If that photo is representative of the area in question, then I'd reconsider using this extremely tight space for "outdoor living". And unless I am missing something, that slope is not very severe. Even if leveled, I doubt this area would be congenial to lounging outdoors or utilizing as a patio, etc. Too exposed and too restrictive and without sufficient space to develop any kind of green privacy screening. I'd consider just a mixed shrub buffer between you and the neighboring property, perhaps with a meandering pathway connecting it to more usable areas of your property. Unless that photo doesn't reveal the true slope of the area, I'd say no terracing or retaining walls are necessary or even practical. Can you post photos of other areas of your garden that may be more conducive to outdoor living/entertaining? I still think this is a situation where engaging a professional for an hour or two can be helpful - it is difficult even from the photo to get a good visual and a true sense of exactly what you are dealing with.

Sort of repeating what others are saying here, but wonder how you feel about retaining walls? Also, how aware are you of the drainage issues? It sounds like this might be a new home? What has the builder done to insure that water flowing down that slope won't be a problem for your home? Also, I disagree with Ronbre. Not about the drainage concern, but about just handling that before you think about landscaping. Heavens, that is a part of the whole landscaping process. If you throw in a French drain and then decide you need the retaining wall Well, itÂs a classic example of why one needs to make a careful comprehensive plan for your property before you put in an fd or go out looking for plants. The spacing seems problematic to me, but I can imagine a higher and lower tier to your property, divided by a retaining wall. Such a wall can be extremely lovely, but if it were designed in your space, it would be more important for its function of protecting your home. Each "tier" of your yard that the retaining wall would create would be more or less level. The lower level -- though virtually flat -- would be properly graded with a slope away from the foundation. If possible, this wall would follow the contours of your property or would be designed to look as though it does. Steps would need to be designed to allow for access to the sidewalk / mailbox. The frentch drain  which, by the way, is a sort of artificial underground stream bed, often not visible at the surface -- would be at the base of the retaining wall some 10 to 12 feet ? from your foundation. Cost? Not cheap. I have no clue if thatÂs what your situation needs, but addressing the significant negative slope toward your home is at least as high a priority as screening for privacy and planting for shade. ThatÂs where doing tons of background research on the landscape design process is needed to help make sure you arenÂt missing something. The cool thing is that once you are clear about what has to be achieved in your front yard design in order for you to be happy, certain solutions will start working together. If, after youÂve considered the worse gully washer that could happen, you decide that some sort of drainage work needs to be done, then whatever choice you make about it could also work with other objectives. I can imagine, for instance, a retaining wall enhancing the sense of shelter. Paying for it? Ah, thereÂs the rub. But if you know what your dream front yard needs to be, then you might be able to work toward achieving it. Hope so. Wellspring

Junipers don't flower, and for my personal flower enjoyment, knock-out roses don't do it either. But shrubs would serve another purpose, that of limiting erosion. Either flat shrubs or perennial groundcovers. These would also help limit weed growth. One consideration is what kind of gardening work you want to do to get your flowers. If you are an annuals kind of person, you make a trip to the nursery every spring, plant them up, and watch them go - weeding and nurturing of course. If you prefer perennials, you visit the nursery a few times through the season next year to pick up whatever is blooming at different times, and plant it up over the course of the year. I see the word "low maintenance." This is a toughie. It is best achieved through the use of flowering shrubs, some of which do get tall. Both annual and perennial gardens are some work, at least until the plants grow in. Karin L

Cristina - Start by trying to find where your septic drain field is located and at what depth. Possibly, on an old survey or plat you received when you bought the house. You don't want to avoid planting near the patio to build an island bed in the drain field. That being said often the leach lines are down deep enough most shrubs will not cause any issues. Being in zone 5 the leach lines should be at least below frost line and probably a little deeper (4’-6’ is typical). There is also typically a setback from the property line for the drain field. A planting bed along the property line would help to provide privacy to the patio and deck. Junipers are a good choice for privacy. Green giant arborvitaes are also a good option (grow a little faster and typically more affordable). Also many other options for this space. I still like the idea of creating a couple planting beds around the patio to help define the space. Using flowering shrubs and perennials to add some color. Creating a master plan for your yard is a great way to start, it allows you to install in phases while working towards your final design. Best, Dean