Omaha’s four distinct seasons — hot, humid summers, cold winters, wet spring and fall. This might sound like a dream come true for many, but they also make planning your backyard a little challenging. These 10 Backyard landscaping ideas will turn your Omaha backyard into a relaxing haven. You, your family, your friends and neighbors, and a whole host of little critters can enjoy year round.
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.
Any of these shrubs can make for a solid foundation around which you can plan the rest of your backyard!
2. A Rustic Fire Pit for Summer and Winter Parties
A fire pit or outdoor kitchen is a key element of many Omaha landscaping projects. Build yours with durable hardscape design, adding a stone barrier for safety. Imagine roasting marshmallows in the snow or hosting summer BBQs, outdoor living spaces like these turn your backyard into a year-round destination.
Fire Pit Materials and Layout
When planning a fire pit, consider materials like natural stone, brick, or pavers that blend well with your landscape. Arrange seating in a circular layout for a social vibe, or create built-in benches with retaining walls for a more polished look.
Outdoor Kitchen Additions
For an elevated backyard makeover, pair your fire pit with an outdoor kitchen. Add a built-in grill, countertop space, and even a mini fridge to transform your backyard into an entertainer’s dream. Proper drainage solutions and irrigation systems nearby help protect your investment and keep everything functioning smoothly.
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 lawns are a wonderful choice for anyone who doesn’t enjoy overly manicured backyards but still wants a logical way to tie different zoned sections into a perfect whole.
You can create little indents with mini gardens — one for cacti and succulents, one for herbs, one for flowers, and so on!
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 honeylocust are all beautiful trees that thrive in Omaha’s climate.
Consulting Landscape Professionals for Best Results
Even the most enthusiastic DIYer can benefit from the expertise of professional landscapers. Consulting experts ensures your Omaha landscaping project is designed, installed, and maintained with long-term success in mind.
Why Work with Professional Landscapers?
Professional landscapers bring experience in landscape installation, hardscape design, drainage solutions, and plant selection tailored to Omaha’s climate. They understand how to balance beauty with function, ensuring your outdoor space is both stunning and practical.
Customized Plans for Residential Landscaping
A customized landscaping plan takes into account your space, budget, lifestyle, and maintenance needs. Whether you’re seeking a full backyard makeover, installing irrigation systems, or adding outdoor living spaces, working with a professional creates a roadmap for success and lasting value.
Antler Country Landscaping Omaha
Antler Country Landscaping was incorporated in 1997 and over the years has grown to offer professional landscape services, lawn care, and outdoor living spaces. Our mission is to enhance your outdoor experience. Contact us to learn more about our Omaha landscaping services.