How to decorate your dacha plot: ideas for dacha landscaping

A standard garden plot can be transformed into a cozy natural haven where you can enjoy spending time and rejuvenating your mental and physical strength. Improving the area won't be easy if you make improvements haphazardly: the harmony of a garden courtyard depends, among other things, on the cohesiveness of its appearance and the thoughtful integration of all its zones and features. This doesn't mean that only a "from scratch" project, where the design is conceived before the first buildings are erected, will be successful. If this is not possible, it's necessary to identify the site's strengths and weaknesses, decide what needs to be redesigned and what will remain unchanged, and consider how to integrate the existing elements into a cohesive ensemble.

Planning

Improvement of the garden plot It's worth starting with planning to be able to evaluate the appropriateness of all innovations from a practical and stylistic perspective. Even apparent site flaws, such as an unusual shape, uneven terrain, or an awkward orientation relative to the cardinal directions, can be creatively exploited, but design solutions should be considered in advance, with a site plan in mind.

The site plan must be drawn up in the following sequence:

1. Draw the boundaries and mark on the drawing all existing objects – residential and commercial buildings, as well as trees and shrubs that need to be left.

2. Divide the property into zones. Typically, these are divided into a utility area, a garden and vegetable patch, a recreation area, and a decorative area. The placement of the zones depends on the shape of the property and its orientation. For example, a hammock or bench can be hung on the shady side of the house, but this area is not suitable for a flower bed or lawn.
3. Once the layout of the functional zones has been approved, you can begin mapping out future structures. This could include a swimming pool or sauna, an artificial pond or fountain, a sports ground, or a gazebo.
4. The final stage of planning involves marking out paths and determining the location of sculptures, hedges, benches, lanterns, and other decorative objects.

Decorative zone

In most cases, if the site's layout allows, a decorative area is created in front of the house's façade. Flowerbeds, lawns, or garden beds can serve as dividers for other functional areas, occupying a central position, or be arranged as several "islands" scattered throughout the area, or framing the perimeter.

But regardless of the location, the decorative area should fit harmoniously into the overall image of the garden plot. A common mistake in design of the dacha area – excessive plant diversity. It's worth limiting the composition to a few types of flowers and shrubs, but still creating a cohesive impression for the viewer.

Flower beds and flower gardens

Landscape designers recommend dividing plants by role. in the flower gardenSome will serve as the background, others as "figures" within it. Plants with muted gray-green leaves, such as edelweiss or wormwood, are suitable as "decoratives." The second group should consist of expressive and bright flowers. There shouldn't be many leading plants, and the number of their species should be no more than two or three.

Bright flowers are appropriate only in small flowerbeds; for a larger bed, choose plants with flowers in subdued colors. They should be arranged according to height, from the tallest in the center to the shorter ones at the edges. Sometimes, an ensemble is created using plants or varieties with different bloom times to ensure the bed remains attractive throughout the season.

Flowerbeds that combine herbaceous plants with shrubs look striking. The decorative foliage of shrubs will maintain the flowerbed's appeal even after flowering. Ornamental grasses can play a similar role. Evergreen shrubs especially beautifully highlight white flowers.

While a level area is required for a lawn, a flowerbed or flower garden can be placed even on uneven terrain. Such plantings should not be fenced – the lack of a clear boundary will give them a natural look. Geometrically shaped flowerbeds will look more beautiful in a "frame" of stone or brick. Wooden fences are suitable for spreading herbaceous plants.

Lawn

If the plot is small, it is worth abandoning large flower beds in favor of a lawn - this way you can visually expand the space. Lawn, located between other zones, unlike a flower bed, does not create the impression of crampedness and crowding, but will not disguise the utility area.

A grassy field is combined with evergreen shrubs. A classic pairing for a lawn is a thuja. The shrub shouldn't blend in with the background: if the plant has dark needles, the lawn grass should be light green, and vice versa. Instead of a traditional, difficult-to-maintain lawn, the area can be planted with meadow grasses or ornamental grasses.

Artificial pond

Even a small natural corner in the country can be decorate with a pondAny container can be used as a reservoir—an old bathtub, a cistern, or a large basin. If the reservoir is large, it should be made to resemble a real pond by planting shrubs or tall grasses around the perimeter, placing large rock fragments on the shore, and decorating it with a carved wooden bridge. A bench or lantern can be installed next to the reservoir.

On the contrary, if the site only allows for a symbolic "little pond," it's worth emphasizing its "toy-like" nature. For example, place potted plants around the pond. A pond within a flowerbed, edged with stones or pebbles, looks impressive. A group of small ponds (about the size of a bowl or basin) in a flowerbed is an interesting option. Choose low-growing plants so they don't obscure the pond.

Recreation area

The appearance of this area is determined solely by the needs and leisure preferences of the owner or members of the family who own the property. However, any recreation area should have seating. This can be accomplished with beautiful tree stumps, old chairs decorated with household items, hammocks, or wide swings. Garden furniture should match the style of the property. For example, if the area is decorated in a classic style, a wrought-iron bench and table would be appropriate, while wooden chairs would complement a country style.

A recreational area is best located in a shady spot. For example, a recreation area can be combined with a garden. If the recreation area is located near the pool, i.e., on the sunny side of the property, a canopy should be erected. A gazebo or covered gallery can be installed for sun protection.

Gazebo and covered gallery

Depending on the site's design, the gazebo can be styled like a pagoda, a carved hut, or even given a futuristic form. But the simplest option is to anchor metal arches in the ground and plant any climbing plants around the perimeter, guiding their stems as they grow along the structure's bars. This type of gazebo is breathable and provides good sun protection on hot days. Chairs, benches, and a table should be placed inside. Blankets, cushions, and a vase of flowers will add a cozy touch.

While a gazebo is a place for relaxation, a gallery is a place for strolling. It can be placed, for example, above a path leading to the house. To do this, install posts on both sides of the path, stretching twine, string, or wire between them. Plant climbing plants along the path, which can then be tied to this trellis. The result will be a beautiful green tunnel.

For decorating gazebos and galleries can be used:

• ivy;
• maiden grapes;
• climbing roses;
• honeysuckle;
• nasturtium;
• clematis;
• hydrangea;
• beans;
• sweet pea.

Playground for children

If you have children, you should designate a separate area for them. This can be located in the play area, but if the property size allows, it's better to create a separate playground. Sandboxes, wooden playhouses, swings, and decorative fences featuring fairytale characters or sculptures can keep children entertained.

You can use any furniture, but only if you paint it brightly. The children's corner is a perfect place for decorative crafts, which you can create together with your children. In this area, you can plant grass for the children to run around barefoot, install a sports ground, or a small inflatable pool.

Functional elements

Some practical features, such as a fence or path, are often overlooked when it comes to landscaping. A simple path, with some attention to its decoration, can magically transform a space.

Fence decoration

The most popular fencing materials are wood, metal, brick, and stone. Stone's undeniable decorative appeal and weather resistance make it, along with wrought iron fencing, the best choice for a classic-style property. A wooden fence is a must-have for a country-style property, but wood isn't particularly durable, especially in rainy climates. Brick is durable, but doesn't handle extreme temperature fluctuations well and isn't as attractive as other materials.

1. A wrought iron fence looks stunning when paired with climbing plants. Climbing roses, ivy, or clematis entwined with metal rods look incredibly stylish.
2. A wooden fence pairs beautifully with maiden grapes, especially in the fall when the leaves turn red. Rose bushes or other flowering shrubs, with their branches "growing" into the gaps between the pickets, and tall grasses also look impressive.
3. An impenetrable fence made of wood or stone, on the other hand, looks poorly when paired with dense undergrowth. In this case, neatly trimmed shrubs planted at a distance from each other are preferable.

Path design

A plot with paths of varying widths looks interesting. A path leading from a gate or from a garden to a house should be at least 1.5 meters wide, and its boundaries should be marked with stakes or bricks. Several paths connecting different areas and objects can be wide enough for one person to walk – about 0.5-0.6 meters.

It's also worth adding a couple of meter-wide paths for strolling together, adorned with a border of flowers, such as lavender bushes. Paths running under vines are also suitable for two.

In addition to flower borders, the material used to pave a path also plays a role in its decoration. The path can be laid out:

• brick;
• pebbles;
• cuts from logs;
• stone.

The most ordinary brick or tile path You can emphasize it by raising it above or below ground level. An original solution is to create a grass path. Knotweed is a suitable plant: this grass is resistant to trampling, decorative, and grows quickly.

DIY decor

You can decorate your garden plot simply and beautifully with homemade decorative items. These decorations are always unique and eye-catching. They can be made from any old or broken utensils, leftover building materials, or unwanted mechanical parts.

Examples of items that can be used to decorate a summer cottage:

1. Flowers planted in teapots, mugs, or bottles look interesting in the yard. An old shoe makes an even more original flowerpot. Even a rusty bucket can be used to create a striking contrast with the delicate petals. A flower can also be planted in an old bag filled with soil, hanging it on a fence or tree branch.
2. A classic garden craft idea is car tires, which can be carved into figures of animals or fairy tale characters. The paint adds a touch of class to this craft, and the brighter the color, the better—black tires look unsightly.
3. Glass jars, bottles, and flasks can be used as stand-alone decorations, vases, or candle holders. For example, several jars with candles can be hung on fence posts or even tree branches.

4. Broken wooden furniture, bicycles, carts, musical instruments, and other unwanted objects can be incorporated into an installation. The object looks especially interesting in a corner overgrown with grass or shrubs, where you'd least expect to find it.

Advice from experts

When planning the appearance of a territory, it is necessary to pay attention to the combination of colors, shapes, materials, and the stylistic combination of decorative elements and plants.

Some useful tips from landscape designers:

1. Most properties are square or rectangular, which is unnatural for the natural landscape. This can make a fence feel oppressive, creating a sense of enclosure. Straight lines and angles should be softened, incorporating more flowing, curved lines into the property. A hedge on the inside of the fence will solve this problem. Spreading shrubs that don't require pruning are preferable. Alternatively, several groups of trees with rounded crowns can be planted next to the fence.
2. If space is limited, consider a Japanese design style. A "Japanese garden" emphasizes simplicity, minimal embellishment, unadorned spaces, low-growing plants, subdued colors, and natural materials like stone and wood. Unique mini-flowerbeds made from potted succulents fit perfectly into this style.
3. The boundaries of each area on the property should be defined by a decorative fence – this will give each area a finished look. If space is limited, such a fence can be created by planting a single row of climbing plants, tied to twine stretched between posts or tree trunks. The boundary can be marked symbolically – with a row of stakes or a brick border.

Studying landscape design It provides an understanding of the basic rules of landscaping, but don't take all the advice as a directive. Just as photos of successful garden decorating ideas can only provide an interesting idea, putting it into practice will require artistic reflection.