We take such care with our homes to create views, don’t we? Spectacular views of the downtown skyline, the vistas outside the living room window, down to the table centerpiece for Easter dinner. Yet, somehow when we venture outside into our gardens, we seem to forget these details—but they’re just as important outside as they are inside. Here are some ideas to whet your appetite, from simple to more grand!

Have a pathway that meanders through your garden? How about that narrow sideyard that’s unclaimed? Create a view by curving your pathway and adding a decorative element such a birdbath. The curve of the pathway suggests that there is much more to see around the corner, inviting you in to discover, and the birdbath or piece of statuary gives your eye a place to focus and rest.

Most of us have either garden sheds or separate garages, and they can actually be used as a focal point in your garden. Of course, that’s assuming you have an attractive one to focus on! (There are many ways to make these structures more charming, but that’s another article.) Line your vision up with the door of the shed or the side of your garage, and create your garden view. Leave openings in pathways and plantings so that you can clearly see what’s ahead. Here’s where it works to let your pathway stay straight, as it leads the eye directly to the focal point.

If you have more space and a larger budget, consider framing a great view with masonry columns and symmetrical potted plantings. This creates a grand entry into a backyard pool or entertaining area. For those of you who love this feel but are on tighter budgets, substitute the masonry columns with columnar plants such as Italian cypress or Japanese sky pencil holly.

Take some time to create these views and you’ve made gardens that are infinitely more interesting and actually appear larger and more important!