13+ Easy & Simple Side of House Landscaping Ideas

The side of my house has always been a bit of an afterthought, and with a wild pup and unpredictable weather, I’ve never quite known how to handle the space. Originally, I tossed around a few ideas, like throwing down some gravel for easy maintenance and a few scattered pots with ferns to add a touch of greenery. But any of these house landscaping ideas caught my eye, that area just wasn’t working for me, it was either too messy or not functional enough.

Eventually, I realized what I needed was a clean, simple setup that didn’t require a lot of maintenance but still looked neat. The solution? Gravel. Lots of it. It served the purpose of keeping the space functional without turning it into an eyesore. For the aesthetic, I added some low-level light groundcovers, which helped to bring in a little beauty while not blocking off the area completely. And for the times when I needed a bit of a “cry bench” moment, I found a quiet nook to sit and think, complete with an engraved plaque reading, “This Bench Provided by Shame and Guilt.” It was the perfect addition to my side yard that I never knew I needed.

As I started brainstorming for a more polished look, I realized that this corner of the house faced the street, so I wanted it to look good not just for me, but for anyone driving by. Living in a region with mostly dry weather, I knew I needed something that could survive the heat and sunlight but wasn’t too high maintenance. One thing I learned was that I didn’t want the usual house landscaping ideas, a bed with mulch or rocks. What I needed were native plants that could thrive in this dry, downhill-facing corner. After some research, I found that a trio of small, columnar trees planted about 10-15 feet apart was perfect for the space.

They wouldn’t be showstoppers right away, but over time, they’d create a beautiful, natural look without too much fuss. I also incorporated some ornamental grasses that would grow quickly and fill in the gaps, adding a touch of texture and movement to the space. I aimed to avoid anything too complicated, so I stuck with plants that would thrive with minimal maintenance but still offer a beautiful curb appeal.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this space could be so much more than just a functional alleyway. I could use it for a pollinator garden, or perhaps a butterfly-friendly space filled with native plants like milkweed for Monarchs. But to keep it simple and cost-effective, I decided to clear out the grass, lay down some landscape fabric, and cover it with crushed granite. This would keep the weeds in check and create a low-maintenance, clean look.

To add a little variety, I included a few pavers for a walking path, and small, native wildflowers to attract pollinators. Now, this once-forgotten side of the house is a beautiful, functional area that adds value to my home without a ton of effort or expense. The simplicity of it all was just what I needed a low-maintenance, natural, and just a bit of beauty to break up the starkness of the space.

Landscaping the side of your house can transform an ignored space into a beautiful, functional area. Whether you want to add greenery, create a walking path, or enhance curb appeal, these 17 simple house landscaping ideas will inspire your next project.

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17. Gravel Pathway with Stepping Stones

A gravel pathway with stepping stones offers an elegant yet low-maintenance solution for side yards.