With so many modern design choices to examine, it’s easy to forget about the old-school rustic look that can still work so well in many neighborhoods and geographical regions. Rustic landscaping smack dab in the middle of a downtown metropolitan area probably won’t look very fitting, but for a rural estate, it can be the perfect match. With that said, here are five surefire ways to incorporate rustic charm into any landscaping project:
1. Use Rocks and Boulders
Strategically scattering rocks and boulders throughout your yard can do a lot to create that rustic vibe that you’re going for. If you’re going to be using boulders, you may require the assistance of some heavy equipment or the hired help of a contractor. You may also have to invest in importing quality boulders if you’re unable to source them naturally and locally. Luckily, in most areas, it’s pretty easy to hike out into nature and find a bunch of large rocks and medium-sized boulders that are big enough to attract attention yet still maneuverable and transportable.
2. Foster the Native Vegetation
Opting for the “no-mow” approach – letting local plants take over your yard instead of maintaining a cut lawn – is becoming an increasingly popular movement because it provides a natural and organic look while also helping the environment. Plus, it makes your yard maintenance duties practically non-existent.
3. Build Natural Walkways
Lining up some stones to make a path or stacking log stumps to create a small set of steps can introduce basic earthen architecture into your landscaping theme. Using materials found around your property will further increase aesthetic compatibility with the surrounding features in your yard. You can also use logs to line the sides of walkways or dig parallel trenches and rig up an irrigation line to create small streams that flow alongside the walkways.
4. Add Vintage Outdoor Furniture
Tastefully sprinkling vintage objects and furniture pieces throughout your yard can help you create a classic look from scratch. Examples include wooden barrels, wagons, and benches.
5. Construct a Split Log Fence
Most properties that have trees will provide enough lumber to build your own split log fence from materials sourced on your own land. Of course, you’ll need the right saw and it will take some hard work, but you’ll wind up with the most well-deserved rustic look out of all the recommendations on this list.
Rustic is One of the Easiest Looks to Achieve
Really, all you have to do to achieve the rustic look is heed the five tips above and then let your yard do its own thing for a while. As the grass gets a little bit taller and the already vintage items begin to wear a bit more, things will only look increasingly rustic as time passes. At that point, you’ll start to face the issue of maintenance coming due, as you don’t want to surpass the range of rustic and into the negative realm of decrepit.
