100 best ideas: landscape design of a summer cottage in the photo

For many, a summer residence is not only a place for a garden and work, but also a cozy corner to relax from everyday hustle and bustle. And in order to fully enjoy the natural beauties, special attention should be paid to the landscape design of the summer cottage. First of all, it is a harmonious combination of architecture and botany in a single style. So where do you start?

Planning

It doesn’t matter what area of the site is 5, 10, 15 or more hundred square meters, the main thing is the proper organization of space, and for this you need to develop a plan in accordance with predefined tasks. It is important to clearly understand the main purpose of the site - it will only be a place to relax, together with a vegetable garden or garden. Budget must be planned in advance. It is better to conditionally divide the territory into zones, for each of which to calculate the estimate.

First of all, mentally imagine the appearance of a future summer cottage, consider the features of the soil, topography, climate, the location of existing trees and shrubs, as well as buildings. Understand what is superfluous and what is missing. Next, make a plan on paper:

draw the boundaries of the site and all existing important objects on it;
divide the entire area into zones - work (farm buildings, beds), recreation, walks, ponds, a garden, etc .;
think over the style, focusing on the main building, personal taste and needs;
invent the filling of each zone - paths, benches, arbors, flower beds and landscaping, garden sculptures, lighting and other elements.

Focus on your own budget, the availability of materials, as well as the possibility of installation in certain conditions. The last point, by and large, concerns water bodies and vegetation.

What to place on a site?

Even on a small area of 6 acres, with a rational approach to planning, you can place a neat building (arch, arbor), an alpine hill, a flower bed, an artificial pond and other green corners.

The buildings

The most common types of buildings:

Gazebo. This is a zone of relaxation, solitude, calm, comfortable rest. It will be well placed on the shore of a pond or among trees. A great option for a summer cottage is a wooden structure with window openings decorated with climbing plants. On a large territory (about 20 acres), the arbor with columns in a noble classic style will harmoniously look.

Bridges and arches. Most often used to delimit the site. It is recommended to plant flower beds near such structures.

Open kitchen with patio, tandoor or stove. It can be presented in the form of a wooden veranda with a stove or a solid brick extension to the house.

A place for active pastime or a playground. Usually this is a wooden flooring with equipment: a trampoline, a pool, a swing, etc.

Outbuildings (pantry, garage, barn, bathhouse) it is also important to design in the same style as the entire plot, otherwise the integrity of the landscape is unlikely to be achieved.

Ponds

Not every summer cottage is located near a river or lake, but an artificial pond can be created if desired. To begin, think about what will be on your site and what is the purpose of the planned reservoir.

Pond

The ideal solution for your site, if its landscape has a landscape style. The pond can be used only for aesthetics, in this case they focus on decor - beautiful trees and plants are planted along the banks, and a gazebo is set nearby. But the pond can also be functional in nature - to be a source for irrigation or used for breeding fish.

Fountain

A full-fledged decor element that can designate and decorate a particular area. Even in a small area it looks very harmonious, filling the space with the pacification and impeccable aesthetics of the waterfall.

Pond with a bridge

The same pond, but more elongated and with a charming bridge, which can be a favorite place for walking. In the design process, it is important to think over a treatment system, water supply, and select animals and plants.

Waterfalls, cascades

Particularly beautiful are such structures with uneven or sloping terrain, framed by green plants or rockeries.

They will also effectively fit into the green massif and circulating brooks and water mills will add movement.

Planting

Of course, the main element of landscape design are plants. They need to be selected so that they perfectly complement each other. It is important to remember moderation and not to "dazzle". The abundance of flowers and plants in a compact area always looks ridiculous.

When planning plantations, do not forget to take into account seasonality and growth rate. Landscaping of the territory can be divided into the following groups:

planting shrubs and trees;

the design of flower beds and flower beds (be sure to combine perennials and annual plants);

arrangement of alpine hills;

decoration of gazebos and ponds with plants and flowers.

Without beautiful green corners, landscape design is simply impossible. They give personality, grooming, serve as an excellent means of zoning and creating the integrity of the perception of the site.

Garden paths

Paths and paths not only serve as a functional element, but also as a cute decoration of your site, they create a feeling of graphicness, orderliness. Most often they are made using natural stone, paving slabs, gravel or pebbles. Special attention should be paid to their edging - vegetation and borders. Paths lead to various extensions, a reservoir, a gazebo, flower beds, creating the effect of the integrity of the site.

Fencing

In landscape design, fencing is used for clear zoning of the territory. With their help, you can interestingly beat ideas with plantings. Particularly common fencing in the cottages with a recreation area and a garden, they are practical and effective in separating one from the other. Such curbs can be wooden, stone or from vegetation (for example, from low bushes). Translucent, lightweight constructions that do not clutter up space and transmit light also look great.

Decorative elements

To give the site individuality and special charm, the decor will help:

Benches - a functional element on the site, which should be in harmony with the general style of its design.

Garden sculptures - depending on the nature of the garden, they can be represented in the form of animal figures, interesting heroes, statues in the Gothic or antique style and decorate arbors, paths, ponds.

Flowerpots - marble products with planted flowers or aged bowls will look very beautiful in the garden.

Lighting

With the help of lighting, you can emphasize the spectacular elements of landscape design in the evening. It can be wall lights in the gazebo, porch or high lights along the paths. Bright lights look amazing in the soil, filling the area with a mysterious magical atmosphere.

Visual techniques

Some tricks will help to visually expand the garden:

retaining wall, laid out in an arc;
rounded lawns;

groups of shrubs;

ornate paths;

color reception - in the foreground, plant plants of lighter shades, in the background - darker ones. Thus, the summer cottage will gain depth and volume.