Ideas for a small backyard?
We have a deck and a small backyard...looking for ideas to make this corner pretty and useable...something to cover the retaining wall, a fountain perhaps, plants? All ideas welcome!
Comments (12)
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Ideas for a small backyard with dogs in the Pacific Northwest
Comments (2)Agree that a small outdoor area given over to large dogs in particular = equivalent to zoo exhibit. In other words the impacts from the dogs will dominate how it looks (and smells), how it will have to be managed. Regarding the neighbor the natural choice for a screening planting in your climate and soil conditions is western redcedar (Thuja plicata). With there being an existing landmark sized example visible in the distance, just to the right of your house. And maybe a grouping of currently smaller ones over the fence, behind the two broadleaf trees. Such an installation can be sheared to control size once the desired level of privacy is acheived. As long as the lower sides are kept wider than the upper half, so as to prevent the upper shading the lower too much and making it become thin looking. This is how it usually is with plant choices for hedging and screening - the fast growing ones that provide the desired effect with any level of quickness are also large growing, genetically programmed to grow vastly bigger in time than the typical modern planting site. And the comparatively small growing and naturally tidy kinds often need decades to reach even human head height level....See MoreTree ideas for small backyard/deck privacy
Comments (25)Cherry Laurels love shade and grow fast once established (evergreen shrubs to small trees) but are poisonous to dogs. I planted a row of them on my north side to block out a purple house on the hill, and will just take my chances that I don't get a stupid dog when I get another dog :) Camellias also love shade and they flower in the fall and winter. They are shrubs but really they are small trees, they do grow slow however. Tulip poplar would grow very quickly to reach for the light, and the leaves would get rather large in the shade. That tree gets big though! Also, a thought: drive around and look for houses in similar conditions... What is growing in those situations?! I “cheat" all the time this way with landscaping. Also, maybe you could befriend the new owner and convince them to grow cross vine or Virginia creeper on the side of their house? Think understory trees too, several people have mentioned some great ones (especially hornbeam/ironwood/musclewood, dogwood, and redbud). I would add serviceberry and beech to that list (although beech eventually gets large. It keeps its leaves in the winter)....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 MoreIdeas for leveling small backyard with iron fence gaps
Comments (33)I would get a quote from a contractor to see how much they would charge for a deck constructed like this. If they suggest a different method, they'll tell you why. Then you'll have a point of comparison for your cost of materials including delivery, purchase or rental of power tools etc. I would only consider a floating deck on level ground. The cement footers will have more soil pressure from the slope on the house side - could this could gradually shift them downhill towards the iron rail fence? Might cost a lot to fix a moving deck and a damaged fence. Your HOA board will probably take a good long look at your construction method, which is a hassle you don't need. I hope some people more familiar with construction methods will chime in....See More- 3 years ago
3 years agoUse narrow evergreen plants to cover the concrete area, in a variety of heights. It will soften the look the the large wall. Some vines, like creeping fig, will attach themselves to the concrete. You can keep them trimmed below the wood fencing.
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- 3 years ago
PRO3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoI think you could do something w/the flower beds next to the fence, like this
you could do a raised bed using any of these masonry border materials and plant whatever goes w/your climate/sun level)then maybe bring in some DG (decomposed granite) for the gravel base,
or whatever this gray pebble is.maybe some large boulders against the fence. Bring in some pavers or stepping stones
you could do a plastic pond tub, get a little fountain (you'll need electrical tho) and have some water lilies in it.
surround it w/large pavers.
then just decorate. furniture, those garden lights, some foliage and colorful planters
cxg2 thanked Beth H. :- 3 years ago
PRO3 years ago- 3 years ago
Hi, wanted to share with everyone progress on my little backyard zen garden! Still waiting for the vines to grow over the cement retaining was but other stuff is filling in. Love my "dish rock". Not wild about the pavers, but we needed the pathway so decided to leave. Thanks for the ideas and support!
katinparadise