9 Garden layout ideas for all garden types

Top down view of a number of gardens with different layouts.

No matter what kind of outdoor space you own, it can take time to know how to utilise it best. 

From floral wildflower fields to compact but efficient allotments, there are plenty of ways to use your garden. But what are some best practices and ideas for the layout of your outdoor space? 

The following are some simple, but effective ways that you can begin to elevate your garden through a well-thought-out layout. 

1. Adding Zones

If you are stuck for an effective way to use your garden, the best place to start is to create varied zones within your overall space. These zones can be filled with a wide range of features based on your personal needs and tastes. 

To create different zones and areas within your garden, use various paths, edging, and fences to add a partition between the different parts of your garden. 

2. Communal Areas

Great for hosting guests or for time with the family, communal areas in your garden are a brilliant centrepiece and can be modified to your unique tastes and requirements. Whether you want a bustling hub that can fit the whole family or a peaceful seated area, this option can be highly personalised.

Build A Firepit

Perfect for those colder nights, a firepit is an eye-catching feature that suits a vast majority of gardens and open spaces. Fire pits come in many forms – from a freestanding burning pit, or even a fire pit built into a larger table as a centrepiece. 

If you’re the sort of person to host large parties or gatherings, a firepit is a great way to keep a good atmosphere late into the night.

Picnic Areas

If you are someone who prefers to spend their time outdoors, then a great addition to your garden would be a dedicated picnic area. With the simple addition of a picnic bench and parasol to your garden, you can create a cosy space suitable for a quiet meal, or outside working.

Paved Areas and Courtyards

A great way to create a designated zone for your guests is by adding paved areas to your space. This area will be the best place for the majority of your outdoor furniture, and allows you to host large numbers of people without trampling your grass.

3. Allotments and Planters

For those who prefer a more practical use of their outdoor space, allotments and planters are a great way to add a different dimension to your garden. As well as allowing you to grow specific plants in your garden, allotments and planters can also act as physical barriers to separate or even block off other parts of your garden without adding unwanted fencing.

4. Summerhouses

If you have a large amount of spare room in your garden and are unsure what to do with it, consider adding a summerhouse. Summerhouses can be used in a wide variety of ways to suit your personal style or hobbies. 


If you’re thinking of adding a summerhouse to your space and are unsure where to begin, read our blog on ways of utilising your summerhouse.

5. Shaded Areas

Ideal for creating a relaxed area out of the sun, the addition of shade to your garden can be seen as a bad thing in some gardens, but will be a great feature during those hot summer months. 

The idea of “adding shade” can come in a variety of formats to suit your specific tastes and needs, some of the main ways you could consider utilising this are:

6. Play Zones

A must for families with younger children, by adding play zones to your outdoor space, you create safe spaces for your youngsters to play. These zones could include something as complex as a climbing frame or swing set, or even just a simple set of tables and chairs for arts and crafts.

7. Paths, Edging, and Fences

A great way to break up your different garden features is to add winding paths, edging, and short fences. 

By using these additions to create physical barriers around focal points in your garden, you may also create views that are more aesthetically pleasing. This could be a half fence around a child’s play set, a gravel path down the centre of your garden, or steel edging around your planters.

8. Grasses and Wildflowers

One very easy way to elevate the layout of your garden is to add an area of different grasses and wildflowers. This will bring more insects, such as bees and butterflies, to your space, but also add more visible textures and create a more aesthetically interesting garden. 

As well as scattering wildflower seeds, some interesting grasses and grass alternatives you can consider for your space include:

  • Clover
  • Lily turf
  • Moss
  • Thyme
  • Ground ivy

Be sure to look at the growing conditions, and possible hazards, such as allergenic properties, for each of these alternatives before you commit to them.

9. Hedges and Creeping Plants

If you’re looking for a simple way to implement greenery or floral colour into your garden space, consider adding some hedges, bushes, or creeping plants. The addition of this extra greenery can be used to create visual sections, or just to add an extra pop of colour.

Some hedge types you could consider for your garden are: 

  • Holly
  • Box Hedges
  • Privet 
  • English Yew

Some creeping plant types you could consider for your garden are:

  • Japanese Spurge
  • Creeping Myrtle
  • Creeping Thyme
  • Bearberry

Elegant Garden Solutions At Steel Landscaping Co.

No matter if you’re looking for functional metalwork, or decorative steel pieces for your outdoor space, at Steel Landscaping Co., we can help. With a wide range of steel gates, raised beds, edging, and fencing, we have a product to suit every space. 

Looking for something more personal? Using our bespoke design and fabrication services, you can request a fully unique piece. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to contact our team with any questions or concerns. 

Reach out for a quote today

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