So, you’ve got a raised deck sitting in your backyard, and it’s just… there. Maybe it looks a bit awkward, like it’s floating in space with nothing tying it to the rest of your yard. Trust me, I’ve been there. When I first installed my raised deck, I thought the hard part was over. Spoiler alert: the deck was only half the battle.
The magic really occurs when you landscape the entire area around that deck and make your entire outdoor look like it has brought your neighbors to a second look. Ready to see how it’s done? Now to the 24 ideas which will see your raised deck look like it was never out of place.
Why Landscaping Around Your Raised Deck Actually Matters
Look, I get it. You spent all that money on the deck itself, and now I’m telling you to spend more on what’s around it? But here’s the thing: a raised deck without proper landscaping looks like a stage with no set. It’s functional but uninspiring.
Effective landscaping when it comes to your raised deck does three things. It gives a visual continuity to your deck and your yard. It conceals the uncomfortable pillars and frame work within. And honestly? It simply adds more costliness and purpose to the entire space. You are virtually introducing your deck to the rest of your backyard.
Create Layers with Ornamental Grasses
Here’s my first favorite trick: plant ornamental grasses at varying heights around the deck’s perimeter. I’m talking about fountain grass, maiden grass, or even some feather reed grass if you want that dramatic vertical element.
Why does this work so well? The grasses add movement and texture without blocking your view. They’re low-maintenance (perfect for those of us who aren’t exactly gardening wizards), and they look incredible swaying in the breeze. Plus, they create this natural transition between the hard lines of your deck and the softer landscape beyond.
Plant them in clusters of 3 or 5 for maximum impact. Single plants look lonely—trust me on this one 🙂
Build Raised Garden Beds That Match Your Deck Height
Want to know a secret? Matching raised garden beds to your deck level creates visual continuity that’s absolutely chef’s kiss. You’re essentially extending the elevated concept throughout your landscaping.
I had constructed cedar raised beds, about 18 inches above the ground, sown them with colourful annuals and herbs, and I no longer felt that the deck was an uninhabited island. The trick is to match materials – in case you have composite deck, then composite-edged beds. Wood deck? Wood beds. You get the idea.
Quick tip: Fill these beds with plants that have different blooming seasons so you’ve got color rotation all year long.
Install Landscape Lighting That Showcases Structure
Have you ever noticed how those backyards are magic in the night? Yes, they have tactical landscape lighting that does not just light up walkways. We are referring to uplighting of architectural elements, spotlights of specimen plants and small LED lamps hidden under deck railings.
I installed solar-powered spotlights at the base of my deck posts, aiming upward. The effect? My deck looks like it’s floating on light after sunset. Add some string lights above, and you’ve got yourself an outdoor room that works 24/7.
Here’s what to consider for lighting:
- Uplights for trees and tall plants
- Path lights along walkways
- Under-deck lighting for ambiance
- Accent lights on water features or sculptures
Use Large Container Plants as Anchors
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Large decorative containers filled with bold plants can instantly anchor your deck to the landscape. I’m talking substantial pots—nothing wimpy or small.
Position these containers strategically at deck corners or along the stairs. Fill them with dramatic plants like Japanese maples, dwarf conifers, or even small fruit trees. The containers create visual weight that ties the deck to the ground, literally and figuratively.
FYI, make sure these pots are heavy enough that they won’t blow over in wind. Nothing says “amateur” like a toppled planter after a storm.
Create a Rock Garden Underneath
Got an ugly view under your raised deck? Rock gardens are your new best friend. I covered the area beneath my deck with landscape fabric, added river rocks and some larger boulders, then tucked in shade-tolerant plants like hostas and ferns.
The result? That awkward under-deck space became a feature instead of an eyesore. The rocks provide drainage, prevent weed growth, and honestly, they just look intentional. Which is really what we’re going for here.
Comparison time:
| Approach | Maintenance | Cost | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Garden | Low | Medium | High |
| Mulch Only | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Ground Cover Plants | High | Medium | Very High |
| Left Bare | Low | Free | Poor |
Install a Pergola or Arbor Connection
Here’s where things get interesting. Building a pergola that extends from your deck into the yard creates an architectural bridge between spaces. I added a simple cedar pergola that starts at my deck edge and extends about 8 feet into the yard, with climbing roses already starting their journey upward.
It is not merely pretty, it is useful. The pergola delineates space, offers some shade, and offers you some vertical growing space. And it also gives your deck the impression that it is not an add-on but a component of a grand design. Was that too dramatic? Maybe, but it’s true.
Add Multi-Level Plantings on Deck Stairs
Your deck stairs are prime real estate for landscaping. Flank those stairs with multi-level plantings that guide the eye upward. Start with low groundcovers at the bottom, medium shrubs in the middle, and taller ornamental grasses or small trees at the top.
I selected creeping thyme at the ground level, boxwood bushes in the middle and decorative cherry trees on the deck level. The development provides organic circulation and the stairs appear to be part of the structure and not attached.
Incorporate a Water Feature Near the Deck
Nothing elevates a space—pun intended—like the sound of running water from a well-placed fountain or small waterfall. Position a water feature where you can hear it from the deck but where it also serves as a focal point from the yard.
I installed a pondless waterfall about 10 feet from my deck edge. The sound is incredibly relaxing, and it draws attention away from the deck’s support structure while adding that high-end resort vibe. Is it extra? Sure. Do I regret it? Not for a second.
Use Native Plants for Sustainable Beauty
Let’s talk smart landscaping for a minute. Native plants require less water, attract local pollinators, and look naturally integrated into your landscape. I switched to native species around my deck, and my maintenance time dropped significantly.
I selected creeping thyme at the ground level, boxwood bushes in the middle and decorative cherry trees on the deck level. The development provides organic circulation and the stairs appear to be part of the structure and not attached.
Create Curved Garden Beds for Soft Contrast
Raised decks have lots of straight lines and angles. Counter that with curved, flowing garden beds that soften the geometric structure. I used a garden hose to map out gentle curves before digging, creating S-shaped beds that wrap around my deck.
The contrast between angular deck and organic curves? Chef’s kiss. It prevents your outdoor space from feeling too rigid or formal. Plus, curves are just more interesting to look at than straight lines. That’s not opinion—that’s design principle, IMO.
Add a Gravel Path Leading to the Deck
Want an easy win? Install a decomposed granite or pea gravel path that leads from your yard to the deck stairs. This creates intentional movement through the space and prevents that worn dirt path that inevitably appears.
I bordered my gravel path with Belgian blocks and planted lavender along the edges. Now it’s not just a path—it’s an experience. The lavender brushes against your legs as you walk, releasing that incredible scent. Sometimes it’s the small details that make the biggest impact.
Plant Climbing Vines on Deck Posts
Deck support posts that are not covered in? They are the ideal climbing plant structures. I had planted clematis at the bottom of my posts, and in two seasons had made ordinary posts that were so changed that I could not recognize them.
Choose vines that match your maintenance level:
- Low maintenance: Boston ivy, Virginia creeper
- Medium maintenance: Clematis, honeysuckle
- Show-stopping: Climbing roses, wisteria
Just make sure you’re using non-invasive species. You want pretty, not “help, my deck is being consumed by plants” :/
Incorporate Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Structure
Here’s something I learned the hard way: deciduous plants leave you with sticks and sadness in winter. Balance your landscape with evergreen shrubs that provide structure and color even when everything else is dormant.
I planted boxwoods, hollies, and dwarf Alberta spruces around my deck. In summer, they’re the supporting cast. In winter? They’re the stars. Your deck won’t look abandoned during cold months, which is especially important if you can see it from inside your house.
Design a Fire Pit Area Adjacent to the Deck
Why limit yourself to deck seating when you can create a fire pit gathering space at ground level right next to your deck? This extends your usable outdoor area and creates multiple zones for entertaining.
I built a circular paver patio about 6 feet from my deck, installed a stone fire pit, and surrounded it with Adirondack chairs. Now I’ve got options: intimate fire pit conversations or elevated deck dining. The landscaping that connects these two spaces—low juniper groundcover and decorative grasses—makes them feel like one cohesive design.
Use Colorful Annuals for Seasonal Pops
Don’t underestimate the power of strategic annual plantings for instant color impact. I plant bright annuals in containers on the deck and in ground beds around it, changing them seasonally.
Pansies and snapdragons Spring gives him. It is all about geraniums and petunias in summer. Fall will bring mums and decorative kale. The shifting colors ensure that you have a fresh and purposeful deck area and not a dull one.
Create Privacy Screening with Tall Plantings
Maybe your deck overlooks the neighbor’s yard, or maybe you just want more privacy. Tall ornamental grasses, bamboo (clumping, not running!), or arborvitae can create natural privacy screens that look way better than a fence.
I planted a row of clumping bamboo along one side of my deck. Within three years, I had a dense, 8-foot privacy screen that moves beautifully in the wind and blocks the view of my neighbor’s less-than-scenic shed. Everyone wins.
Add Decorative Boulders as Focal Points
Large boulders aren’t just for rock gardens. Strategically placed decorative boulders create natural-looking focal points and can help “anchor” your deck visually to the landscape.
I had three large boulders delivered and positioned them at the corners of my deck, partially buried so they look like they’ve always been there. They’re substantial enough to balance the deck’s visual weight and provide a naturalistic element that contrasts nicely with the man-made structure.
Install Built-In Planters in Deck Design
If you’re still in the planning stages—or willing to retrofit—built-in planters integrated into the deck structure are absolutely worth it. They create seamless transitions and eliminate the “stuff scattered around the deck” look.
I wish I’d done this from the start instead of adding containers later. Built-in planters look intentional and high-end. Plus, they give you perfect positions for trailing plants that soften the deck edges.
Incorporate Mulch Beds with Defined Edges
Clean edging makes everything look professional. Create mulch beds around your deck with sharp, defined edges using metal landscape edging or cut stone borders.
Visual definition is produced by the contrast between the green lawn and the dark mulch. Hardwood mulch, which I replace every year, keeps weeds at bay while enhancing the appearance of my plants. Expert advice: 3 to 4 inches of mulch is the ideal depth; don’t cut corners.
Add a Shade Garden Underneath Partial Decks
If your deck creates shaded areas underneath, embrace it. Shade gardens with hostas, astilbes, and coral bells can turn that dim space into a lush, intentional feature.
I planted a variety of hostas in different colors and sizes under my partially covered deck. They thrive in the shade, require minimal maintenance, and create this cool, almost jungle-like atmosphere. It’s become one of my favorite spots to photograph.
Use Decorative Stone or Paver Transitions
The transition from deck to yard shouldn’t be abrupt. Install decorative pavers or flat stones at the base of deck stairs and in high-traffic areas around the deck perimeter.
I used flagstone pieces to create natural-looking transitions that guide foot traffic. They prevent soil compaction in key areas and add visual interest. The irregular shapes of flagstone feel more organic than straight pavers, which works perfectly with the landscaping theme.
Create Vertical Gardens on Deck Skirting
Got deck skirting that’s just… there? Mount vertical garden panels or trellises directly to the skirting and let climbing plants or wall-mounted planters do their thing.
I attached cedar trellis sections to my deck skirting and planted climbing hydrangeas. As they grow, they’re completely covering the utilitarian skirting with gorgeous green foliage and white blooms. It’s like giving your deck a living skirt. Is that weird? Maybe, but it works.
Incorporate Outdoor Art or Sculptures
Landscaping isn’t just about plants. Strategically placed garden sculptures, bird baths, or art pieces create focal points and add personality to the space around your deck.
I have a modern metal sculpture positioned about 15 feet from my deck, surrounded by ornamental grasses. It draws the eye outward from the deck and creates a destination point in the yard. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when people visit.
Design Symmetrical Plantings for Formal Appeal
If your deck has a formal, traditional design, mirror your plantings on either side for classic symmetry. I’ve seen this work beautifully with matching topiaries or identical container plantings flanking deck stairs.
While my personal style leans more relaxed, I have friends whose symmetrical approach around their deck is stunning. Two matching boxwood spheres, two identical urn planters—it creates formality and elegance that suits certain home styles perfectly.
Layer Textures with Mixed Plantings
Here’s the final secret to professional-looking landscaping: texture variation. Mix fine-textured plants like ferns with bold-leaved hostas. Combine delicate grasses with chunky sedums.
I use threes on purpose, that is, one bold texture, one fine texture, one medium texture in each area surrounding my deck. This diversity makes it interesting and avoids the dullness of all one thing that is amateurish.
Bringing It All Together
Look, transforming the landscaping around your raised deck isn’t going to happen overnight, and that’s okay. I’ve been tweaking mine for years, and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Each season brings new ideas and opportunities.
Start with one or two ideas that speak to you. Maybe it’s adding those ornamental grasses this spring, or installing landscape lighting before summer entertaining season. Whatever you choose, commit to making your deck look like it belongs—because it does.
Your raised deck shouldn’t be an afterthought or an awkward addition. With thoughtful landscaping, it becomes the centerpiece of your outdoor living space, the spot where everyone naturally gravitates, the place that makes your backyard feel complete.
Now get out there and make your neighbors jealous. You’ve got this!