Adina - I, too, like to admire other folk's beautiful gardens and yards. My yard isn't that big either.
One thing I have discovered (due to the nematodes in my ground soil) is that growing plants in containers has been rather successful (much to my delight!), but it also allows me to MOVE my plants around to create different looks and combos. I just moved a large container of red roses to my front garden bed along with some lantana, a Passiflora vine, and a container of pink rainlilies. The front bed looks completely different now. I like the new look and so does my dh. You just never know how rearranging plants will change the whole atmosphere of a garden bed.
I also make my own concrete benches )using two different bench molds) and rearrange them around the yard in strategic spots for sitting and enjoying nature. I also just re-finished a wood & wrought iron bench to add to another area of my yard. The seating areas really makes my yard and gardens inviting. I have a lot of wildlife that comes into my yard, so I love areas to sit to watch the action.
I have a few "hidden" seating areas, so the birds and critters can't easily see me, but I can still see them.
