got a larger picture?

Hmmm...maybe a play area for the toddler boys? (I don't know what you have elsewhere, of course!) But, you could have some small scale stuff that then wouldn't be on display, or something like a dirt box for digging, pinecones, etc.

Or - for something completely different - some sort of arbor with vines on top, with a seating area? (Might depend on zoning restrictions, however). A gate to a "secret garden" type of room?

You say that it isn't used, but without knowing what you do in the rest of your yard, it's hard to say what you might want there that would make you go to an unused portion of the yard, iykwim. Or conversely, what do you feel is lacking in your yard?

(Yes, I think it doesn't get enough sun for veggies, btw)

Irene,

About 1/3 of the rest of the yard is taken up by my pond (see pic link. Hope you can access it). We were thinking about getting a swing/slide/climbing playset (25'x30')for the boys to go in the open grass to the right of the pond.
If we get the playset, then I wouldn't want to make the side yard a play area too.

I'm trying to think of something unique for the side yard. The secret garden idea is along the lines of what I'm thinking.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: pond

Pretty pond! Tho I do hope it is very shallow - I know how those toddlers can run in opposite directions, and it looks like it would be pretty easy for them to climb in! But, at least if your play area is right there, presumably, so are the grownups supervising. ;)

If you want to go with the enclosed secret garden sort of thing, I'd probably want some sort of focal point at the end of the space (or in the middle), with an assortment of shrubs around the borders, and either an arched trellis with or without gate leading in, possibly with vines or something growing over it. If it becomes a popular enough spot, then add seating in it, too, and it can be a nice shady getaway spot...

If you did the focal point on the far wall, it would be easier to do the seating area in the middle, which could be a table & chairs. Or, you could do a bench on the far wall, with focal point in the center of the space.

(Can you tell I'm envisioning a similar sort of thing in my own yard, tho in the back corner?)

Thanks. No, the pond isn't shallow. I've since put a green wire fence around the pond to slow the boys down if by some chance they ever get around me. They will never be in the yard unattended, not even to answer the phone.

Ha! Maybe we can talk each other into a solution? We thought about putting a picnic bench back there with some nice beds of flowers, etc.. But we have a large paver patio with a table & chairs and didn't think anyone would sit around the corner away from everyone. I'm thinking this space will be for the family rather than guests, since it is out of the way and you could totally miss it unless you turn the corner from the patio.

It would work for you if you can see the back corner of your yard from wherever you enter the yard from, either the house or side yard. It would be an interesting draw to walk out there and see what's going on. I love the sound of water....why not a small fountain or fake iron water pump dripping water into a pail as your focal point?

How about a nice wood swing and you could add cushions for comfort if you like...the kids have their play area, how about a get away for mom and dad. Can you see the kids play area from there? mom and dad could sit and relax and talk over the day while the kids play. You can also plant hosta beds in that area, they love the shade and then add color as you wish.

We're creating a Secret Garden out of our long narrow side yard for our children too. Our son is 10 and our daughter is 12, so what we are doing is to an extent somewhat different and has different useage than of course for toddlers. Ours want a place to read and play games, with lots of fragrant plants, a pond and a vegetable garden. A small metal arch and a stone birdbath are structures that we added to further help thornless climbing roses, wisteria, heliotrope, passionflowers and other fragrant plants to hopefully encourage hummingbirds and butterflies to their garden. Today DH has been rototilling and adding spoil amendments so that we can start getting the plants in the ground.

You could do a veggies garden for them, there are lots of seed packets that are for tiny size vegetables. Even Veggietales has seed packets at our local Home Depot. You got a nice size space to site a tree, that can grow along with them to be able to climb in when they are older.

For furniture you could get a couple of wooden child size adirondack (sp?) chairs and paint them in bright colors. I don't recommend the inexpensive plastic chairs they make for kids, they always slip in them or they fall over easily.

I saw in a kids garden book where they erected a hammock on a pole framing and set it up very low so that when you are in it, your bottom is almost at ground level. That way if they tumble out, there isn't far to go to hit the grass as a cushion. You could read with them in the hammock with you- that could create nice memories for them and you!

For pics of what we have in progress, check out my Picture Trail:

careytearose

Here is a link that might be useful: look in the Landscaping Projects 2007 album