Small backyard ideas for a better look
dinosaur1
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
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dinosaur1
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Small backyard ideas?
Comments (14)I appreciate the garden compliments as I either love the garden, or just think it could be better. But it's all trial and error. I love vines for a more intimate setting. My back chain link has Algerian ivy on it from the woods. Not a good choice as its difficult to maintain but it gives that secret garden effect. I had an orange blooming Passion flower on the west side that was evergreen and did not freeze in winter. Cobaea vines like heat and are lush if happy. The flowers age from white to green to deep violet. Moon flowers smell divine but I cannot get any going here. Asarinas are pure magic and come in pink blue or white blooming varieties. I do have to water my garden as I did not plan for it to be dry for this drought. There are some pittosporums that grow narrow and tall and are great in containers like the one in this photo. And they have gothy black bark. I have golden bamboos in containers for architectural height and in my front garden, Mr. happy echiums that get a tall spire bloom up to fifteen feet tall. Two years to bloom but they do well in any soil. Firethorn can be espaliered. And bower vines are nice and lush if trimmed for fullness. And if you want to see some faery tale cottage gardens. Annie's Annuals here in Richmond has test gardens out of this world. Who gets delphiniums to grow blooms nearly 8 feet tall? They sell fantastic soil but I don't know what she is fertilizing their gardens with. Must be magic. Mr. Happy is a hybrid of theirs. I do have Alaska nasturtiums in. It does freeze here from the cold canyon air in winter so I will lose my tenders and my garden goes a bit dormant. Its nice that others are working on new gardens to see....See MoreIdeas to create a view and privacy in a small back yard?
Comments (1)Looks like you have a fairly limited amount of yard space. In order to gain privacy, need to extend screening above fence with small tree forms made of large shrubs. Tree form so the plants do not overwhelm the yard space by occupying it completely. Underplant below with low groundcover and something for color interest. The space is so small, I'd get rid of grass and have groundcover below only....See MoreSome ideas for a small backyard
Comments (9)You need to think about sun and shade. This is a function of compass orientation and tall buildings or trees. I notice you have pictures of sunny areas with lots of trees that look like they need a lot of sun in a small yard ringed by shade-producing trees, walls and the house. This is actually what I don't like about computer-rendered drawings; they ignore reality, which is that you will have some areas of deep shade in that yard, which will limit what you can plant. You also have what looks like a shrub between your pergola and the house, in a spot that is likely to be a very shady spot. If you plant it small, it will be too shaded by the porch to grow. If you plant it at the size it is now, it will outgrow the space quite quickly. In addition, your guttering will probably drain water away from that garden plot and the surrounding hardscape will reduce run-off, so that area may get little natural water. In short, it looks to me like it is bound to be someplace where it will be hard to get any plants to grow....See MoreSmall backyard ideas?
Comments (3)Who has to mow the patch of grass? Who takes care of the greenspace outside your gate? While I do like @Doug Lockwood plan, especially on the BBQ side of space, I wonder about removing grass & planting a walkable groundcover to expand your walk space beyond the pavers. I like Brass Buttons, a ferny looking plant but don’t know your location. 19x 15 is enough space for a small table with at least 4 chairs, a couple more chairs, a side table, couple big potted plants & voila! you’ve got a nice entertainment space. Being on the end with that big tree on other side provides a bit of privacy too....See MoreYardvaark
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8 years agovioletwest
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agodinosaur1
8 years ago
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