Landscape Design The Professional Gardener

Need Help with Design / Landscaping Ideas for near 1.5 acre backyard!

2 years ago

We need help thinking how to tie this backyard together and make it feel like one, cohesive outdoor space. We are blessed that the property is nearly 2 acres in total but about 1/2 - 3/4 is the front yard and house - the rest is the back yard which I would say is divided into 4 separate "zones":

1. The immediate (small-ish) backyard that connects to the main house "L shape" (it's the small rectangle that is immediately connected to the house and extension). It's where we envision letting our dogs out and maybe having a garden pergola (for outdoor dining). This rectangular yard is at the lowest elevation (by about 1-2" feet)- you can see how it steps up to the pool area.

2. The pool area - this is the largest "feature" in the backyard, clearly. We are thinking of german schmearing all of the brick (inclusive of the columns) so that the "white" pops better with the black railing and also are refinishing the pool lining (since it's almost 10 years old now) to better match the white or off white surround that will be there. That shed is actually an outdoor bar area so that will be renovated to be updated. But the pool is surrounded by those columns/black gate so it makes a clear "divide" between the yard space.

3. There is a decent sized yard directly behind the pool. It is largely even with the pool, elevation wise (maybe a step down) -- and about 50 x 50" or so (shaped somewhat like a triangle for usable, flat yard space). I love how it's all surrounded by trees for privacy but it's separated from the other sections of the yard and feels like an underutilized space. (Note the kids play set is being removed so it will be gone).

4. The fourth and final section of the yard is actually completely elevated from the other 3 sections -- it's about 15" above the rest of the yard (see photos) and is about 30" wide x 50" long. Since its elevated, it gets good sun and I thought this could be entirely a raised garden bed area? Or maybe it's just a nice elevated, flat yard that folks play catch on...

The main issue for us is making this yard feel cohesive and "one". We don't have a budget per se in mind but I'd like to stay around $50,000 if at all possible (could go higher if someone has an amazing idea that would also add significant value to the house).

Welcome any ideas here! Thank you in advance

This is the small yard directly connected to the house (Section 1)

Here is the view from Section 1 to the pool (Section 2)

This is the fenced pool area that connects to the Section 1 yard

Here is the pool area but you can also see Section 3 behind it (where the kids playset is beyond the gated fence)

Here is Section 4 - the very elevated (but flat) yard portion (Section 4)

Thought this would be helpful -- here is the satellite view of the backyard -- split into the 4 Sections I mentioned before. Note the metal bunker looking thing in the far left hand upper corner (above Section 3) is actually an old airplane hanger... I'm thinking of making that a man cave for ATVs or if I run electrical there, making it an actual hang out man cave. But TBD - first things first is the landscaping for the rest of the yard to make my wife happy!

Thanks all

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Comments (8)

Rob S
Original Author
2 years ago
Anyone? Need help! Thank you
mindshift
2 years ago
Sorry, but I looked at your question previously, and you are asking for too much. Perhaps you should hire a landscape architect.

I will say that using the same materials in each part of your landscape will give visual cohesion. For instance the brick pool surround and the brick building and walkway. It's almost impossible to match one batch of brick with another, especially if years have passed in between. But using brick at every patio or pavilion will unite the various areas. The wooden deck in front of one building was probably stained and sealed at one time, but is quite weathered now. I would try to paint/stain/whatever to make it match the deck and stair it abuts.
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I really like that suggestion Bboy, and that book sounds like it would be a lot of help in many ways. :) I've been playing with window's paint this morning, we really have a lot to do. This yard was completely leveled last year (all of the dirt pushed to the back of the yard as you see, and all previous landscaping removed. But I do love this stuff, and I wouldn't be happy at all if I had a yard that didn't need work! I already have some clear ideas on the front and sides (the side porch area is my husbands plan, I have no say there) but if anyone see's any glaring mistakes or can offer ideas better than my drawings, I would appreciate the input! I guess I'm putting these up to show the full scope of the yard and how each section relates to another, and specifically, to the back. There are several levels to work with. Lots of concrete, sidewalks, steps, retaining walls in the front (made of stone) many sharp angles. Don't ask me why there is a sidewalk leading from our side porch to the neighbors driveway, but it can't be removed. Not only do we share property with them, but we maintain their yard and it helps to get the mowers across. The yard as it is now: As I would like it to be eventually: The second drawing... The brown areas are intended to be planting areas. Still not sure precisely which plants or where, other than I want cascading things in the front of the front beds, to come down and break up the facade of the wall which is six feet high. I'm thinking of rambling or ground cover roses, but not sure my neighbors would appreciate the thorns (or keep would their hands off the blooms). I do intend on climbing roses on the side bed though, to climb the porch railings. The side yard (where the kiddie pool is) is utilitarian - where we put our brush for composting, the hose spigot, veggetable garden, etc. No grass will grow in the middle of this area because there are pipes from the sump pumps in the basement running just under the surface. I intend to mulch it as it's suited for nothing but growing dirt. Thank you very much for looking, and for all of the advice so far! It is a great help and I think things are coming together very nicely in my mind and on paper.
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I wouldn't remove another thing until I identified everythng you have. You may be taking out choice trees, shrubs and groundcover. Make ample use of the "Name this plant" forum. Easy to post a picture and get answers often in minutes. I would also be very wary of what you're doing with the plant removal and potential grade change. It looks like you have created a bare slope aiming water runoff right for your foundation or cellar. Yes, tree work is expensive but you will get much smarter at it. Many of them can be felled yourself, especially when smaller. Some can be dropped and left for you to cut. If you burn wood, the hardwoods are valuable fuel. The softwoods like the pine you removed are good only for mulch and screening views (stacked). You can learn to prune. You now know the cost of tree removal. Planting new trees can be just as expensive if you hire labor to plant large specimens! It takes years of nurturing to grow a mature tree. So my advice again is to SLOW DOWN. Not to be a wet blanket...
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When it comes to layout of proposed elements you wish to add to the yard, you should be working in plan view, not in perspective view with photos. They're fine for general ideas and inspiration, but placement needs to be in a plan that is drawn to scale. Based on the photos, though, I suspect you are placing the fireplace much to far away to be useful. A parterre garden is fine if that is what one wants and is willing to maintain. It is a high maintenance feature, however, so no mystery as to why its rarely seen in typical yards. Is someone in your family sufficiently into gardening that they would be willing to maintain a parterre? If not, it would be far more advantageous for you to put your efforts into general landscaping. Another consideration would be the exact plants you hope to grow in a parterre and if you have enough light for them. I didn't see that you said where you're located so I don't think you can expect much in the way of plant recommendations. If you're where they grow, many people grow bromeliads below live oaks, especially the 'flaming torch.'
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I see one bumped out bed (next to the neighbor's house) that looks like it would be suitable for a small tree (the kind you make from a large shrub -- burning bush for example.) Other than that, for low budget landscape improvements, I'd take every bare spot of ground and plant annuals. Some can come from already blooming bedding plants that you purchase at any home improvement store or Walmart. Others can come from seeds. Obtain information from other forums about which annuals are easy to grow and put out a good show. I've been promoting corn lately as it qualifies as a handsome, fast solution, if one needs something tall and narrow. It can also make a hedge. Annuals will fold at the end of their life span (one season) but they provide a cheap way to buy time while you are planning your permanent landscape. For that, you ought to start working on a base plan, which shows all the permanent features of the area in map form. (Keep it as simple as possible.) Use copies of it to explore/brainstorm various ideas. Since you have a large amount of concrete, consider some LARGE planters ... especially low ones. It is better to you fewer large planters than a bunch of small planters, which require much more maintenance and don't put out as good a show.
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Rob S
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you, mindshift. I appreciate the feedback and agree that one thing to tie the yard together will be to using the same base materials. Welcome anyone else’s thoughts as well.
Rob S
Original Author
2 years ago
(And I agree we will need to hire a landscape architect - just wanted some ideas)
nickel_kg
2 years ago
Ideas/considerations for when you talk with a real landscape architect:

- how much gardening and of what kind are you/your wife wanting to do? Flowers, veggies, easy-care shrubbery?

- how much lawn do you want to manicure and mow every week (personally I'd minimize the lawn, maximize your lovely woodland and natural meadow space).

- if you can get electric to the hangar, do it.

- cohesive yard: maybe a three-rail wood fence (backed with wire to contain pets) around the whole perimeter. If you do a fence, remember to include gates at strategic places wide enough for mowers, carts, etc.

- any DIY skills or inclination?

- dogs: You look like you're out in the country a bit, and big barky dogs are not a bad thing to have near the house. I like having a doggie door to give dogs access any time they want to their own dog run (an area maybe 6' wide by 15' long, fenced with 5 or 6' tall chain link). That way they can go in and out by themselves, and be contained in an area that you know is safe and escape-proof (deer, rabbits, and squirrels are such fun to chase). A normal fence can surround any other area you want them to play in while you're able to keep a closer eye on them.

Not sure any of this was of help, but good luck anyhow.
Sarah
2 years ago
Looks like an amazing property. I agree that it’s best to figure out some things you want out of an awesome space. Start collecting ideas in an idea book here and don’t worry if you collect 1000 images. Patterns will appear. Then once you’ve whittled down a few big ideas, contact some landscape architects. They can come up with a great plan you can implement over time. You may discover you want to build a sauna, outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, built in fire pit, have a TV to watch games, turn the airplane hanger (!!!) into a serious poker room/ band practice place.

Then look for native plants that will grow in nicely with the current scenery. It’s gorgeous and please keep us updated with what you do! Depending where you are $50k can go a long way, or just get a few things done.
Rob S
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you nickel and Sarah!! So very helpful
PRO
Finnleo Sauna
2 years ago
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Need Help with Design / Landscaping Ideas for near 1.5 acre backyard!

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Rob S
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mindshift

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Need Help with Design / Landscaping Ideas for near 1.5 acre backyard!

Comments (8)

Rob SOriginal Author

mindshift

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Rob SOriginal Author

Rob SOriginal Author

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BUSINESS SERVICES

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