While an expansive green lawn is pleasing to the eye, it can also be monotonous. It is possible to go beyond turf and enjoy something different in your front and backyard garden. Consider incorporating some of these modern landscape ideas into your yard.

Go native

A landscape consisting of plants that are native to your area adds an attractive touch and is easy to care for and maintain. Such landscapes do triple duty, as they are a magnet for butterflies and birds seeking nectar and shelter, and they are extremely drought-tolerant. Consult with your local nursery or garden supply center regarding the best plants to include in your native landscape.

Plant a rose garden

As one of the most popular flowering plants, roses make an excellent alternative to the lawn when you are completing your DIY backyard landscaping ideas. Plant a rose garden in your front yard, and you’ll have everyone stopping to admire them, or plant a rose garden in your backyard where you can sit and admire the flowers. Choose between traditional hybrid tea roses, which grow upright and provide good cutting flowers, and low-growing ground cover types that are easy to grow and don’t require any pruning. Fertilize on a regular basis, and you’ll enjoy plenty of blooms.

Add a structure

Items like gazebos and trellises provide interest to the landscape and give you something on which to grow. Good vining plants for these structures include clematis, grape, wisteria, black-eyed Susan vine, passion vine, morning glory, mandevilla and cross vine.

Create a seating area

Give yourself a good view of the rest of your landscape by adding a seating area. A bench and side table to hold refreshments offers a place to chat with friends and family or read a favorite book.

Accessorize

Adding accessories to the garden, such as statuary, gazing balls, decorative birdhouses and even birdbaths, is an easy way to add interest. Accessories last from season to season and don’t have to be in bloom to look attractive. Just be careful when adding accessories to your landscape that you don’t overdo it. Too many accessories will confuse the eye and can overwhelm the landscape.