Island Garden Beds Add Instant Charm And Depth To Any Backyard Space

If your backyard is feeling a little blah, the solution might be a versatile island bed. Not only can these beds make a small garden space feel bigger or provide a sense of intimacy, but they can liven up a yard that has too many straight lines. So, what is an island bed? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like. It's an island of planting amid a sea of grass. They can make a big backyard feel layered and charming. Add one in a smaller yard and you can trick the eye by creating depth.  

Island beds typically have curving, undefined shapes with no hard lines, such as a kidney bean shape. Could you create a square? Yes, but going with softer, free flowing designs will give you a more natural look. Keep in mind that if you're trying to make the yard look bigger, you will want to push the island further from the house. Placing it closer will create more intimacy. Additionally, consider the scale of the bed and whether its placement will become an obstacle. Is it going to be hard to mow around? Will a tree eventually interfere with power lines? 

Island beds can serve other purposes as well, and you will want to consider those as you move into the design phase. Specifically, they can help with privacy. Placing them between your patio and a neighbor's window gives you a chance to add artful screening. No need for a row of towering shrubs if you plan your island right. 

First, draw your island bed out on a piece of paper. Use a hose, sand, or even spray paint to mark out the bed in your yard. This will ensure you get the size and shape right. When you're designing your bed, think about the other elements in the garden. Not only will you need to consider how an existing tree might shade your plants or other practical factors, but visual balance is also important. 

You will be able to walk around this island, so you must consider what it looks like from every angle. Pick plants of varying heights, putting the tallest toward the middle, working your way out to the edges. Of course, they will need to share similar growing conditions, and repeating plants from other parts of the yard will help it fit into the landscape cohesively. If your bed is big enough, a tree and shrubs can serve as visual anchors and help provide privacy. Meanwhile, planting perennials in drifts will add visual impact. These flower bed ideas for small yards can serve as inspiration for smaller islands. Plan for every season. Evergreens will add winter interest but you will want summer blooms as well.

Now comes the hard part. If you have turf, you'll need to use a shovel to remove it from the designated area. Try this hack to make digging grass out much easier. Eventually, it will be time to plant — remember to till and amend your soil first.