Gardening Goofs: 35+ Unique Landscaping Ideas That Didn’t Quite Bloom

Picture a lavishly but tastefully decorated home with all the requisite spaces for a comfortable and modern lifestyle. Perfect? Not quite yet. No matter how beautiful, every home can benefit from a delightful garden. Imagine what you can do if your property has a big and open plot of land outside and an unlimited budget.

Whether starting a garden or restoring a forgotten and neglected one to its previous magnificence, creating a beautiful and verdant space for your home takes work. Sometimes, things go differently than planned, and you are left utterly confused as to where things went wrong. Just ask these homeowners who envisioned something lush and gorgeous but ended up with unique designs gone awfully wrong. Prepare to laugh, cry, and, most importantly, learn from the mistakes of these unfortunate gardeners.

Whazzup, Says the Tree

Cool kids get all the attention and can get away with almost anything. Judging from this person’s garden, he probably always wanted to be part of the in-crowd. So, he channeled his frustrations into his garden, hoping to impress everyone who passed by.

We hate to burst this person’s bubble, but putting a giant pair of sunglasses on a tree does not make it cool. The tree looks like one of those lazy kids you see in school who says hi just for the heck of it. “Hey dude, how’s it going?” Yikes.

Skull of the Garden!

This person definitely loves Halloween and is probably a bit of a goth himself. Why spend your hard-earned money on Halloween decorations when you can go the DIY route? Saves a trip to the local party store every year, that’s for sure.

This person cut his shrubs in the shape of a scary human skull. Is it just us, or does this resemble the notorious villain, Red Skull? But hey, the eyes look like the best place to stick your head through and take pictures. Think of it as photo props with head cutouts.

Trimming Half A Shrub

Following the good book’s teachings about loving your neighbor is easier said than done, especially if you don’t get along well with one another. That seems to be the case with these two. How can we tell? You can guess by looking at the shrub in the photo.

While neighbor A ensures his side is neatly trimmed and well-tended, neighbor B’s looks like it could also use some care and love. While the former could easily lend the folks next door a hand trimming their side of the bush, he obviously couldn’t be bothered.

Where Does The Dentist Live?

A house with a distinct design of a canine molar on the driveway is most definitely owned by a dentist or a veterinarian. However, it could also be owned by someone with a unique but bizarre idea that somehow got lost in translation.

Too many people may have been asking around the neighborhood about his address, so he thought of a way to give them directions without saying a single word. Somehow, we can’t help but feel that this is a little macabre.

Meow, I Am A Gate!

A glance at this garden and anyone’s convinced that the owner loves felines of all sorts; they decided to design the gate into a cat or attempted to, at the very least. The feline household members must be pleased their masters love them so much.

Unlike other shrubs trimmed to resemble a specific animal or object, the owner did not cut the tree into the shape of a cat. Instead, he put two eyes and ears on the arch to remind people of a cat waiting to welcome them. Next time, it might be best to hire a professional topiary expert.

Who’s A Good Garden?

This was supposed to be several trees cut into the shape of a dog, but it doesn’t resemble a canine at all. We have different points of view, but the consensus is this is something other than everyone’s favorite furry friend.

Coming up with this ‘masterpiece’ was no easy task. Several trees were leveled out, and one was left taller than the rest, giving the impression that it was supposed to be the head of this unknown creature. Something tells us this is different from what was envisioned.

Give Me Some Carrots!

Most of the population are fans of small, fluffy pet animals, and this homeowner is no exception. Rabbits are prominently featured in books for children; think of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and the Velveteen Rabbit. However, this guy’s version looks scary!

This rabbit looks like it belongs in horror movies instead of a children’s bed time story. The owner used two white pieces of wood as teeth and attached two large bunny ears to complete the look. This is not the bunny we had in mind, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it gives little ones nightmares.

Treat Me As A Puzzle!

Some folks are organized, and there are those bordering on OCD. This person most likely falls in the second category. You can tell by how he arranged his garbage cans in an orderly manner and even enlisted the help of his hedges.

This owner cut three perfectly sized door-like shapes into their leafy fence and then shoved their garbage cans in them. First, you can only tell the garbage cans are there if you take a second look. And second, the garbage collector will have difficulty putting them back in their allocated slots.

Hi, Marge!

There are countless creative ways to showcase your love for your favorite cartoon character or animated show. This fan decided on a unique demonstration of his love for The Simpsons, particularly the family matriarch, Marge! What better way to do so than with the help of Mother Nature?

This person picked what we believe is a pole with vines, and for lack of budget or some other reason, they stuck a picture of Marge Simpson right from where the vines started to grow. This made it look as if the leaves were Marge’s distinct hair! Genius!

Can’t See A Thing

Landscaping requires forethought and planning. You need to be careful where you plant your trees. You don’t want shrubbery obstructing your view and becoming a potential hiding place for thieves and stalkers. This picture is a good reminder. Need we say more?

This owner probably had yet to learn what he was planting and what the tree’s potential full height could be. Every time he looks out the window, he sees nothing but greens. This is a clever way of spying on your neighbors if you can see anything through the shrubbery.

Which Came First

A fascination with avian life prompted this homeowner to put something chirpy in their front yard. What better way to greet the day than with birdsong and plenty of sunshine? He had a plan which he was hoping to execute flawlessly.

The owner trimmed the tree in his yard to resemble a giant bird. He surveyed his creation, but wanted more. He packed the soil underneath to resemble a bird’s legs and feet and put a white plastic ball behind it to make it look like it had just laid an egg.

Half-Eaten Corn Dogs?

This garden debacle is weird and makes the slightest sense. Unlike the previous items on this list with a clear intended design that somehow got lost during execution, these trees look like half-eaten corn dogs! Were they meant to look that way? We have no idea.

The owner planted a few shrubs in front of his window and then leveled the tops. They resemble sentinels protecting the home and its inhabitants. Did they have a design in mind, or just go with the flow when trimming the shrubs?

Ready For the Runaway

Although a tad creepy, this is an innovative way of promoting sustainability and reusability. This person probably owned or worked at a clothing store, and didn’t want to waste a retired mannequin, so gave it a second lease on life.

They put the mannequin by their front door and made it the home of a few plants. Whoever said that being a weirdo and an environmentalist doesn’t go together has never seen this bizarre creation. It does seem to be sprouting in some rather awkward places, though, and we can’t help but wonder how intentional that was.

Halloween Car Show

What to do with toys your children have outgrown and out-of-season decorations? Convert them into garden ornaments of course. While letting your creativity flow, you save money when designing your garden. However, the result of this endeavor looked more like Halloween decorations.

The owner used miniature cars in place of flowerpots and put them in the front yard. The flowers and shrubs growing out of them look pretty! However, we can’t help but zoom in on the scary figures hovering in the background.

Take Me Away, Mama

It is common knowledge that plants must be protected from certain insects and pests during the early stages of growth. The owner, therefore, covered the area with a tarp and made a hole for the plants. However, something with whiskers decided to crash the party.

Whoever owned the garden didn’t foresee their tom cat poking its head where it doesn’t have any business. Here it is, sticking its neck out one of the holes, probably looking for an escape, and it seems annoyed too.

Howdy Neighbor

This homeowner loves horses. They may not be able to afford a real one, but that didn’t stop them from using a fake horse head as their garden’s decorative element. They wanted a pony and they were going to get it one way or another.

Here is the horse’s head sticking out of the fence with “hay” in its mouth, making it look extra realistic. It’s cute and all, but the eyes are sure creepy! We wouldn’t be surprised if they got a Homeowner’s Association complaint letter.

Shade For The Travelers

This may not be the work of art it was planned to be, but people waiting for someone or something will appreciate the shade this misshapen tree provides them. We say misshapen because we don’t believe it was meant to look this way.

The owner had the tops of this tree trimmed flat in a way that made it look like a green rectangle propped up by branches. Doing it yourself will save you money, but don’t scrimp where it matters, especially if your business requires landscaping.

Waiting To Greet You

When making a good first impression on people visiting your home, you must utilize your entryway. It is the first thing people see of your home, after all. Without a doubt, everyone smiles when greeted by a welcoming and tastefully decorated entrance.

We don’t recommend this decor idea, and we could point out so many wrong things here. The plant doesn’t look like it’s in the best condition, and the entire thing looks like a half-baked attempt at decorating best abandoned.

Here Comes The Zoo

Little ones love the zoo, and the look of wonder and amazement on their faces as they see the various animals is enough to make every parent’s heart melt. However, when working to provide for their needs, it isn’t easy to fit a trip to the zoo into your busy calendar.

How can you work but still give your children what they want? By bringing the zoo to them! Or something that closely resembles it. This parent decided to create a green space and put a ‘zoo’ in it by decorating it with as many fake animals as they could find.

A Chill Day For Fake Lions

Do you remember those animal discovery videos where the photographer tries to capture two lions in the middle of an open field, just chilling and basking in the sun? What happens if you want that but aren’t actually living in the grasslands of the African bush?

This is reminiscent of a scene from The Lion King. Now you can have laidback lions guarding your front yard without endangering yourself and your neighbors. You can see them every day without the risk of becoming their next meal. We’re wondering how the polar bear in the background fits the decor, or if he just got lost.

Let Us Get Funny Today

The tree you planted seasons ago has fully grown, and now you can trim it any way you prefer. Rather than take shears and prunes to the stray greens here and there, this lazy person decided to take the shortcut.

Why bother and spend so much energy and time when you can put two googly eyes in the middle of the foliage so that the tree looks menacing but a little funny? No tree was harmed in the making of this head.

Park The Tree Car Right Here

This picture shows how imaginative people can be when they want to design their garden and recycle things simultaneously. This fellow probably loved their car too much and didn’t have the heart to let go of it.

They parked their car permanently in front of the house making it look ‘decorative’ too. They covered the vehicle with foliage but left the wheels so anyone looking at it would easily recognize the car underneath all the greens.

Recyclable Rats

This might not get an A when it comes to design, but it’s a unique way of teaching kids how to recycle objects found around the house. Even an empty plastic water container can be converted into something where plants can thrive.

They cut the plastic bottle into the shape of a pig, used buttons as eyes, and made an opening at the top where healthy soil and plants go. However, we think that the owner didn’t pay enough attention to the plants that seem to be dying.

Give Me Love

Sometimes things go differently than planned, and you’re left with no other option but to make the most of the situation. The same thing can be said of this plant and its owner. It probably grew too big and was covering the pole.

Rather than uproot the entire thing, the owner trimmed the shrub and cut it in a way that looks adorably hugging the telephone pole. If they can learn to love each, why can’t human beings do the same?

Two Birds With One Stone

This is taking recycling and landscaping to a whole new level. The owner didn’t want the toilet bowls to go to the landfill and he also didn’t have a lot of money to spend on landscaping materials or a new patio set.

He didn’t have enough budget to purchase new chairs, so he used the toilet bowls instead. He even put a table in the middle so the whole setup looks like a meal waiting to happen. Would you be desperate or crazy enough to try this?

The Toilet Strikes Again

And here is another guy who wanted to showcase his love for toilets for everyone to see. Someone has already beaten you to the punch if you’ve ever thought of using toilets as planters. Don’t be sad, though, there are still other objects you can use for your unique garden ideas.

This fellow put two toilets above the pillars of their front gate and planted flowering plants. This is not what comes to mind when a beautiful garden is mentioned but to each his own. This guy is not infringing on our rights, so we should leave him alone.

Trees Always Come First

Some people don’t care about the environment, and others make it their mission in life to protect it. It’s clear which category this guy belongs to. They respect trees so much that they cut a hole in their roof instead of harming the plant.

This happens when you don’t plan and remember that some trees can grow very big and easily eat up the space in your yard. This cactus has clearly invaded the home. Fortunately, the homeowner was willing to lose a part of their roof instead of the plant.

Their Very Own Antarctica!

Anyone who thinks the number of penguins is fast declining is very wrong. Those missing penguins have just relocated to this owner’s front yard. They look forward to meeting new people from all over, and can’t contain their excitement.

This owner decorated his front yard with penguins even though they aren’t anywhere near Antarctica. They look adorable and seem to be paying attention to something in the distance. Anyone passing by this home can’t resist taking a second look.

Spring Roll Anyone?

Food is love for some, and preparing delicious meals is their love language. Some folks love a particular food so much that they incorporate it into their garden design. Be warned, though, doing such a thing could go horribly wrong or delightfully right.

Which category do you think this idea belongs to? Japanese food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing garden decor, but this owner didn’t let anything thwart his plans to put sushi in his yard.

Can’t Miss It If You Tried

Sometimes you don’t need to go over the top to draw people’s attention. Even something as simple as a single tree can stand out with the right idea, materials, and execution. However, we must remember that something that gets attention isn’t necessarily beautiful.

Consider this single coconut tree in someone’s yard. It’s not your everyday variety. It’s fake, and it is illuminated by plenty of lights. It makes people zoom in on it, but it doesn’t mean everyone who looks at it likes it.

What’s Up Bro?

This happens when you have a random idea and act immediately on it without much thought. This person probably dreamed of two animals, woke up, and decided the animals would make the best addition to his outdoor space.

So he trimmed shrubs in his front yard and made them look like two unidentifiable species of creatures facing each other. Will there be a duel or a dance-off of some sort? They could also be just discussing their plans for world domination.

Goofy Is As Goofy Does

We have to admit that this is better than some of the other examples of foliage on this list. We even think that it is a little cute and whimsical. Who wouldn’t smile upon seeing these faces waiting to welcome you at the gate? If we were having a bad day, our mood would instantly be improved.

Instead of cutting the two tall shrubs by the gate, the owner put eyes on them, making them look like guards standing at the front gate, greeting everyone coming through and ensuring their safety. We can’t help but think that their mouths make them look silly.

The Simpsons Would Be Proud

Marge has been featured on this list, so it’s only fitting that other members of the popular TV show are mentioned too. This is another fan who wanted nothing more than to see his favorite cartoon character in his yard.

As an homage to his favorite character from The Simpsons, this guy painted Sideshow Bob in the grass and made him look like he had plants for hair. This is not nearly as disastrous as the other things we have seen. We even think it’s quite creative.

Garden Thy Name Is Spooky

It’s safe to say that this person is a big fan of horror movies. Either that, or he is a hermit who doesn’t want people going thirty feet near his yard. He might be successful, as we can’t imagine anyone going to his door after seeing this.

They attached some rakes to the tree, making it look like an evil creation with claws coming out, ready to strike or grab passersby. We bet this looks especially scary at night when the moon is full, and everyone has fallen asleep.

Overcompensating Perhaps

It’s safe to say that this homeowner has a fixation with a certain appendage we would rather not discuss. You know what they say about that body part and how men act when it’s a little short in size (pun 100% intended).

No, it’s not your eyes. These shrubs resemble male organs that have grown exponentially in size, which says a lot. This would either get him a lot of visitors or none at all. Good luck getting the ladies to say yes to a date.

Jurassic Park Part 4

This person must have watched too many Jurassic Park movies when they were younger that they decided the only way to decorate the yard would be to put a dinosaur in it. He made his childhood dreams come true with no apologies.

If this person was dedicated enough, we’d be confident that they made this from scratch. However, considering the demands of work nowadays, there’s a bigger chance they purchased this somewhere and just put it in their yard.

Health Comes First

This person didn’t take any chance when Covid struck and crippled economies worldwide. He was intent on not catching the virus that he didn’t even spare his shrubs from wearing a mask. He is either health conscious or wanted to send a message to his neighbors to wear masks regularly.

To inject some humor into the grave situation, he put googly eyes on the shrub and made it wear a mask. Being the consummate fellow, he added some orange spiked-shape protrusions reminiscent of the coronaviruses when viewed under the microscope.

A Grouchy Hedge

Most of the garden ideas on this list might have ended disastrously, but you can’t help but laugh at how silly some of them were. This hedge, however, seems like it knows something we don’t. Will it let us in on its secrets?

We don’t know, but something tells us this hedge knows the dirtiest and nastiest secrets in the neighborhood and will use them to its advantage when the right time comes, like a bargaining chip. Not that’s a scary thought.

Climbing on Eggshells

Whoever did this knows that eggshells provide plants with highly beneficial calcium for growth. However, this isn’t the way to get the benefits form them at all. All one has to do is google to see that the shells should be crushed and added to the soil.

One thing is for sure: most people have not seen this method attempted before, and plants with eggshells on their leaves look like a sight that belongs to an alien colony. We don’t even want to imagine the smell! It’s going to seem like something’s rotting in the garden.

Run For The Hills

This lampost has been neglected. It’s in a condition where it has lost much of its ability to provide illumination when pedestrians need it most. Granted, it succeeds in scaring people during nighttime, but that’s not its purpose.

At night, this light transforms into an evil-looking thing out to victimize pedestrians. It’s safe to say that this side of the road remains empty, and no one wants to go anywhere near that scary thing, lest they have a heart attack.

A Tiny Dragon For Moi

After a scary picture, we have one that will come you down and bring your blood pressure several notches lower. Obviously, this person is a fan of legends, myths, and magic because how else can you explain the presence of a dragon in their garden?

This magical creature appears in folklore worldwide and is believed to represent good luck, health, and strength. We don’t see many gardens with dragons, so this is a welcome change from all the hideous-looking shrubbery we’ve seen lately.

A Helipad For Aliens

This project must have taken a lot of effort, so instead of that offensive word they made on the field, the “artist” could have thought of something more welcoming if he was planning on making aliens and UFOs feel at home. Either that or he has a horrible neighbor and is making his feelings known.

Someone carved an arrow with the word ‘A Hole’ and pointed it towards this house. What they meant by this is probably for the aliens ( or said a-hole neighbor) to know! He could be asking the aliens to abduct him because he’s tired of working on the farm.

Nothing Comes Between You And Me

Another environmentalist decided to sacrifice their house for the sake of their tree. Instead of cutting parts of the tree, this person just made a hole in the roof and allowed it to grow as tall and high as it wanted.

If this is love, we don’t know what is. If more humans respected trees the way this man does, the world would surely be a better and much greener place. There would also be more homes with holes in the roof.

Alice In Wonderland, Is That You?

This garden is straight out of a fairy tale. We’re still determining what this tree-cutting technique is called but we like it. It makes the trees and hedges look magical. They belong in a world where rabbits can have a tea party with you.

This may have taken some time to complete, but it was all worth it because we’re sure we are not the only ones admiring it. The hedges on the bottom picture look like the Sorting Hat from the Harry Potter movies.

People Keeping Watch

An undeniable fan of the Pacific culture, this homeowner decided to channel his love for Tikis in his suburban abode. Masks big enough to display in the yard weren’t for sale, so he transformed the shrubs into Tiki masks or tried to.

The masks may look different than they’re supposed to but give credit where it’s due. This guy paid attention to the little details and even gave the shrubs eyebrows. However, it made the shrubs look grim; a person would think twice before approaching.