The first warm day of spring can invigorate any home owner to get outdoors and design a backyard oasis. There are many backyard landscaping ideas that can help you create a functional and usable space, while carrying your interior decorating scheme to the outdoors. There are many different types of patio stones available to consumers that can create a perfect canvass for an outdoor dining space, living area or fire pit. Slate and flagstone are natural patio stones that are available in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes. They are great options for your backyard if you are interested in creating a rustic, organic outdoor space. Since these stones are made of natural materials, they are available in distinctive shapes and of varying thicknesses, rather than a uniform style. The uneven texture of slate and flagstone pavers makes them a great non-slip option for your outdoor space.

Marble and granite are also popular patio stone options. Although different than the style of these natural stones often found inside the home, kitchen countertops and tiled flooring for example, they are still great exterior options due to their strength and durability. Like slate and flagstone, marble and granite are also natural, quarried stone that are cut into tiles and pavers. They are often tumbled to offer a more dull finish than a polished countertop.

Grasses, plants and flowers can also add fantastic visual effect to an outdoor living space, providing colour, texture and interest. Planting perennials is a great option, as they will offer your backyard landscaping a more rustic and natural feel and require far less work and upkeep than annual plants. There are many backyard landscaping ideas that are not only beautiful, but functional as well.