Smart Landscape Ideas for the Side of Your House
Posted by Jason Wyrwicz on Aug 27th 2025
The side of your house doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. For many homeowners, it’s just a narrow pass-through to the backyard or a strip of lawn that’s tricky to mow. But with the right landscaping ideas, that overlooked space can become one of the most charming, functional, and welcoming parts of your property.
A well-thought-out side yard can add curb appeal, improve privacy, and even give you extra space for relaxing, entertaining, or gardening. Of course, it’s not without its challenges - side yards are often narrow, shady, or awkwardly shaped. But these limitations can be an advantage if you approach the design creatively.
In this guide, we’ll explore smart ways to transform the side of your house, whether it’s wide and sunny, slim and shaded, or somewhere in between. Let’s get started!
Assess Your Side Yard Before You Start
Before you start sketching out ideas or buying plants, take a little time to get familiar with the space you’re working with. Side yards aren’t one-size-fits-all, and knowing your dimensions and conditions will help you choose the right features.
- Measure the width and length so you can plan furniture, pathways, or plant beds that fit without crowding.
- Check sunlight patterns throughout the day. Does one side stay in shade while another gets full sun?
- Look at drainage - side yards sometimes collect runoff from the roof or neighboring properties.
Also, think about how you want to use the space. Is it a purely aesthetic spot for curb appeal? A hidden functional area for storage or utilities? Or a blend of both?
To help you get started, have a look at some example dimension ideas:
Side Yard Size |
Suggested Use |
Key Features |
Narrow (<4 ft) |
Visual appeal |
Slim pathways, vertical gardens |
Medium (4–8 ft) |
Aesthetic & functional |
Pathways with planting beds, small seating |
Wide (>8 ft) |
Multi-purpose |
Entertaining area, larger plantings, storage nook |
Low-Maintenance Ideas for Side Yards
If you want your side yard to look great without needing hours of upkeep, lean toward low-maintenance landscaping. The key is to choose features that look stunning but require little work - giving you maximum style with minimal maintenance.
Swap grass for hard-wearing surfaces
Grass often struggles in narrow or shaded side yards. Swap it for gravel, crushed rock, or stepping stones to keep things tidy year-round. Add a few durable fiberglass planters for color without constant upkeep. These surfaces don’t need mowing or frequent watering, so they save you both time and resources. Also, they create a clean backdrop for plants or decorative features.
Use mulch to cut weeding and watering time
A layer of bark, leaves, or decorative stones keeps weeds down, holds moisture, and gives a neat finish. It also helps regulate soil temperature, protecting roots from heat or cold. Replenishing mulch once or twice a year is all it takes to keep your side yard looking fresh.
Choose drought-tolerant plants
Pick plants like lavender, sedum, ornamental grasses, agave, or yucca. They handle heat well, save water, and add texture and color. Many of these plants also attract pollinators, bringing extra life to your garden with zero extra effort. Once established, they’ll flourish even through dry spells without constant attention.
Plant evergreens for year-round color and structure
Mix in evergreens like boxwood or dwarf conifers for structure and color in every season. They keep the space from looking bare in winter and pair well with seasonal blooms. You can even trim them into shapes for a more polished, intentional look.
Need help choosing the right plants for your low-maintenance yard? Here are some easy-care options you can consider:
Plant |
Height |
Water Needs |
Sun Requirements |
Lavender |
2-3 ft |
Low |
Full sun |
Fountain Grass |
3-5 ft |
Low |
Full sun/partial shade |
Boxwood |
2-6 ft |
Low/moderate |
Partial to full sun |
Agave |
2-4 ft |
Very low |
Full sun |
Hostas |
1-3 ft |
Moderate |
Shade/partial shade |
Maximize Narrow Side Yards
A narrow side yard can easily feel more like a corridor than a garden - unless you design it with intention. The trick is to work with the space’s vertical potential. Trellises, wall-mounted planters, or a slim water feature can instantly pull the eye upward and create a sense of openness.
Privacy is another important factor in tighter spaces. Instead of solid walls that can make it feel boxed in, use tall hedges, airy climbing plants, or decorative fences. Consider mixing textures like wood lattice with flowering vines to add both softness and visual interest.
Plants that thrive in narrow spots include:
- Climbing roses or clematis on trellises - Add romance and height without taking up ground space.
- Tall ornamental grasses - Soften lines and add gentle movement in the breeze.
- Dwarf evergreens - Offer year-round structure and greenery in a compact form.
Incorporate Walkways and Pathways
A well-placed walkway doesn’t just get you from point A to point B - it can completely transform how your side yard looks and feels. Pathways help break up long stretches of space, guide the eye, and give the area a sense of intention.
The style you choose sets the tone for the whole space. Modern concrete pavers create a contemporary look, while irregular natural stone feels timeless and elegant. Crushed gravel offers a relaxed, cottage-style charm, and brick pathways bring a traditional character. You can even combine materials, like stepping stones surrounded by gravel, for extra texture and personality.
Let’s compare some of the popular walkway materials:
Material |
Durability |
Aesthetic |
Cost |
Concrete pavers |
High |
Modern/clean |
$$ |
Natural stone |
Very high |
Classic/elegant |
$$$ |
Crushed rock |
Medium |
Casual/rustic |
$ |
Brick |
High |
Traditional/warm |
$$ |
Create a Functional Space
Done right, side yards can become some of the most practical spaces in your home. Their tucked-away nature makes them perfect for clever features like hidden storage for garden tools, an intimate dining nook, or even a compact grilling station. Built-in benches with storage, slim counters, and discreet shelving can make every inch work harder.
If you choose a seating area, a couple of tall planters can help create a cozy atmosphere and visually separate it from the rest of the yard.
Steal our quick checklist of ways to make your side yard more functional:
✔️ Hidden storage for tools, recycling bins, or hoses)
✔️ Outdoor kitchen with a slim counter, grill, and weatherproof storage
✔️ Seating nook with cushions and soft lighting for evening relaxation
✔️ Vertical shelving for plants, lanterns, or decor
✔️ Compact workbench for potting plants or small DIY projects
Enhance Curb Appeal with Plantings
Plants are one of the quickest ways to boost your side yard’s curb appeal - especially if it’s visible from the street. Use layered planting for depth: low groundcovers at the front, medium-height flowers or shrubs in the middle, and taller plants, small trees, or climbers at the back to frame the space.
Here our our top plant suggestions for side yards:
- Hydrangeas - Seasonal blooms and bold presence
- Boxwood or dwarf hollies - Evergreen structure
- Climbing jasmine or clematis - Fragrance and vertical interest
- Lavender - Scent, color, and pollinator-friendly appeal
- Feather reed grass - Texture and movement
Need help choosing the best plant combinations for your climate? Check out our handy table for the ultimate plant pairings:
Climate Type |
Groundcover / Front Layer |
Mid-Layer Plants |
Tall / Back Layer Plants |
Temperate |
Creeping thyme |
Hydrangeas, lavender |
Boxwood, climbing roses |
Mediterranean |
Blue star creeper |
Rosemary, lantana |
Olive tree, bougainvillea |
Tropical |
Mondo grass |
Hibiscus, bird of paradise |
Bamboo, climbing jasmine |
Dry/arid |
Sedum |
Russian sage, agave |
Palo verde, tall ornamental grass |
Cold/northern |
Sweet woodruff |
Peonies, dwarf spruce |
Holly, clematis |
Add Privacy with Greenery and Structures
If your side yard runs alongside a neighbor’s windows or driveway, adding some privacy can make it feel much more comfortable. You don’t always need a big fence - plants and light structures can give you that tucked-away feeling and keep the space attractive.
Tall hedges, bamboo, or even a row of potted trees are quick ways to block views. For smaller areas, try vertical ideas like trellises or lattice panels with climbing plants. Using tall grasses or slim trees in fiberglass planters is another smart trick - you can move them around until you get just the right amount of coverage.
Try our favourite ideas for added privacy:
- Lattice panels with climbing vines.
- Tall ornamental grasses in large fiberglass planters.
- Espaliered fruit trees grown flat against a wall.
- Pergolas or arched trellises to frame the walkway.
Brighten Your Side Yard with Smart Lighting
The right lighting can completely change how your side yard feels. Not only does it make the space safe and easy to use after dark, but it also adds warmth, charm, and a touch of drama. A narrow walkway can feel welcoming with soft path lights, while wall sconces create a polished look against fences or house walls.
Think about how you’ll use the space - do you need functional lighting for safety, or mood lighting for atmosphere? Often, a mix of both works best: path or wall lights for guiding the way, paired with softer, decorative touches like lanterns or string lights for ambiance.
Here are some common side yard lighting options you may consider:
Type |
Cost |
Energy Efficiency |
Solar stake lights |
Low |
High |
LED wall sconces |
Medium |
High |
String lights |
Low |
Medium |
Low-voltage path lights |
Medium |
High |
Add a Water Feature to Elevate Your Side Yard
A water feature instantly brings life, movement, and a calming sound to your side yard, turning it into a space that feels like a retreat. Even in narrow or compact areas, options like a slim wall-mounted fountain, a bubbling ceramic pot, or a narrow trough-style design can fit without overwhelming the space.
When planning, keep a few things in mind:
- Available space - Pick a feature that complements your yard’s size rather than crowding it.
- Access to water and power - Make sure installation is practical and safe.
- Maintenance needs - Choose low-maintenance designs if you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach.
For extra impact, pair your water feature with soft lighting or surrounding plants, so it becomes both a focal point by day and a relaxing highlight at night.
Landscape Design Ideas for Side of House - Final Thoughts
The side of your house doesn’t have to be wasted space. With a few creative touches and the right landscaping, it can turn into a useful and inviting part of your home. You might add a fragrant walkway, tuck in a cozy seating spot, or boost curb appeal with colorful plants - there are plenty of ways to make it shine.
Take a fresh look at that often-overlooked strip of land - it might just become your new favorite part of the yard.