Owning a home by the lake is a dream for many, as it offers tranquil and mesmerizing scenery. However, maximizing such views calls for thoughtful landscaping that complements the waterfront’s natural beauty while maintaining functionality. This guide discusses critical considerations and tips for designing an enchanting lakeside landscape.
Design With Sightlines in Mind
Identify the natural “view corridors” on your property. These are sightlines that offer the best vantage points of the water. When creating your landscaping plan, all plants, trees, and structures must frame rather than obstruct the sights. For instance, placing a layer of short shrubs closer to the shoreline provides privacy without blocking the view.
Choose Suitable Plants
Waterfront environments have unique challenges, such as erosion issues, fluctuating water levels, and more shade than inland areas. Native plants are your best allies in these conditions since they thrive well in your local climate and soil without intensive maintenance. Here are some ideas for lakeside plantings:
- For Color and Texture: Use water-loving perennials like swamp sunflowers, cardinal flowers, and irises. Their vibrant colors create a lively and dynamic waterfront view and may attract pollinators, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
- For Erosion Control: Groundcovers are critical in stabilizing soil, especially near shorelines. Choose varieties with deep root systems that prevent erosion and runoff, such as sedges, creeping thyme, and ornamental grasses.
- For Shade and Privacy: Choose smaller, slow-growing trees that won’t overwhelm the space or obstruct the scenery. Trees like Japanese maple and flowering dogwood are excellent choices, as they have delicate silhouettes and eye-catching foliage.
Install Multi-Functional Hardscapes
Hardscaping elements are aesthetic and practical additions that help define the space, create visual flow, and enhance your connection to the water. Walkways guide the eye, connect different areas in the yard, and encourage exploration, while patios and decks offer comfortable viewing spots. Choose materials that ensure good traction even when wet to reduce slip-and-fall risks and ensure safety.
Use multi-functional spaces, like tiered terraces or decks, to create cozy seating areas while transitioning between your home and the water. If your property slopes towards the water, add retaining walls to help prevent erosion. Choose hardscapes made from natural materials, like stone or wood, to harmonize with the surroundings.
Add Water-Friendly Features
Complement your lakeside oasis with water-friendly design elements like natural rock borders, ponds, fountains, waterfalls, or fire pits. Such features reflect the environment’s natural charm and amplify the area’s serenity. Be mindful of the materials and placements to avoid detracting from the scenery or disrupting the shoreline and natural ecosystem.
Turn Your Waterfront Home Into a True Retreat
Designing a lakeside landscape that magnifies waterfront views requires careful consideration of sightlines, environmental conditions, and functional hardscaping. Prioritize integrating features that blend with the surroundings and frame the views, and you can have a breathtaking outdoor space. Start planning your backyard design with Blend Outdoor Design + Construction in Spokane Valley, WA.
