Top 15 Summer Landscape Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Project

Summer is a time of growth, renewal and change—when everything comes back to life. So put down the books on gardening, design and landscaping and look at these summer landscape design ideas that will inspire your next project!

Summer Landscape Design Inspiration

Summer landscape design is about creating beautiful, functional spaces for everyone. By keeping these things in mind, you can create a landscape that will be the perfect addition to your home.

1. Add Dimensional Interest to Your Landscape

Incorporating different levels is one way to add dimensional interest to your landscape design. This can be done by using retaining walls, raised beds or even just slopes in the landscape. You can add interest and depth to your design by having different levels.

Another way to add dimensional interest is by using a variety of textures and materials. This can be accomplished using different plants, stones and even wood. By using a variety of textures and materials, you can create a landscape that is unique and eye-catching.

2.  Add a Beautiful Water Feature

Finally, you can also add dimensional interest by incorporating water features. Water features such as fountains, ponds or even waterfalls can add a touch of elegance to your landscape. 

Water features provide a focal point that can help tie the entire design together. They can also help keep your landscape cool by letting water evaporate into the air. 

3. Keep the Garden Cool With Plants 

When temperatures rise, it can be tough to keep your garden looking its best. However, you can do a few things to keep your garden cool and comfortable all summer.

One way to keep your garden cool is to choose plants known for their ability to tolerate heat. Some examples of heat-tolerant plants include succulents, cacti and lavender. These plants can add much-needed color to your garden during the hot summer months.

When it comes to summer landscape design, one of the most important things to remember is establishing a sense of place. This means creating a space that feels like it belongs in its surroundings. To do this, you’ll want to use native plants and appropriate materials for your climate. This will help your landscape blend in with its natural surroundings and give it a more organic feel.

4. Take Care of Your Greenery

One of the best ways to keep your garden cool is to give it some extra water during the hot summer months. Deep watering once a week is ideal, as this will help your plants stay hydrated and healthy during the warm weather.

5. Add a Shade Awning to Your Outdoor Living

Another way to keep your garden cool is to use shading structures. Umbrellas, pergolas and arbors can provide much-needed shade for your plants. If your garden has no shading structures, you can also use vines or hanging plants to create a natural shade.

6. Enhance Your Outdoor Living Spaces

Another key element of summer landscape design is creating spaces that can be used for entertaining. This might include an outdoor kitchen, a dining area or a seating area where you can enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.

It’s also important to consider how you’ll use these spaces when designing them. For example, if you entertain often, you’ll want to make sure your outdoor kitchen is well-equipped. If you have small children, you could create a safe play area.

7. Create Shade With Trees and Foliage

One of the best ways to stay cool during summer is to design your landscape with shade in mind. Trees and shrubs can provide much-needed shade for your home and help you save on cooling costs.

Consider planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home. These trees will provide shade in the summer when the leaves are out, but let in sunlight in winter when the leaves are gone.

8. Invest in a Pergola or Gazebo

Shade structures such as pergolas and gazebos can also provide a fantastic relaxing spot during summer. Be sure to include plenty of seating to enjoy the shady retreat.

9. Add Decorative Pavers

Another way to stay cool is to use landscaping features that reflect heat. Light-colored pavers, for example, will reflect heat better than dark-colored pavers. You can hire a landscaping company to create clear pathways to your outdoor dining area, pool, patio or garden.

Beyond making walking zones, you can use pavers to make artistic designs. Your landscaping contractor can discuss ways to create an upscale and chic appearance of a lattice pattern with pavers and lush, artificial grass. You can dream up other options, too, such as a chessboard pattern. 

10. Create Focal Points and Textured Landscapes

Focal points are important in landscape design because they help to draw the eye and create a sense of interest. Focal points can be made using a variety of elements, such as statues, water features, or interesting plants.

Textured landscapes are also fascinating and can add visual interest to your yard. You can create texture using different materials like stone, brick or wood. You can also use different textures within the same material, such as rough and smooth stones.

Both focal points and textured landscapes are great ways to add interest to your yard and make it more enjoyable to spend time in. These two elements can work together to create a beautiful and inviting space in which you and your family will love spending time.

11. Enhance the View From Your Porch

If you’re looking for ways to enhance the view from your porch this summer, consider adding some landscaping. A few well-placed plants can help frame the view and make it more inviting. 

Adding a water feature, such as a small fountain or pond, can add interest and make it more relaxing. If you have the space, consider adding a pergola or gazebo to create an outdoor living space that you can enjoy all summer.

12. Add Stunning Colors to Your Front Yard

Looking for summer landscape design inspiration? Get inspired by colorful front yards! A mix of grasses and shrubs can create a bright and cheerful look. The different colors really stand out against the green of the grass. This would be an excellent design for a small front yard.

If you have a larger front yard, you could use this idea to inspire a more expansive landscape. You could add more plants and flowers to create a more colorful look. You could also add some fun elements like a birdbath or garden statue. Get creative and have fun with it!

This Las Vegas front yard landscaping idea is sure to add some curb appeal to your home. It’s also sure to make your neighbors jealous!

13. Create a Container Garden

One of the best things about container gardens is that they can be placed anywhere in your yard- on a patio, balcony, deck or even in the front yard. All you need is a sunny spot and a beautiful garden.

Container gardens are also very versatile. You can plant almost anything in them- from flowers to vegetables to herbs. You can also change out the plants every season if you want to.

Consider a container garden if you are looking for backyard garden design ideas. They are easy to care for and can be placed anywhere in your yard.

14. Add Beautiful Lighting to Your Landscaping

Summer is the perfect time to invest in lighting or upgrade your current setup. Talk with your landscape designer about ways to integrate safe lighting solutions onto your steps and any other walking zones or pathways. 

With outdoor lighting, you can stay outside long after the sun goes down. Adding lighting to your surroundings allows you to host nighttime dinner parties with friends and family. You can choose lighting ranging from cool tones to warm hues for your ambiance.

15. Create a Golfer’s Paradise With Putting Green

A landscaping company can create a golfing zone in your backyard with synthetic turf in fun and creative or challenging designs. You could choose a customizable shape and size with features like obstacles and sand pits. 

Kids and adults alike can stay busy having fun over the summer break while practicing their golf skills and having mini-tournaments. The best part? The material maintains its fresh and green appearance without any maintenance.

Contact JTB Landscapers for a Free Consultation

When you’d like to transform your outdoor spaces over the summer, trust the experts at JTB Landscapers. We’re leaders in the landscaping industry and specialize in design, architecture, and construction. We offer various services and solutions to meet all your landscaping needs, regardless of your vision.

Our professionals meet with you on-site to discuss your ideas and the options we can provide, free of charge. You’ll receive a highly detailed and realistic rendering of your project, making it easy to imagine how your dream landscape will look when we’re finished.

To schedule your free consultation, call our team at 702-487-3348 or complete a contact form today! 

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