The first option is to study the landscape beforehand. Carry a compass wherever you go and see where are the east and the west. Then you can probably plan a bit more when you need to be.
A lot of photography, especially about nature is about patience and endurance. It sounds like a small joke but as commented, wake up really early or be prepared to stay up late. Usually, the early option gives you less crowded places.
But let us live on with we have.
If you are on a location at the wrong hour, my tip is to underexpose a bit your shot,
The first thing to avoid is the blown white boring skies. But additionally, it will look less bright of course.
On this example, I just moved a bit the curves, and it looks more depth. (I over exaggerated the curve)

Moving the curves, as a secondary effect saturates it at different levels, so that is an interesting side effect of moving the curves.
Besides the other tips already mentioned like some filters, one thing you can do is position some elements close to you, let's say take a small branch and hold it before the lens. Try different distances, so you have an element blurred.
On the photo you showed, you could walk closer to the bushes and see how your composition changes.

- Here is a simple crop, but I tried to use the thirds rule for the horizon and the bush.

Try to explore a bit more what is that you like about the landscape when you are standing there.
The branch image