5 Deck Landscaping Ideas to Beautify Your Small Deck or Raised Deck Space
There’s nothing quite like chilling on your elevated patio deck, with a drink in hand, surrounded by laughter, good food, and good company. There is absolutely no better way to spend a warm summer evening. These are the moments we live for! However, this scene can quickly go from fun, to, well, ho-hum, if all you have is a basic deck in your backyard. Even a little deck landscape can turn a boring backyard into an inviting outdoor retreat to be enjoyed by all.
The problem for many homeowners is cost. Things are just so darn expensive these days, so finding easy deck landscape solutions is where it’s at. Beautifying your backyard on a budget is possible. And the experts at Deck Guardians are going to show you how!
As you explore these incredible deck landscape designs that incorporate plants, vertical gardens, and even water features, you will see how to give landscapes a boost, all while focusing on function and style, and keeping within your budget.
Idea #1 — Maximize the Green with Plants That Spread
The minimalist look is popular for interior design, but having a minimalist yard tends to feel cold and impersonal. The first idea on our list is to go the maximalist route and still meet your minimalist budget. The key here is to find plants that spread. Some popular plants known to take up a lot of room in your New Jersey garden are the following:
- Daylilies: These tall stalks thrive in New Jersey, adapting to various conditions. Their vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers add a welcome pop of color to your space.
- Groundcover Roses: They spread quickly to cover areas with dense foliage and plentiful blooms, making them a great choice for filling in gaps with a range of stunning, bold colors. Their alluring scent adds a feel of luxury to your backyard space.
- Echinops (Globe Thistle): These plants are hardy, and feature round, thistle-like, blue or violet flowers atop tall, rigid stems. They add a perfect layer of height to your landscape.
- Asters: Native and hardy, asters produce daisy-like flowers in purple, blue, or white, offering late summer to fall interest.
- Crocosmia: These plants form groups of sword-shaped, bright green foliage, with arching spikes of vibrant red, orange, or yellow funnel-shaped flowers.
- Dahlias: This well-loved flower is known for its stunning blooms that vary in size, color, and form, creating a dramatic display as they multiply each year.
- Virginia Creeper: A strong vine that grows well in NJ, quickly covering large areas with lush green leaves that turn a brilliant red in fall.
- Persicarias: Vigorous spreaders with lance-shaped leaves and spikes of pink, white, or red flowers, adding long-lasting color to any garden.
- Vinca Minor (Periwinkle): A quick-spreading evergreen ground cover that provides a carpet of glossy green leaves and star-shaped, purple flowers in spring.
- Ajuga (Bugleweed): Forms a dense mat of foliage with leaves that can be green, bronze, or a mix of both, and produces spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers in spring.
Daylilies, Groundcover Roses, Echinops, Asters, Crocosmia, Dahlias, Virginia Creeper, Persicarias, Vinca Minor, and Ajuga — all create layers of lush greenery and vibrant blooms. Use landscaping fabric underneath these plants to prevent weeds and maintain soil moisture.
You can even mix in ornamental grasses to add texture and gentle movement with every breeze. Plant taller varieties near the outer edges of your garden beds to create depth and balance. If you’ve recently added a new deck, this layering effect helps connect it seamlessly with your natural surroundings, evoking a quiet country feel. Consider small accent areas with small trees or shrubs to frame your space and provide natural shade.
The trick is to choose a variety of plants that flower at different times throughout the seasons and to vary in height and spread. This allows Mother Nature to put on an incredible show all year long. Purchasing your plants off-season (in the fall) will give you the best bang for your buck, so you can stay on budget. Planting spreaders is a really simple way to create a lush and beautiful backdrop for your next backyard deck party!
Idea # 2 — Install Border Edging Complemented by Privacy Trees & Shrubs
No matter how lovely your neighbors may be, you don’t want them to have a front seat to all your private backyard events. Increasing the privacy in your outdoor living space, even in a small space, is as easy as planting a tree…or 2, or 3, or 7. Depending on the size of your backyard, you may need a few trees, or a lot of trees to create a serene wall of lush green privacy.
If your deck overlooks a pool, trees and hedges can double as windbreaks and sound barriers, creating a more tranquil environment that becomes the ideal place to unwind. Make sure your plantings receive enough sun, since many evergreens thrive in bright light. This idea also pairs beautifully with a nearby grill area for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
When planning the layout, include open pathways for airflow and easy access between your porch and garden areas. Mixing shrubs of different colors can add interest while defining spaces naturally. Installing border edging along your garden beds or pathways not only keeps mulch and soil neatly contained but also creates a clean, professional finish around your deck area. Choose materials like stone, metal, or composite edging for durability and easy maintenance. Before you lay down pavers or stone borders, plan out your shapes and heights carefully for a polished look.
Evergreen Trees
On a budget? Select trees that spread their branches and leaves, so you can space them out and save on costs while still having a protective wall of seclusion. Another factor to think about is whether year-round privacy is important to you. Will you be using your deck in the winter months? If so, choose evergreen trees like Eastern White Pine, Leyland Cyrus, or Norway Spruce, which all thrive year-round in the New Jersey climate.
Deciduous Trees (Trees with leaves)
If you’d like to use your privacy trees as shade as well, you may want to opt for a deciduous tree like a Willow, or Hornbeam. However, both lose their leaves in the fall, but not before they put on a spectacular show of turning to bold colors of red, gold, yellow, and orange.
Evergreen Shrubs
Another great deck landscape idea is to surround your deck with evergreen privacy shrubs. These shrubs stay dense and green all year long, creating a quick and natural privacy wall for your deck. Choose from Skip Laurel, Euonymus, or Arborvitae, which are fast-growing, great options to withstand our New Jersey seasons.
Idea # 3 — Create a Vertical Garden with Built-In Planters
This is another awesome deck landscape design that is easy, attractive, and affordable and creates the perfect ambiance for your next garden party. Plus, it can be a fun DIY project to do with your family!
How to build a vertical garden in 3 easy steps:
- First, you have to select a structure for your garden to grow on. Look online to find inspiration for unique materials; old pallets work, hanging pocket organizers, or trellises are ideal. You can also purchase a ready-made vertical garden panel from your local garden center. While digging your holes for planters, remember to reinforce the structure so it can support soil and water weight.
- Next, you have to prepare the space. A vertical garden can be attached to a pergola, wall, or railing to maximize space. A touch of fencing around the deck can further define the area and provide a functional backdrop for climbing plants.
- Choosing your plants is the third step. Fill your containers or pockets with high-quality potting soil. This is one thing to splurge on, quality soil will help guarantee your plants will have the best environment possible to thrive in.
If your deck is multi-level, connect the zones with stairs that guide visitors naturally through your garden. Add a small seating nook where guests can sit and enjoy the view. For ultimate relaxation, consider installing a bubbling spa feature nearby to enhance the atmosphere and help you unwind after a long day.
Below is a list of some of the best plants for vertical gardens as they spread beautifully, and require minimal maintenance.
- Succulents (Echeveria and Sedum)
- Herbs (Basil, Thyme, Rosemary)
- Ferns (Maidenhair, Boston fern)
- Hostas
- Strawberries
- Lettuce and leafy greens
- Ivy
- Climbing roses
Adding a variety of plants to your vertical garden including edible plants, can not only make for a gorgeous centerpiece of your deck landscape but can also save you money on your grocery bill. Win-win for everyone! Vertical gardens are an easy and beautiful way to improve the look of your deck landscape.
Idea # 4 — Add Contrasting Deck Materials for Your Multi-Level Decks
Most decks are made from wood, composite, PVC, or a combination of the three. However, experimenting with new materials can completely transform the look of your backyard. Mixing textures and tones can help you relax while creating a visually engaging setting.
Use natural stone, reclaimed wood, or pebbles to define walkways and create a rustic lounge area. Soft lighting and throw pillows can make these corners the perfect spot for entertaining guests. For family gatherings or weekend barbecues, design spaces with both conversation and entertainment in mind — such as a firepit or outdoor movie wall.
When possible, orient furniture to capture gentle sunlight during the day, and highlight pathways with decorative rocks at night. Seasonal maintenance like pruning or an occasional trim will keep the space looking neat year-round.
Idea # 5 — Go Green with a Sustainable Deck Landscape
Going with an environmentally friendly deck landscape is not only great for the planet, but it can also make your life easier by minimizing upkeep and saving you money on water. Use native plants that naturally thrive in your region to conserve resources. Adding mulch or gravel pathways between your outer edges of decking and garden beds can improve drainage and reduce maintenance. A rain collection system can further support eco-conscious living and keep your deck healthy through every season.
Xeriscaping is a concept based on the principle of water conservation and is an excellent step in moving towards a more sustainable footprint. However, sustainable deck landscapes are about more than just water conservation, they are about contributing to the health of our planet, and also creating a more enjoyable, low-maintenance outdoor living space for you.
Combining these ideas results in a beautifully balanced, sustainable backyard that feels both stylish and responsible.
Here are some sustainability deck landscape designs that are easy on the eyes and the wallet:
- Native Plants: Choose plants that are native to New Jersey since they are adapted to our local climate conditions and typically require less water, fewer fertilizers, and fewer pesticides.
- Organic Mulch: Applying organic mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and suppress annoying weeds, which also gradually improves soil quality as it decomposes. This simple practice significantly cuts down on water usage and the need for chemical herbicides.
- Collect Rainwater: Use rain barrels to collect runoff from roofs. This water can be used to irrigate your garden, further reducing your reliance on city water supplies.
- Rethink your lawn: Consider reducing the size of your lawn or replacing it with groundcovers, native grasses, clover, or a wildflower meadow. Traditional lawns require a lot of water to stay green and alternatives can be just as beautiful and provide a space to play.
- Plan with Purpose: Design your landscape to take advantage of its natural features and conditions. For example, position trees to provide shade and cool your home naturally, reducing energy consumption for air conditioning.
Choosing a sustainable deck landscape helps homeowners make a positive impact on our environment while creating a beautiful outdoor living space for you and your friends and family to enjoy.
Transform Your Deck into a Space of Beautiful Landscaping
So now you know that you can upgrade your deck landscape without breaking the bank- which idea are you going to choose? Maybe you’ll create a secluded seating area with evergreen privacy shrubs, or add another layer to your deck by DIY’ing a gravel patio. Whatever idea you pick, we are confident that you can change the vibe of a drap deck into a fab place to hang out, with these easy deck landscape designs.
Still not sure what to do to improve your deck landscape? Give our designers at Deck Guardian a call. We are excited to help you create your dream outdoor living space! One that fits your vision and stays within your budget. Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation, consultation!
