Seeking Help on Creating Private Backyard Space

17 years ago

Hi,

I'd like to create a private space just off of my back patio. The space will be approximately 20'x235. The area is heavily shaded, with medium amounts of direct sunlight in the morning, and moderate indirect light for most of the rest of the day. The area is flat: my patio floor is concrete, and I'm still trying to work out just what to use to extend a solid floor outward from my relatively small patio (concrete, naturalstone pavers?). I want to create some sort of a border (fencing of some sort, I presume?) that will be tall (6-8') and surround the area on three sides, with some sort of gate for access to the rest of the yard (my lot is 1.3 acres). I'd like to use vines or some sort of creeping, flowering plant to cover the border. I plan on having many potted plants, but I'm still trying to decide how much in-ground planting to do, which will, of course, dictate the size of the patio extension flooring (i.e. how much space will I have to leave between the pavers and the border to provide a planter?).

Some other miscellaneous facts:

1. Eventually (a couple of years from now) I'll probably erect a pergola.

2. Drainage is not an issue: even during heavy rains only small amounts of water accrue in the area (I have guttering)

3. I have a sprinkler system, and I'll create a zone to water the plants located in the propsed space (what should I call this thing anyway, a secret garden?)

At this point I'm realy just struggling with the basics: can you give me any ideas that will help to get me started, or guide my planning?

BTW, I'm in central Oklahoma.

Thanks.

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Comments (7)

PRO
Nell Jean
17 years ago
The information supplied here is confusing. Is this space 20' x 235' on a wedge shaped lot or is there a typo?

Will you want to see through the 6-8 foot fence/wall, or complete privacy from the neighbors? Imagine an indoor room, outdoors. You'll want 'windows'?

You might see if your local library has 'Hardscaping' by Keith Davitt, mine does. He does much work with fencing and vertical/horizonal trellis (not those diagonal plastic panels from the big box store) defining outdoor spaces.

Nell
HFK123
Original Author
17 years ago
oh, sorry, yes, a typo: 20'x35'. Thanks, I'll look for that book.

Complete privacy is what I want.
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Brent_In_NoVA
16 years ago
First off, you might want to say what you plan on using this area for. If you can post a picture, that would help out a lot. Right now I am thinking: heavily shaded, 6' tall fence, and a future pergola = dark and uninviting space.

- Brent
HFK123
Original Author
16 years ago
Brent,

Yes, I see what you're getting at, that's a good point. However, it's going to be a personal space: I just want complete privacy. I don't do a lot of entertaining: I'll really just use it for relaxing, and to create a completely private enclosure. I won't be doing anything wierd in there, BTW :) I just want seclusion.

I am going to consider your point for awhile... Hadn't really thought about that. I'll post a picture, as you suggest.

Thanks for your help.

BTW, I'm considering 10' long, 4X4 Cedar posts on 4' centers, buried 3, with a single gate and latticework in between the postss. That's just my initial thought: I think that it would be relatively cheap and easy. I'll use that concept as a starting point as a way to think about the space. I may stick with it, I may not.
lpinkmountain
16 years ago
I think how inviting or uninviting it looks will depend on how you enclose it. My neighborhood has close quarters and fences are extremely common. I've seen some fences that are really uninviting, and others that are lovely and architectural. I wouldn't skimp on the fence, that would be my most important investment. A fence that looks good in an open, sunny space wouldn't necessarily do in your area. Google Keith Davitt, he has a Web site with some pictures in a portfolio which may give you some ideas. A lot of his landscaping is done in urban areas where privacy is key. I'd start at the bookstore or library (depending on how up to date your library is) and start a picture file of looks I liked. Small gardening or small scale landscaping books are what you want.
lpinkmountain
16 years ago
Goldmound spirea, I just remembered it!
lpinkmountain
16 years ago
OK, forget that last incomprehensible post, it was an answer to another post/question. Sorry.

Seeking Help on Creating Private Backyard Space

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Nell Jean

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