Pathways

• Pathways and walkways save grass from being trampled and highlight flowerbeds and special areas of your yard. Cement pathways tend to give your yard a sidewalk ambiance that may not be what you are trying to generate. You can use more complementary materials like sea glass, stones or bricks.
  
  Draw a diagram of your yard and include all immovable objects such as swimming pools and gazebos. Mark all the high-trafficked areas of your yard such as flowerbeds and bird baths. Draw out a pathway that either meanders or goes straight from your home to different areas. You can choose a circular pathway that has access to your whole yard. Place stakes with strings attached through your yard to represent your walkway. When you have found an appealing design, dig up grass on an even level. Fill in with desired materials. You will enjoy the easy access though your yard and will prevent grass from being damaged.
  
  

Rock Gardens

• Rock gardens provide a tranquility and elegance that is hard to match. You can either complement your landscape's rocky terrain or add some height to a flat yard. Pick out an area for your rock garden. Build around a patio, place in front of your home for privacy, or use a secluded area of the yard for your space. If you live near rocks, the next step is less expensive, or you can visit a gardening store to purchase rocks. Lay down the larges stones at the bottom and fill in spaces with dirt. Build up your garden with the smallest rocks at the top. Use plants that can grow in well-drained soil. Some suggestions include cacti, succulents and moss. Plant them on top or leave small spaces within your pile for growing plants.
  
  

Outdoor Kitchen

• Give yourself a place for entertaining and grilling by building an outdoor kitchen. Choose a surface either next to your home or within the backyard. Build a deck with materials like wood or composite. Be sure to have enough space for a dining table, grill and food preparation table. There are a vast amount of grills on the market, and picking out one may be difficult. Go for the one that fits your personal needs and budget the best; you can always upgrade later. Make your deck more secluded by adding walls or trellises. Decorate your deck with plants, lights and furniture. Entertaining will be a breeze when you construct an outdoor kitchen.