Use Detailed Dimensions

• Measure the lawn space in order to plan each section. Make initial sketches before transferring plans to graph paper. Measurements of the house will help as well. You want the front lawn, side areas and backyard space to look harmonious in relation to the size of the house. Invest time in creating a nice curbside lawn first. The rest of the yard design can work around the front lawn space.
  
  

Lay Out Yard Sections

• Create sidewalks, plant beds and lighting first. You can, for example, sketch a 6-foot-wide sidewalk with 1 foot of mulch or pebbles on each side. Plant beds that hold evergreen bushes might fit along the whole front of the house. Make the plant beds about 6 feet wide, running the whole length of the front house facade. Add a light post at the house curbside and install solar lights on stakes every few feet across the front facade at the edge of the plant beds.
  
  

Keep Trees Small

• Plant small trees at the side of the house. Keep in mind that large trees may develop a root system that cracks the home's foundation wall. Buy miniature trees that grow approximately 15 feet high, such as crabapple trees or dwarf apple trees to plant in the side yard area.
  
  

Make the Backyard Special

• Plan a privacy fence and lawn space in the backyard first. Design an 8-foot fence at the very back of the property, for example, with grass in most of this space. Sketch flower beds in one or two places in the backyard to add color. A small patio with lawn furniture will make the yard more livable. Figure out a space to do grilling that is not close to house overhangs, in case of fire. You can give the backyard a theme, such as a Japanese garden, to help develop ideas even further.
  
  

Incorporate Beautiful Plants

• Use special plants to create great ambiance. Buy hanging baskets of cascading petunias or ivy to install on a small shed in the backyard, for example. Small concrete containers of begonias or pansies will work well along a backyard sidewalk. A border of groundcover along the front curb adds a polished look as well. Use plants that climb vertically to enhance a small yard, too. Clematis vines work well to cover a birdbath or curbside mailbox.