5 Landscaping Ideas for Side of House in Boalsburg, PA

The side of your house might not be the first thing that comes to mind when dreaming up garden goals, but it’s actually one of the most exciting spaces to work with. It’s full of untapped charm, and with the right touch, it can completely change how your entire yard flows.

When we talk about landscaping ideas for side of house, we’re talking about turning that stretch of space into something both beautiful and useful, like cozy pathways, lush plantings, and maybe even a little corner for your morning coffee or a garden bed bursting with herbs. It really is a design opportunity waiting to bloom.

Key Takeaways

• Your side yard has major design potential and can elevate the flow and feel of your entire outdoor space.

• Smart landscaping choices—like walkways, vertical gardens, and lighting—can add both style and function.

• With the right ideas, even the narrowest areas can become low-maintenance, high-impact parts of your home.

The Side of the House Renaissance

Your side yard might be the unsung hero of your entire outdoor setup. If done right, it will be like the accessory that pulls the whole outfit together. A thoughtfully designed side yard garden can make your property look more polished, boost your curb appeal, and raise your home’s value. That’s a big win for a space that often gets left out of the landscaping spotlight.

But here’s the fun part: this area can do way more than look pretty. When it is designed well, your narrow side yard can become a shaded escape with lush plantings, a sunny spot for a vegetable garden, or even a walkway lined with stepping stones that guide guests from the front yard to the backyard in style.

Want a cozy potting bench? A garden bed full of herbs? A secret nook for a bubbling water fountain? Yes, yes, and yes. You can do all these.

The right landscape design makes your side yard feel like it’s always been part of the main show. It can become the space where you can plant trees, hang string lights, install a fence for privacy, or even create a dog run for your four-legged family member. It’s a small space with big potential, and with the right plants, it’s a total game-changer for your outdoor space.

So, don’t think of your side yard as extra. Think of it as the perfect spot to add character, purpose, and a little bit of magic to the entire length of your house.

Now let's get to those tips!

1. Even More Functional Walkways

A walkway does more than guide you from point A to point B; it can also set the tone for your entire garden design. It’s the subtle “hey, come check this out” that draws you in. And when it comes to the side of the house, the right path can turn a narrow space into a showstopper.

Let’s talk materials.

Gravel paths have that relaxed, effortless vibe and work beautifully for a yard garden or vegetable garden with a rustic twist. Stepping stones bring a soft, natural rhythm to your shaded side yard and are perfect for weaving through lush plantings. If you prefer something a little more structured, go for pavers for their clean lines, modern feel, and durability in high-traffic spots.

Though we’re big fans of a pretty garden path, your walkway can be so much more than looks. It also needs to be practical. Think about direct sun or reflected heat; lighter materials can help keep things cooler. And don’t forget about drainage or how it feels underfoot. The goal is a path that’s as functional as it is fabulous.

Pair your walkway with string lights for an evening glow, tuck in a potting bench or a little water feature nearby, and let the path tell a story as it winds through your yard landscaping ideas. From the front yard to the back yard, your walkway can be the element that ties everything together.

2. Vertical Ventures

When space is tight, it’s time to think up. Vertical gardening is the ultimate hack for making a narrow side yard feel lush and layered without crowding the walkway. Plus, it adds texture, color, and that “wow” factor to what might otherwise be a plain stretch of fence or walls.

Trellises, wall planters, and stacked pots are great for your vertical garden. A simple trellis covered in clematis or sweet peas turns your side yard garden into a blooming backdrop. Wall-mounted planters filled with herbs, ferns, or trailing flowers bring life to blank spaces. They can also free up the ground for things like a cozy garden bed or even a petite water feature.

Plant ideas

If you're wondering what to plant, look for climbers like jasmine, honeysuckle, or climbing roses for fragrance and flair. Edibles like cherry tomatoes or beans are perfect for sun-drenched walls, while ferns, ivy, and begonias thrive in shaded side yard spots. And if you’ve got a bit more height to play with, small trees like Japanese maple bring structure and drama without overwhelming the small space.

Vertical gardens are low on square footage but high on impact. They’re ideal for bringing more greenery into your backyard, front yard, or that narrow stretch between. They also help your yard feel larger, drawing the eye upward and making every inch count.

3. Tranquility Screens

There’s something undeniably peaceful about a private, tucked-away garden, especially when it feels like your own little secret oasis. In a narrow side yard or a cozy side yard garden, privacy is everything. Green screens can provide that as living, breathing barriers that do double duty by blocking unwanted views and softening noise from the street or neighbors.

Green screen options

Bamboo is a favorite for instant height and lush, tropical vibes. It grows fast and dense, but make sure to plant a clumping variety so it behaves. You don't want to plant an invasive one that will quickly overtake your entire garden.

Hedges like boxwood or privet offer a classic look, and they're great for a more tailored style. If you want something breezy and low-maintenance, go for ornamental grasses like feather reed or miscanthus. They sway in the wind, catch the light, and bring in that soft, soothing rustle that turns a simple yard into a retreat.

Taller shrubs can frame a dog run, define a border along the side of the house, or simply carve out a serene spot for reading or relaxing. And if you're working with a small backyard or narrow side, these natural screens help make your yard feel larger by creating cozy “rooms” within your outdoor space.

4. Side Yard Illumination

No one wants to fumble through the dark on a path. Lighting is essential for this, but when designed with intention, it can create a magical evening vibe that makes your space feel warm and welcoming.

Lighting options

For a narrow side yard, solar lights are a no-brainer. They’re easy to install, energy-efficient, and perfect for lining a garden path or tucking into flower beds.

For something a little more decorative, think lanterns—either classic metal ones for a vintage touch or modern designs that pop against the fence or walls of your home. And if you really want to set a mood, LED strips under a deck railing or along a planter edge can totally change the atmosphere with a soft, contemporary glow.

Good lighting also adds a layer of safety to your outdoor space. No tripping over roots or tools left behind, and it makes navigating from the front yard to the back yard so much easier after sunset. Plus, well-placed lights can highlight your favorite features, like that garden design you worked so hard on or the focal point at the end of the walkway.

Lighting is one of those yard ideas that’s easy to overlook, but once it’s in place, it makes everything feel more alive. And when the sun dips down, your side of the house won’t fade into the background but glow like the star it was always meant to be.

5. Utility with Style

Utility doesn’t have to mean ugly, and the side yard is the perfect place to prove it. Things like storage sheds, compost bins, and rain barrels are must-haves for many homeowners, but they can also be design-savvy additions if you play your cards right.

Let’s start with sheds. Instead of a clunky box tucked in the back yard, why not go for something that complements your garden design? A compact shed with vertical siding, a green roof, or even a pop of color can double as a visual focal point. Nestle it among shrubs or frame it with flowers, and suddenly it feels like it belongs.

Compost bins and rain barrels don’t have to scream "utility" either. Tuck a stylish bin behind a fence panel or disguise it with lattice and climbing plants. Choose a rain barrel that matches your home’s color palette, or better yet, dress it up with a wooden cover or decorative spigot. These little tweaks go a long way in keeping your yard landscaping ideas feeling fresh and cohesive.

The trick is placement and camouflage. Use walls, tall grasses, or even a small pergola to conceal and contain. Match materials (wood with wood or black metal with black trim, for example) and treat every piece as part of the design. Because when your functional elements blend in beautifully, your whole outdoor space feels more intentional, more livable, and way more stylish.

It’s the nice thing about great landscape design that even the most practical corners of your house can become the most charming.

Conclusion

The side yard doesn’t need to be an afterthought; it’s a design opportunity just waiting to shine. Smart choices and creative touches can change your entire front and back yard into something better and add serious personality to your outdoor space. Big or small, shaded or sunny, there’s always room to create something beautiful.

Let’s Reimagine Your Side Yard Into a Better One

At Landscape II, we see every outdoor space as a chance to create something inspiring: a side yard, backyard, or anything in between. From tailored garden design to lush plantings and construction, we specialize in turning underused areas into unforgettable spots.

Let's make the most of your space. Reach out, and let’s start designing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to put at the side of a house?

It’s a great spot for a garden path, shrubs, or even a sleek pergola for a bit of shade and structure. You can add flowers, climbing plants, or a compact deck to make it both functional and inviting. The goal is to create a flow between your front and back yard while adding charm and personality to the space.

What is the cheapest option for landscaping?

If you're landscaping on a budget, start simple: mulch, native plants, and a clear layout go a long way. Use yard ideas like gravel paths, upcycled materials, and DIY garden design touches to save money without sacrificing style. Focus on enhancing your curb appeal with minimal investment and build from there.

What is the rule of 3 in landscaping?

The rule of 3 is all about visual balance. Group plants, flowers, or elements in threes to create natural movement and rhythm. It keeps your yard looking thoughtfully arranged without feeling too rigid. You can apply this to design ideas for planting beds, lighting, or even focal point arrangements.

What is the most low-maintenance landscaping?

Low-maintenance landscaping starts with smart plant choices. Choose hardy perennials, evergreens, and drought-tolerant shrubs. Add mulch to reduce weeding, and opt for simple layouts that don’t need constant upkeep. A well-designed backyard or patio with defined space, minimal lawn, and a few key accents can look amazing with very little effort.