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.

I am far from an expert in this area, but since I recently purchased a new home and I am still trying to sell my old home I might be able to add something. The best advice is probably to spend as little as you can on your landscape. Spending $200 to spruce up your yard might be worthwhile, but $1,000+ is a waste. Somebody will purchase your home because of its location, the number of bedrooms, the layout, the number of baths, the neighborhood, and similar features. They will not purchase your home for the landscape. So why spend any money on your landscape? The reason is that potential buyers want the impression that they are purchasing a house that has been loved and maintained. If they notice a dozen problems before they even get to the front door, then they will look for other problems. Another reason is the real estate buzz word "curb appeal". The front of your house will be the fist thing shoppers see when they drive by or search on the Internet. Looking at the pictures, I agree that you should make some improvements to your landscape (provided that the inside of the house is in good shape). I would likely not remove anything that was not dead or in real bad shape. Prune back the overgrown shrubs, get some grass in there, get rid of the weeds, spread some mulch and straighten up. Removing the lower limbs from the spruce would open up the front of your house. You are not going to be able to create a dream landscape on a tight budget in just a few weeks, so do not try. - Brent

I think your previous owners were suffering badly from perimeteritis. Removing a lot of those beds, even in your mind to start with, might be a winning move. Start with this: where and when do you need shade in summer? Where would a larger tree have to be to provide it? Is that a view beyond your backwoods there? Is it possible or desirable to see more of it? Can you make a place to sit at the back of the property that there would be some reason to go to? You want to design places for people, so imagine yourself at different spots - what would you do there, and how would you get there? Then, where would pleasant plants have to be to provide enjoyment while you are there? Using the topography to make tiers or something along those lines across the yard could make so much more of this yard than simply using the perimeter. I don't think the wall is ugly so much as it is an improbable colour, and it does look unfinished. A bench top or something like that: good idea. Stone facing would take up some patio space, how about slate tile? Karin L

We have 12' x 28' yard space between our back/outdoor living porch and our detached garage. It gets limited sun. This is what we look out at from the porch while eating/relaxing. We are leaning toward a flagstone type patio with grass, moss or similar in between the stones, (we had this in our former home). We plan to have a planted area along the garage. The second door at the back of the garage will be the access for lawn mower etc. We're considering a small step down with a larger landing area to accommodate that unless there was some type of natural looking ramp (ha!) we could incorporate. Not sure what to do at the end by fence as it slopes down. Plantings? Water feature? (we like more natural looking water features, not a fountain). Thanks in advance for suggestions/ideas.