So you’ve made up your mind! You're going to take on that chaotic backyard filled with weeds and plants of unknown origin. The old porch must go and what’s left of the fence is to be replaced by an outdoor setting that’s a joy to behold! By following a few basic rules, it’ll be easy and fun to create the yard of your dreams!

The outdoor layout of your dreams must be well structured and respect your tastes, both present and future. Whether the available space is large or somewhat restricted, you need to harmonize all the elements in the same way you would harmonize an interior remodelling plan.

In the first instance, ask yourself how you will be using the backyard: will it be a child’s play area, a corner to enjoy dining outdoors, or again, a vegetable garden? To choose the type of layout that will best correspond to your reality, make use of the landscaping schemes in your neighbours’ yards or in specialized gardening magazines as sources for your own ideas. Print out our guide Carrying out an outdoor design project to make up your lists, design your plan and develop a realistic work schedule. It’s not necessary to do everything in a single year. Divide your plan into stages covering two or three years. For certain stages, we can speak of weekend projects, while others will last for a few weeks. A piece of expert advice: start with the big jobs…

To organize the yard in a cohesive fashion, draw your plan to scale. Never forget that it’s always easier to correct an error on paper than in the field. Think of the garden in the future. Position all the elements that you plan to build. If you plan to add a shed to store the gardening tools or a deck to host relatives and friends, carefully plan this stage before going to the store. Get information about the types of materials needed to build a children’s play structure or a fence that will maintain your privacy. Even if you don't plan to build everything in the first year, if the planning is right you won't need to move trees or move flower beds when the time comes. Don't forget the jobs that require heavy machinery, like installing paving stones or walls must be done first, before adding plants.

Will you hire a contractor or do the work yourself? Doing the entire job yourself will take a lot of time, but will be less costly. Before beginning, get information from the urban planning section of your municipality regarding regulations governing the types of buildings you can construct, allowable heights and distances, fences, etc.

Be aware of the kind of atmosphere you seek to create and determine the elements you’ll need such as a gazebo, an arbour, a pond, bird baths, etc. Consider your house’s architecture when planning your layout. Determine the hardiness zone. Have a soil analysis done to guide you in your plant choices and sunlight exposure and flowering seasons in mind to create successful visual effects! Choose a garden type that inspires you: potted gardens, gourmet gardens, etc. Create a focal point in the layout that will direct the gaze and stimulate curiosity. RONA offers various flower bed models for every taste. Harmonize the colours and add vertical effects in the garden with the help of porticos, pergolas or wigwams and grow climbing plants. Why not add a few fruit trees to the landscape... and a small nook in a corner to admire the birds?

The latest trend, blending the boundary between indoors and out, going so far as making the backyard an extension of the house itself. We seek to transform the backyard into a cozy nest. We rely on various installations to arrange a warm and inviting backyard. A gazebo or awning is a wonderful solution to protect against the sun and insects while enjoying the weather on those warm summer evenings.

On the furniture and garden and patio accessories side, nothing should be left to chance, certainly not your comfort. The dining area should be a priority, notably when it comes to the barbecue, the cooking and dining utensils. Comfortable furniture, cushions and throws not only add elegance, but also allow one to spend pleasant moments outdoors, day or night.

There’s an abundance of decorative items that allow you to personalize your environment and connect it to your space like cachepots, coloured dishes, artificial or natural plants, lanterns... The important thing in developing your backyard is that you feel good.

Learn how to maintain your hedges and grow the perfect lawn, as well as the way to plan a perennial plant layout. Install an outdoor faucet to water your plants, vegetable, garden, lawn and for any other outdoor cleaning needs. Do you need information on purchasing patio furniture, a barbecue and outdoor lighting? Consult our buyers' guides.

Do you have questions on planning and carrying out the work? You can consult our online experts at all times. Visit our exterior landscaping Web page.