What would you do with this area? Input appreciated!

16 years ago

This is a bit embarrassing as this is the ugly part of my yard. I know it looks strange but my driveway is in my backyard. Also, please excuse the mess, we are still moving wood around and preparing to patch the grass.

We had two large trees taken down in this area recently: a black walnut I will not miss and a spruce that I miss very much but it was shading the vegetables and my husband takes the tomatoes very seriously.

The back part of my backyard

{{gwi:23632}}

Closer View

{{gwi:23634}}

Side view coming up driveway

{{gwi:23638}}

Question 1: The Azaleas

I THINK ??? I want to keep the azaleas as they look lovely with the tons of bluebells (the bulb kind I can't remember name) that have spread all around. I like azaleas to look broad and spreading but I know these need some pruning. The walnut killed the azaleas on the left but I am moving some from another area.

Question 2: One large shrub and one smallish tree??

I was thinking of a large deciduous holly behing the azaleas on the left - Sparkleberry gets about 10 feet - closest to the giant white pine. (which has endured storm damage and we plan to have it pruned because it is now top heavy but would hate to lose it).

And then a small tree on the right. I have been considering several small trees and am leaning towards a Franklinia BUT would a small tree look odd behind the azaleas? especially a "specimen" like tree?

I already know the answer to Question 3: Yes the rocks are tacky. I don't know if I'd move the arbor because the rose on it is huge, although it doesn't seem so in the picture. The gnome can also be moved, he is only there because he is playing the accordion.

What do you think of these ideas? Any input is appreciated. THANKS

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

bullthistle
16 years ago
Yes compared to the other beds the rocks don't work. God I haven't the name Franklinia since I left college decades ago. Why not some evergreen holly and what do you think about expanding the bed to include the biggy tree then plant the hollies behind the tree to block the garage and some low growing junipers, Blue Rug to run up to the gravel and plant perennials on the bed facing the house? The Arbor is fine and so are the Azaleas and mulch.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials
sergeantcuff
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for your ideas.

I saw the "original" saved Franklinia at Bertram's Garden in Philadelphia last summer and have longed for one ever since.

I found the rocks about 3 inches underground as I was expanding these beds a few years ago. They must have sank into the ground over the years having been placed there by a previous owner. I'll have to figure out how to get rid of them.

The pile of mulch is actually black walnut grindings that have to be dumped somewhere.

The shed looks ridiculous now without the trees. It looks like an outhouse.

I agree with expanded the bed to include the biggie tree, but will meet with resistance from the husband and kids. The yard is not nearly as big as it looks and I already eliminated ALL the grass from the front yard where I spend most of my time (it's completely private there due to a holly hedge with a large shrub border facing the house.
Related Discussions
Would like your input on SF bay area and environs
Q
Comments (18)
Well, my house has been overrun with guests...sorry I let this slip to page two. Emmatux, my DH has mentioned Muir Woods. We may have gone there together on the last trip, almost two decades ago. (It's strange how little I remember of that trip.) I will look for Stinson Beach and a cheese factory. We live in New England, so variable weather is something we're used to. And cold is a relative thing... :-) Another Linda, I just discovered Yelp. It's pretty amazing. I have to dig a bit deeper and will do that with SF. Thanks for the tip on Capitola. That's just the kind of info I need And I will put your resto suggestions in my notes. Ann, that trip sounds just divine. Lucky women, both of you! I am embarrassed to say I didn't know Alcatraz was an NPS site. That changes everything. We are Passholders and have never been anything but thrilled with our NPS experiences. I am glad your DD enjoyed it. We will try to watch Birdman before we go. All your other suggestions are right up our alley, including the Beat Museum. DH was in Berkeley from 1959-64 and was inspired by that scene. DD read Kerouac this year. Perfect! So sorry you missed the Avedon show. I was a big fan as a teenager and have not yet introduced him to my budding photographer/fashionista. We won't get to see the show, but I think I will get her a big coffee table book for her next b'day. bestyears, jason, terriks...thanks for the additional tidbits. Renting bikes is a great idea, though the hills might be intimidating. We'll look for Sears (ring boloney and mac and cheese?!). Terri, we live to layer here! No problem. Thanks again everyone! This will all go into my SF file.
...See More
I would really appreciate some input on my 07 Poulan Pro Briggs and St
Q
Comments (2)
Yes. It is blown. Best thing to do is to price a service engine vs new equipment. If in doubt, price out the rod sets and gaskets. They tend to let go when the oil gets below the safe zone. So there is an oil consumption issue to deal with as well.
...See More
Would love some input for my living room lighting..not sure what to do
Q
Comments (2)
Disclaimer: I do not like recessed lights. So disregard my comments if you really want pot lights. What I would probably do is: (1) put a bright, dramatic chandy over your piano; it is the star of a room, so accunate that (accent light), (2) put 2 reading lamps at the ends of your couch (task lights), (3) put torchiere type lights near the corners of the room, not well lit by the other lighting (ambient light). Chandy ideas: This floor lamp has a 150 watt equivalent LED bulb that really lights up the room with pleasant, indirect light.
...See More
I would really appreciate some input on a new design build
Q
Comments (23)
No. The cabinet color doesn't work with the floor. They will be adjacent to each other. You will notice that they don't work together. There is still time to turn the ship before it hits the rocks. I don't like the grey flooring and find it to be overdone. Grey is a hard color to get right because of the varied undertones. I suggest a mid-toned wood colored flooring or a quiet, solid ceramic tile. Unless you are going for a very specific Scandinavian vibe, the lighter wood tones will look off in 10 years. The grey floors will be the butt of jokes at that point. Mid-tone will work with all sorts designs and will age well. Tip: When you go to put your selection board together, don't put it on a surface against a wall with a design. Your eye will pick up the colors of the floor and wall. When I get to final point, I take the elements outside in the natural light. You would be amazed at how things change in a more natural light.
...See More
misslucinda
16 years ago
I agree with Bullthistle about expanding the bed to include the tree and adding the shrubs for screening.

I hope it does not offend but I find the arbor very distracting as a) it is framing a less that stellar view of the fence and neighboring homes and b) it is not placed at any logical entrance to your home or say to a massive garden but is hanging out there.

But I say let the gnome stay and play. Who knows when you'll need a deal on a cruise.
sergeantcuff
Original Author
16 years ago
I agree the arbor looks odd, although it will look somewhat better when rose is leafed out. Before the trees were taken down (only a few weeks ago) all you saw when you looked up were the trees and the arbor. The arbor is just an excuse to cram more roses into my landscape, and this rambler is extremely shade tolerant (City of York). Another rambler is at the back sides of the shed and it hopefully will cover most of the shed by the end of this year (thankfully it's nearly thornless - (Veilchenbleu).

I can easily expand the bed on the left but not the one on the right (goes into veggie territory and then into maple root zone territory)

What would you say about extending only the left side to create more of a L going up the other part of the driveway.

I know what you are saying about the hollies but I already have have over 15 evergreen holly shrubs and trees.

I think ?? I really want small trees or really tall shrubs for this areas for a bit of shade. And to keep me from seeing / noticing the roofs of the ugly houses behind me.

It's funny, but I am not bothered as much by the car that's usually parked there, or the fence and firewood. Is it human nature to tolerate our own ugliness rather than the ugliness of others?

What would you do with this area? Input appreciated!

Comments (4)

bullthistle

sergeantcuff
Original Author

Related Discussions

misslucinda

sergeantcuff
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

What would you do with this area? Input appreciated!

Comments (4)

bullthistle

sergeantcuffOriginal Author

Related Discussions

misslucinda

sergeantcuffOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

sergeantcuff
Original Author

sergeantcuff
Original Author