Keeping it simple definitely has its perks—less to maintain and you still get a tidy look. One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that even basic turf can benefit from a few well-placed planters or low-profile lighting. Just adds a bit of depth without much extra work.
I totally get what you mean about planters and lighting. When we moved in, I thought just turf would be enough, but it felt a bit flat. We added a couple of big pots near the patio and some solar path lights—made a huge difference without much hassle. If you’re worried about clutter, sticking to one or two types of planters keeps it looking intentional.
If you’re worried about clutter, sticking to one or two types of planters keeps it looking intentional.
That’s a solid point, but I actually like mixing up planter styles—just a couple different textures or heights can add some depth, especially on a flat lot where everything feels so uniform. Have you tried adding any vertical elements, like a trellis or even a tall sculpture? Sometimes that’s what really breaks up the monotony for me.
BUILDING ON LEVEL GROUND: STEP-BY-STEP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A FLAT LOT
Funny you mention vertical elements—I once tried to “break up the monotony” on a client’s pancake-flat backyard by convincing them to go for a bold, rusty corten steel sculpture. They were skeptical, but it ended up being the one thing everyone commented on at their housewarming. I get the appeal of sticking to a couple planter styles for cohesion, but sometimes that little bit of chaos (like mixing in a tall trellis or even just some oversized grasses) is what gives the space personality.
Flat lots can feel like blank canvases, which is both exciting and kind of intimidating. I’ve found that layering heights—planters, trees, even a random boulder or two—makes everything feel less staged. There’s definitely a sweet spot between “intentional” and “looks like I raided the garden center clearance aisle,” though... Still figuring out where that line is myself.
I totally get the struggle with finding that balance—my budget’s always tight, so I’m constantly asking myself if adding one more thing will make it look cool or just cluttered. Have you found any affordable ways to add height without it looking cheap? I’ve tried stacking old bricks for planters, but sometimes it just looks... like stacked bricks.
