If you have a boring flat yard and wish you had some rises and dips to create interest, take heart. Here are several ideas that can help you add dimension to your outdoor space!

1. Sunken Patio

By dropping the height of the patio, you can make your yard appear larger. Something you can enjoy during late fall and winter is sunken seating around a fire pit. Talk about a conversation starter! You can also dig downward to create privacy from close neighbors to limit visibility into your yard. Add retaining walls and drainage to avoid filling the area with water every time it rains.

2. Stack Raised Beds

Stagger raised beds at varying heights to create level changes without significantly altering your yard. You can make them as high or low as you’d like and divide the area into space for kids’ play areas, outdoor entertainment, or vegetable gardens. Speaking of gardens, populate the beds with spring bulbs, box hedges, herbs, and mixed edible veggies.

3. Berms Break Up Flat Areas

Berms are raised mounts of soil or sand/gravel mixtures topped with soil that add modest heights to the garden bed. If you are looking for a subtle change to your landscape, this will do the trick! Berms are ideal for dry-garden plants like succulents which thrive in this environment.

4. Take Your Garden to New Heights

Climbing vines, arbors, and narrow trees showcase a height change. They become a natural beacon that draws the eye because of the stark contrast to a flat yard. Or, keep things cool and dramatic by adding a water feature that becomes a delightful and calming focal point.

5. Add Curves with a Pathway

A winding pathway featuring layered plantings positioned at varying heights tricks the eye to give the illusion of your yard rising and falling. Use pavers or brick for an elegant look.

6. Create a View

If your home is built on flat land, create a view with an elevated deck or patio. You might even consider seeing your backyard from a different vantage point with a detached outbuilding such as a workshop or home studio. Lean on our expertise to ensure that your project is beautifully designed to add enjoyment for many years to come.

7. Add a Screened Porch

If you are looking to add something dramatic to your flat backyard, consider a screened porch. In addition to extending your living space, it adds beauty and value to your home. Over the years we have transformed thousands of customers’ backyards with screened porches that fit naturally with their home’s original architecture. We believe you’ll find out why we are one of Atlanta’s most trusted back porch builders. Contact us to review your many options!