Backyard Landscaping Guide: Manicured vs. Untamed Styles

Hi friends! Are you ready to tackle the backyard? I’ve been staring at mine ever since we moved in, and I just can’t decide which way to go.

It’s got a lot of sun and some trees that aren’t doing great, so it’s feeling a little more wild than wonderful. I’m completely torn! Do I go for that super-tamed look, or just lean into a “wild chic” vibe?

If you’re also trying to figure out your backyard landscaping, you are in the right place! Let’s look at both styles and maybe even find a perfect middle ground.

The Manicured Yard

This is the epitome of a classic, timeless yard. The manicured space is all about those carefully maintained details.

I’m talking about a lush green lawn that has perfectly defined edges, plus sculpted bushes and neat gravel pathways. Oh, how I love the clean and uncluttered look!

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And you don’t even need a lawn to get this look! Yards without grass can absolutely be manicured. So often, you’ll see gravel, pebbles, and mulch used in the design of these outdoor spaces.

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I love that you can also use repetition to get that manicured feel. Think matching plants or rows of identical planters. There is just such a satisfying symmetry in that uniformity.

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Okay, so now that we’ve looked at all this inspiration, I have to ask: which one is your favorite? Are you team manicured or team untamed? Or maybe a mix of both?

I’m pretty sure my own backyard will end up with elements from both. I hope this gives you a few ideas for your own space! I promise I’ll share how my backyard makeover turns out later this fall!

The “Wild” Yard

I have to admit, the idea of a yard that is intentionally low-maintenance is super appealing to me. That’s the whole vibe of the untamed yard. Think about a no-mow lawn—what a perfect way to skip all that routine work!

But don’t get the wrong idea. This doesn’t mean it’s completely wild. Honestly, just as much planning can go into this low-key look as the super-manicured one. The real difference is all about the work you do after it’s established.

The secret? Using things like native grasses and plants that don’t need much water. This is the key to making sure everything grows healthy with minimal effort from you.

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I just adore the look of overflowing plant life; it’s such a signature part of this style. When you let go of all that detailed sculpting, any little “less-than-perfect” spots don’t really stand out as much.

But it still takes so much artistry to pull off that “wild chic” feel! It can be just as involved as crafting a pristine yard. Just look at those succulent planters. So sculpturally interesting!

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I am a huge fan of just grouping native plants and grasses together. It gives the whole space a gorgeous, free-flowing look, just like in this hillside garden.

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Finding a Happy Medium

So many people (including me!) find their perfect look by mixing elements from both styles. This is the perfect example of what I love: grouping native grasses of the same type but putting them in contained spaces. It creates this amazing wild-meets-manicured vibe.

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Isn’t this just stunning? You see a similar effect here. Those wispy plants and grasses get to blow freely in the wind, but they still stay in their own carefully designated areas.

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And can we talk about adding large rocks? I adore all the texture this brings to a space. You get this rugged, “cliffside” vibe, but it’s a look you can totally rein in.

I especially love how the pathway, made from stepping stones and gravel, gives the whole area such a well-planned feel.

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