Ranch houses have a unique charm with their single-story structure and low profile. However, landscaping these homes can be a challenge due to their stout architecture. You don't want your house to appear smaller or have blocked windows. But fear not! We have researched and compiled 21 inspiring landscaping ideas that will help you make the most of your Ranch house, regardless of its size or space.
Quick And Easy Solution
Not everyone wants to break the ground or commit to permanent landscaping. If you prefer flexibility or are on a budget, potted plants are the way to go. They allow you to create the landscape you desire without making a permanent decision. Moreover, you can easily change the plants with the seasons, ensuring your Rancher's exterior always looks fresh and inviting.
Add Curves for Elegance
If you have a smaller Ranch style home, large landscaping in the front can overwhelm the architecture. To avoid this, incorporate curves into your design. Curves help in highlighting the essential points of your home while maintaining balance. By using shorter plants in front of windows and saving trees for areas that won't obstruct the view, you can add more landscaping without making your home look bulky.
Argentinian Charm for Spacious Yards
If you have a large yard, take inspiration from Argentinian Ranchers. These homes feature lower bushes around the porch, providing an unobstructed view of the yard and allowing more natural light into the house. Adding rustic or country elements like an old wheelbarrow or cart can enhance the charm of the landscape. You can even create small flower gardens in these creative elements for a pop of color.
Embrace the Desert Aesthetic
Not all yards need to be filled with lush greenery. If you live in an arid region, consider adapting your landscaping to the climate. Take inspiration from this Arizona home that utilizes varying shades of lava rock to create a unique and low-maintenance yard. Embracing the natural landscape will not only save water but also create a striking visual.
Brighten Up with Red Mulch
Ranch homes often have smaller landscapes, allowing for more adventurous choices. While larger homes often stick to dark-colored mulches, Ranch houses can benefit from the vibrancy of red mulch. Brightening up your landscaping with red mulch adds a burst of color, especially when combined with basic plant-like bushes and ground cover.
Create a Tropical Hideaway
If you have a love for tropical vibes, consider incorporating palm trees or Century Plants into your landscaping. However, if you live in a colder climate, you can achieve privacy and beauty with Butterfly Bushes and Spirea. Their lush foliage and stunning blooms will add a touch of paradise to your Ranch house.
Highlight with Raised Landscapes
Raised landscapes built from stone or brick can beautifully accentuate the stone facade of your Ranch-style home. These raised beds look clean, manicured, and modern, even with the simplest landscaping. Elevating your plants will give your landscape an elevated appeal.
Choose Mix-Match Shrubbery
For a lush and vibrant look that is easy to maintain, opt for bushes and shrubs. Unlike flowers, which require maintenance year after year, bushes and shrubs withstand the seasons and only need occasional trimming. Choose a variety of foliage, both trimmed and untrimmed, to create a visually interesting landscape.
Embrace Informal Garden
Informal or Cottage-style landscaping is perfect for those who prefer a more natural and abundant look. This low-maintenance option creates a bit of privacy and adds a touch of wild beauty to your Ranch house. Simply trim a path through the plants to create a well-defined walking area.
Proportionate Landscaping for Smaller Homes
Finding landscaping that looks proportionate to a smaller home can be challenging. With an updated or modern-built Ranch house, you want your landscaping to complement the beauty of your home. Utilize the space around the driveway and under the windows. Opt for shorter plants that won't overpower the front of the house, giving it a balanced and elegant look.
Go Unique with Layout
If you want to stand out from other homes on your street, consider a unique layout for your landscaping. Instead of the standard straight hedges and flower beds, create rounded mini-gardens with a burst of colors. This will add a touch of creativity and make your landscape truly one-of-a-kind.
Charming Spring Flowers
Light coverage, bright flowers, and flowy hanging plants can create a charming and enchanting porch and walkway. Opt for a mix of flowers and plants that provide a pretty and airy feel without overpowering the space. This creates the perfect view for front porch sitting.
Modern Cottage Aesthetic
If you love the informal and abundant look of Cottage-style landscaping but prefer a more subdued version, go for a modern adjustment. Confine the chaos of abundant foliage to specific areas, like your porch or a designated part of the yard. This combination creates an interesting mix of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication.
Mix and Match Mediums
Create inviting landscaping that complements your home by mixing different materials. Rocks, stones, flowers, and potted plants can all be combined to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Choose colors and materials that complement your house, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing look.
Complete the Look with a Garden Path
Add a touch of whimsy to your front or backyard with a stone garden path. A well-tended path surrounded by beautiful plants creates a magical atmosphere and guides visitors to your front door. Consider installing flower boxes under low-set windows, adding another layer of charm to your garden.
Contemporary Lines for Modern Ranchers
If you own a contemporary Ranch-style home, keep the landscaping lines clean and simple. Create visual interest by arranging plants in stacked heights, aligning them with the front of your home. This will enhance the architectural features of your house and maintain a streamlined look.
Natural Accents for Seamless Integration
Update your Rancher with natural woods and color tones that seamlessly flow into your landscaping. Wooden window flower boxes and mulch that complements the wood tones of the house create a cohesive and inviting aesthetic.
Ornamental Grass for Modern Elegance
For a simplistic and modern Rancher styling, line your home with ornamental grasses. These grass-like plants add texture and height to your landscaping without providing full coverage. Space them strategically for a unique and eye-catching design.
Welcoming Garden Bridge
If you are fortunate to have a more secluded yard, consider adding a bridge to create a dramatic entrance. Surround the path with a lush assortment of flowers and bushes, ensuring your home leaves a lasting impression.
Beautiful Corners
Transform dull corners into beautiful and eye-catching spaces. Adding a tree not only creates height but also gives a sense of serenity and elegance to your Ranch house.
Don't Forget the Trees
Incorporate existing trees into your landscaping to create a cohesive look. Use the same stones, bushes, and flowers from other areas of your yard to bring everything together. Tree flowerbeds are an excellent way to enhance curb appeal.
In Conclusion
Ranch-style homes may be smaller, but that doesn't mean you can't achieve stunning landscaping. By choosing plants that complement the architectural features of your Rancher and strategically highlighting the best parts of your home, you can create a beautiful yard that leaves a lasting impression. Remember, the key is to strike a balance that enhances rather than overwhelms your home's unique charm.
Looking for more inspiration to upgrade your yard? Check out our other posts:
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- 13 Types Of Fences For Your Backyard
