Do you have septic lines or some other right of way to worry about? Do you want to block the view of the neighbors? what do you want to grow in the garden?

If you like the twig seat, keep it.

Is that simply a vegetable garden? Since it's right next to an ugly fence and the closest spot to all of your neighbors it doesn't really call out to be the focal point of your yard...a beauty spot for rest and enjoying nature. Let's assume you only mean to veggie garden there (which is fine), thus it should not be the focal point of your backyard. You need to locate another spot for the focal point.

Oops, gotta go take son to lacrosse.
Patty

It's not awful the way it is, and since you haven't lived there yet, why not let it go through four seasons while you observe the space, see what your dogs like to do, see how the light changes from summer to fall, to winter. No point in spending money when money is tight and you don't have a clear idea of what you want yet. Give it time, the ideas will come, and maybe in winter you can begin sketching ideas. The woven loveseat brings to mind irises and poppies, probably from a painting I saw somwhere.

littledog- Not sure yet of what we have to look out for in terms of electric/septic/etc. We'll keep the seat if they leave it, yes.

We can observe and settle in for a while, sure. Definitely a good idea. At the same time I just feel like the yard is really big and disorganized for starters. Do you think putting mulch borders around the bases of the trees would help bring things together a bit visually, tidy it up?

I think you're saying the yard needs some definition, and for my preferences I would agree. The fence is a prime culprit here, not even visually framing the space very effectively. Maybe your first step should be to see how you move about the property and where you like to sit/be on it, then make pathways accordingly. Those would be a start.

KarinL

i say take the neighbors greenhouse and start from there :).

My suggestion would be to take that couch and move it around your yard. Sit in the couch at different times of the day and get a feel for your landscape.

That large birch is wonderful looking, though I am not sure that small one does anything for your yard. From this angle, that area in the back right corner looks like a great destination spot. I would be sure to make friends with the guy/gal with the greenhouse...could be a good resource!

- Brent

KarinL, you nailed it on the head. Definition- exactly. It's just a big space with some trees scattered. Brent, you and KarinL have a good idea there. We'll go look at the view from various points in the yard (hopefully in the wicker chair if they leave it. It's growing on me from the photos) and see what feels right. Perhaps then we can nail down how a path or something may tie things together a bit.

Ymaddox- No doubt. I went so far as zooming in on the greenhouse to see what's up. Sure is a nice thing to have. Growing up, I remember a neighbor in the Keys had orchids in a greenhouse. Really neat.

You guys are really helpful, thanks. While we're in our yard here, what do you recommend to create some privacy? I'm thinking of some climbers or something on the fenceline, but would rather avoid a hostile kudzoo-style takeover of our neighbors' properties. If I had my way I'd save up for an 8' privacy fence all the way around but, being new to homebuying, don't want to miff the neighbors with such a drastic addition. That said, the existing trees will probably fill out here soon and create a reasonable visual block. How about something in the fence? Arborvitae are a bit formal and expensive for such extensive application (dozens of trees around perimeter, etc.).