set Up for Outdoor Entertaining

A single bench or hammock in a cozy corner may be your favorite place to relax alone, but a guest-ready seating area turns your garden into an al fresco living space. "A bistro set or lounge chairs encourages people to linger and enjoy the space," says Lenhart. "Adding textiles, like outdoor pillows and throws, turns the space into a destination for people to enjoy and spend time in."

Gather Around a Fire Pit

A fire pit—built a safe distance from your house and plants—turns your garden into a functional and versatile area year-round. "Adding a cozy bench, chairs, or a hammock creates an inviting space to relax and enjoy your garden area," says Betz.