Backyard Help!
Keri Schieb
3 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (25)
houssaon
3 years agoKeri Schieb
3 years agoRelated Discussions
backyard help needed!
Comments (5)Fence looks to be about 5 ft tall max, judging by the chair in the picture. Pretty much any shrub that works in zone 3 and gets to 5 ft should work. Group shrubs, don't alternate anything, though you could repeat a favorite maybe 3 times. Look for a little evergreen, but also spring bloom, fall berries and leaf color. Plan for perennials in front of the shrub border....See Morekitchen nook: I want to look out at my backyard. Help!
Comments (29)If you scroll further down in that linked thread, the details are there including pictures from the outside. . I am pasting the text from that thread , below, for a quick read. My box bay was built under a second floor overhang so no roof needed but a small roof would probably not add that much to the total cost. Another bonus of the box bay is that with the half screens, we can remove the banquette pillow and use the window seat for a staging area for food to be passed to the deck from the kitchen when we have a garden party. The half screens move up and allow access to the plates/trays, and then move down to protect the food and house from flies. It beats trying to walk out a closed patio door with both hands carrying a heavy tray. We also have used the box bay to temporarily stage the music speakers for parties. Of course nowadays that is moot due to bluetooth everywhere. I think you have lots of room to get by it on the exterior. You can put a bench of similar depth and width in that area on the outside of the house to gauge how it might affect your walkway. HTH ___________________________________________ form the original thread... It cost slightly less than $5000 all told (including moving electrical and adding foam insulation under the exterior Azek cladding, tempered windows since I have all boys :) ), measures 78 inches wide internally by 18 inches deep. Much cheaper than adding a 40k breakfast room or an 80k large kitchen expansion as I first planned. I have a custom cushion for it now and my teen boys enjoy lounging and napping there. The key is to seat it low enough to the ground to make it comfortable for sitting (16" height). I also specified the weight that it had to be able to carry (600 lb). The style is known as a "box bay" and the brand is Sunrise windows. I purchased their premade "projected frame" window through their authorized contractor and he worked with me on the other details. My good friend and former nanny came by to visit the other day and barely noticed the kitchen renovation, she was so taken with the sitting bay. Exterior of original windows New box bay replacing old windows. Somehow those bay walls bring in a lot more light into the space. We also really like watching all the small wildlife outside that we could not reall see before. In terms of the layout, it gave us enough "breathing space" and sitting area... The light, animal/ibird watching, and perceived airiness is a huge bonus....See MoreBackyard help!
Comments (7)Where are you located? I am no expert, not on landscape design, nor artificial grass expert. But I encourage you to do research on what kind of surface it can be placed upon (probably compacted soil, not concrete), maintenance (it's not maintenance free, I do know that), and the pros and cons of having it. In fact, I believe it to be rather expensive, especially for the more realistic looking stuff. All of that, and you still get that stark, flat look. The aesthetics alone of having no plants with height, no "relief" from the surface, should be enough to steer you towards a low maintenance, but more interesting, landscape. Properly done, the maintenance and water usage could be minimized. I encourage you to think about the following ideas: Shade - if you are where it's hot, I'd think you'd like some shade and shadows here and there both for coolness and interest Privacy - a row of italian cypress trees or tall hedge against the fence would give some privacy from the neighbors, and give you more of an oasis feel Planters - you have the opportunity to minimize (or emphasize) the roundness of the pool with some artfully created in-ground planters, or even above ground, large planters, for drama. Color - even some of the easiest plants (succulents!) have interesting, beautiful colors to make a statement...See Moresteep backyard help
Comments (6)Sometimes it's best to go with what you have. Less expensive and usually easier to execute. You can extend the patio with a decking even building an upper and lower section so that you would have two levels, both flat. It may not be a massive change in heights only one or two steps down but you could reclaim a large section of your yard for entertaining and lounging. You could add an opening to the lower deck to access the grassy area, if you have kids you need to run around. I think you have an "L" shape so they could have access to the other side if your deck allows access to the grass from one side. You could also build steps down to a patio made from concrete pavers or pea gravel (if it makes sense for you climate). You could build a fire pit or a seating area depending on what is allowed in your area. Or your could extend the patio with Armour Stone and then "level it out" from there. Less grading and the Armour Stone would act as your retaining wall. This would make both spaces blend into each other a bit better and you could use the stone as a step down. Large stone can be very expensive so you could research the type of stone that is readily available in your area. Contractors could tell you how much to extend your deck and build stairs down to a new patio. But at least you could do it in different stages. Enjoy....See Moreeverdebz
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoKeri Schieb
3 years agoeverdebz
3 years agoeverdebz
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoKeri Schieb
3 years agoeverdebz
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoeverdebz
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoKeri Schieb
3 years agoYardvaark
3 years agoKeri Schieb
3 years agoKeri Schieb
3 years agosuezbell
3 years agosuezbell
3 years agosuezbell
3 years agoemmarene9
3 years agoYardvaark
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoKeri Schieb
3 years agoanj_p
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoEmbothrium
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agommmunroe
3 years agoKeri Schieb
3 years agommmunroe
3 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGBe a Citizen Scientist to Help Wildlife, Learn and Have Fun Too
Track butterflies, study birds, capture stars ... when you aid monitoring efforts, you’re lending Mother Nature a hand
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARDThe 8 Tools That Help Bring the Farm to Your Table
Vegetable gardeners get a big assist from these essential helpers
Full StoryPETSHow to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor
Good fences certainly help, but be sure to introduce your pup to the neighbors and check in from time to time
Full StoryPETS6 Ways to Help Your Dog and Landscape Play Nicely Together
Keep your prized plantings intact and your dog happy too, with this wisdom from an expert gardener and dog guardian
Full StoryLIFE12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice
Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later
Full StoryBATHROOM WORKBOOKStandard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath
Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNHow to Help Your Home Fit Into the Landscape
Use color, texture and shape to create a smooth transition from home to garden
Full StoryEARTH DAYHow to Help Your Town’s Beneficial Birds and Bugs
Make a habitat using local materials to provide a home to the creatures that help our gardens
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDES8 Tips to Help You Live in Harmony With Your Neighbors
Privacy and space can be hard to find in urban areas, but these ideas can make a difference
Full Story
mmmunroe