Test Garden Tip: Leave a partial view from the front to the back to create an illusion that makes your yard feel larger.

Front-Yard Landscaping Ideas Keep your yard as green as it can be with eco-friendly gardening tips.

Test Garden Tip: If you plant bamboo, select the type carefully. Clumping types, such as black bamboo, spread more slowly than aggressive “running” types. Test Garden Tip: Know exactly how much sun your area gets before setting out containers.

How to Plant a Container Garden in 6 Easy Steps

Test Garden Tip: Save space by storing old potting mix, tools, etc., under your potting bench. If you buy or build one with doors, you can hide these items from view when not in use so you can keep it tidy. Test Garden Tip: Pay special attention to your side yard’s floor. The paving can create as much interest as any of the plantings. Test Garden Tip: Keep your slope from eroding by starting out with a good layer of mulch or groundcovers beneath your other plants. Test Garden Tip: For extra privacy, plant strategically to block the view from a neighbor’s windows.

Patio-Planning Tips

Test Garden Tip: If you’re going to try a new garden style, use a fence or plant shrubs to create a visual barrier so your side yard doesn’t clash with the rest of your landscape. Test Garden Tip: Save space by growing vines (such as cucumbers, squash, or beans) on trellises up the side of your house, a fence, or other structure.

More on Vegetable Gardening

Test Garden Tip: Use columnar trees to add shade and height without losing precious horizontal space.

Top Shade Plants Shady Foliage Garden Plan

See more pergola ideas.

Make a dry stream bed.