Homeowners in Omaha face unique challenges when designing their outdoor spaces due to the city’s diverse climate patterns. The region experiences hot, humid summers followed by cold winters, along with wet conditions during spring and fall months. These weather variations require careful planning to create landscapes that remain functional and attractive throughout the year.
Smart backyard design can transform any outdoor area into a space that works for all seasons. As the top Omaha landscaping company, we help homeowners create the right design choices for areas where families can gather, relax, and enjoy their property throughout the year. Well-planned outdoor spaces also benefit local wildlife while providing practical solutions for driveways and parking lots that need to withstand temperature changes and moisture levels common to the region.
10 Backyard Landscaping Ideas in Omaha
1. Hardy Perennial Shrubs That Look Stunning Year-Round
Omaha’s location places it in USDA zone 5b. Omaha’s climate makes it difficult to find shrubs that tolerate the vast temperature fluctuations. However, there are some candidates that look amazing throughout the year.
Burning bush is a hardy, multi-stemmed perennial shrub that has gorgeous red leaves in fall. This shrub will also make it through the summer in one piece. Hydrangeas are another great option with beautiful flowers, and Weigela has pretty flowers while being super low maintenance.
These foundation plants create structure for custom Omaha landscaping design projects. They provide year-round interest while requiring little maintenance once established.
2. A Rustic Fire Pit for Summer and Winter Parties
You know you want one! Imagine the roasted marshmallows in winter and the BBQ parties in the middle of the summer. Add a firepit or an outdoor kitchen area to your landscape design.
Make yours rustic and sturdy, leaving room for a stone barrier that prevents the rest of your yard from catching fire.
3. Drought-Resistant Perennials That Brighten Your Backyard
Your Omaha backyard won’t really feel alive unless you have a sampling of bright flowers that attract busy bees and other local pollinators.
Black-eyed Susan is an excellent choice. This native plant has bright yellow petals and is a drought-tolerant perennial. Other native plant options to add to your landscape project are:
- Coneflowers (they come in all sorts of colors!)
- Aromatic Aster
- Blazing Star
- Yarrow
These perennials have lovely flowers that instantly make your garden feel happier.
4. A Romantic, Hidden Dining and Wine Nook
Sure, your backyard is a great place to entertain guests, but sometimes you want something a little more intimate. Try hiding a romantic wine and dining nook in a secluded little corner, fencing on one side, shrubs and trees on the other. Go all out with stepping stones, solar lighting, and cozy pillows!
5. A Fresh Herb Garden Near Your Back Door
A fresh herb garden gives you a little something to make every meal more interesting. It also calls out to pollinators and makes your backyard look romantic. Sage, chives, oregano, and mint are all perennials that can survive Omaha’s cold winters. Don’t be afraid to play around with annuals, too.
6. Curvy Backyard Landscaping Ideas in Omaha with Zoned Sections
Curved borders create natural transitions between different functional zones. This approach works well for homeowners seeking Omaha backyard landscaping tips that feel organic rather than formal.
Zoned sections might include:
- Succulent collections in well-draining areas
- Herb clusters near walkways
- Flower borders along property lines
- Open lawn spaces for activities
Gentle curves guide foot traffic while creating visual interest throughout the growing season.
7. Fairy Lights for Summer Nights
There’s a reason you see fairy lights in nearly every fancy gardening magazine. The reason, they’re awesome, and there’s a style for everyone.
Your Omaha backyard will look especially magical during the summer. You can already see yourself hosting garden parties with sangria and tapas, right?
Add string lights to create a cozy atmosphere or lanterns for timeless ambiance. Add accent lights for visual appeal and path lights for an inviting vibe.
8. Potted Cacti (Move Inside for the Winter)
Omaha isn’t quite suitable for xeriscaping. But that shouldn’t stop you from adding a little “dessert oasis” to your backyard. Succulents like yucca, sedum, and hens and chicks can make it through the winter without any issues.
They’ll look great in a gravel garden. Humidity-tolerant cacti like prickly pears and Christmas cacti can hang out with these succulents during the summer. However, you must move them inside when the weather gets cold!
9. Insect Hotels and Birdhouses
Plants are a great start, but you need some birds and critters to make your backyard feel genuinely alive! They’ll come for the amazing flowers you’ve planted, but you can do better than that.
Birdhouses placed in secluded spots can attract:
- Wrens
- Tree swallows
- Robins
- Chickadees
Some well-placed insect hotels will get your yard buzzing with helpful solitary bees, butterflies, and other insects. Add a water feature for some added beauty and to attract wildlife.
10. Statement Trees
You might not want to fill your entire backyard with trees, but a couple of statement pieces look awesome. They will give you shade and those birds and insects we looked at earlier shelter.
Silver maple, red oak, bur oak, tulip tree, and honey locust are all beautiful trees that thrive in Omaha’s climate.
Bring Your Backyard Vision to Life with Omaha Landscaping Experts
Since 1997, Antler Country Landscaping has helped homeowners and businesses create outdoor spaces that stay beautiful and functional through every season. From lawn care, landscape maintenance, hardscaping, water features, tree and shrub planting, edging, and 3D landscape design, our team delivers Omaha landscaping services built around your property’s needs. Our mission is to enhance your outdoor experience.