A well-designed courtyard can create a place to retreat, relax, and just enjoy nature around you. Whether it’s a private retreat or a public social space, courtyard landscaping helps establish that cozy space you’ve been dreaming of. Having the right elements in your landscaping will absolutely transform a space into something more inviting and welcoming, creating a unique and appealing experience for anyone who enters.
So, where do you start with your courtyard design options? The end design should be something that reflects your personality and preferences, but there are absolutely some details that every courtyard really needs. Take a look at our guide to 7 courtyard must-haves as you start your planning for an outdoor space.
Lush Greenery and Vertical Plants
You need depth and plenty of green in that courtyard. Did you know green spaces and outdoor areas have been studied for ages? Those plants and greenery have health benefits that include reduced stress, anxiety, and depression while improving physical health and even mental focus. So, fill your space up with greenery and plants galore.
But be mindful, because you want to create depth in this space. So, you choose lush greenery that looks great anywhere and is easily abundant. Things like ferns and hostas add softness while providing simple greenery. The depth comes from vertical plants. Here, you might use small trees and shrubs, or even potted plants. You can also add climbing vines like ivy, and place a trellis or wall for it to climb naturally.
These concepts can work even in courtyards that have limited space. Vertical gardening is a great option because you can mount plants to walls, hang baskets, or just layer to create unique depths and visual aspects.
Comfortable Seating Area
No courtyard is complete without a place to sit and take it in. The idea behind this being a retreat or a place to relax and rest tells everything you need to know about seating, right? How you determine or use that seating is completely up to you. At home, you might incorporate some cozy chairs, a lounger, or even a bench where you can just sit and hang out. For larger gathering areas, creating a nook or a series of seating options might be a great idea.
There is no wrong way to do the seating, so consider your vision and the needs of the area. You can use lounge chairs and patio furniture, incorporate a bistro table and chairs, or consider built-in benches in ideal spots throughout the courtyard. Arrange your seating in a way that you face the focal points of the courtyard so the view can truly be enjoyed.
Water Feature for Tranquility
We highly recommend adding some sort of water feature to your courtyard space. It doesn’t have to be a huge fountain to provide the benefits. Gentle sounds of flowing water are often calming and relaxing. This addition will create an ambiance that just brings peace and contentment when you spend time in the courtyard. It’s a naturally appealing addition.
There are so many different water feature options. You might choose a freestanding fountain or a wall-mounted waterfall. Some courtyards will just utilize tabletop water features or a bubbling urn due to space. Find something that fits well within the space and just enjoy the tranquility that comes with it.
Outdoor Lighting
Your courtyard needs some simple lighting. This helps enhance the functionality while also contributing to the overall atmosphere of the space. Courtyards can be used and enjoyed at all hours of the day or night. Lighting simply enhances that capability and ensures people can see what is around them when it’s not daytime.
You can combine different types of lighting or just use something consistent throughout the space. These are some great options:
Lanterns or candle-like features
Uplighting for accenting the best features
Solar-powered path lights
String lights or fairy lights
You can even use a combination of lights if you like.
Paved or Defined Pathways
Having ground cover in certain areas, or on a pathway, will help define your space. It just completes the overall look and gives people a sense of direction. This ground cover could be a patio area where people sit. It could be a pathway where people walk to stay in the desired areas. These elements can define zones within the courtyard, helping simplify maintenance in the process.
There are so many options for this. We don’t mean laying asphalt in your courtyard. We’re talking about natural elements that create a finished effect. You can use gravel, wood, brick, stone, and other similar elements to accomplish this purpose.
Planters and Raised Beds
Planters and raised beds are another element that can contribute to the depth in your courtyard. The more layers you can accomplish, the larger and more defined the space will feel. These additions also allow you to grow and maintain a variety of different plants and flowers, scattering them throughout different areas.
Plants are great for adding height and variation to your overall design. They can also create defined points or add symmetry. If you want to, you can even grow herbs, vegetables, or specific flowers and keep them managed and accessible with these solutions.
Shade and Shelter
Finally, in your courtyard landscaping design, incorporate elements that will provide shade and shelter throughout the courtyard. This provides a space that animals and insects of nature will appreciate and feel safe in. The shelter contributes to nature and whoever is utilizing the courtyard. It’s all about comfort.
We also highly recommend adding shade of some sort. You can use climbing plants and trees, but you can also add physical solutions for this need. Retractable canopies or sails, pergolas, and umbrellas all work well to provide flexible and adaptive coverage and shading as needed or desired.
Final Thoughts
As you plan your courtyard landscaping ideas, these must-have items can help you create a space that is relaxing and stunning at the same time. Don’t forget to add your personal touch to the space so you can make it yours. Creating a setting using structure, comfort, and popular additives will result in an inspiring and peaceful place for anyone who enters.