Talk about a large solution for a small problem! If I understand correctly, that is. I think you need to partition out your problems, and to each there will be a smaller and I think more practical solution. If, on the other hand, your walled garden solves them all in one fell swoop, then at least you will have made sure it is the best idea.

If your patio visibility problem is about overhead views, which is suggested by the two-story house thing, you might as well address this directly. Some configuration of trellis and pergola around and above your patio should solve that easily. It maybe isn't height you need so much as canopy.

Trees won't grow in your soil? Can't determine why unless we know if you selected varieties suitable for your local conditions and care they were given. You're not there - I'm guessing they haven't had much water. Also, was planting done right - soil amendments are usually not recommended.

Whether your stone wall is a good idea or not depends on a couple of other factors: Can you still get at the fence to maintain or replace it? Do you garden this much?

Also, I'm not clear on whether that drainage easement is inside or outside the fence, and along which side...? Also, might rushing water undermine your rock wall?

KarinL

Thanks, Karin. Thinking about questions such as yours will help us to clarify what we want and how to arrive at a solution.

A canopy or pergola over the patio would certainly help, but I don't think it would be sufficient. Dh wants a place to grill, not under cover, and to extend our existing patio (also not under cover.) Basically, we want to screen the entire backyard, small as it is, from three sides, with the rear being the most problematic. We'll add an irrigation system and hopefully a water feature that will help to muffle sound. The lot is smaller than we've had for many years, with closer neighbors, so I'm concerned that we may be sensitive to the noise.

Your point about fence maintenance is well-taken, and I'm chagrinned that I didn't think about that. The fence is ours, set slightly inside our property line. We could get to one side and a small portion of the rear, but not the entire back, without going onto a neighbor's property. Since our dog died last year, and we don't plan on getting another, we could remove some or all of the fence and take care of screening with trees and shrubs. Perhaps just the rear of the fence could be removed if a raised planting area is constructed. Dh intends to have some fairly large trees installed rather than have to wait 5+ yrs. for growth.

Our kids have not remembered to water very often, so I think the trees' failure to thrive was mainly due to lack of water as you suggested. However, the soil is hard clay with lots of rocks as well as some construction debris such as broken bricks. It's very hard to dig in, which is another reason we've done so little to this yard thus far. This job will be hired out.

The drainage easement is inside our fence, and is only about 2 - 3 ft. across and 12 - 15 inches deep. At the low spot on either side of the yard, the fence has a section of wire mesh attached (mainly to keep the side neighbors' dogs from visiting ours previously.) We're hoping to build the raised bed about a foot behind this small swale and on back to the property line, which is how I came up with its 5 ft. depth. So far, I haven't seen very forceful water flow even after the last tropical storm. I'm envisioning a low border grass between the drainage area and the front retaining wall for the raised bed.

Part of my concern is whether there would be enough space for tall narrow conifers and other skinny evergreens (although they could overhang the front somewhat.)

I get the impression you think this is overkill, and you may be right. I need to play around with the idea of multiple pergolas/trellises and research what vines might thrive there. I sure would not mind finding a less costly solution, as I don't know if this will be our last house or not.

Thanks!

Red cedar is fast growing and thrives in clay...wet or dry. This might help for screening. The biggest problem with the raised bed idea is cost and zoning issues with the municipality. They might not allow it that close to the lot line or drainage easement. My experience here in PA is that easements are usually 10 to 20' wide to allow legal access for equipment to maintain the drainage way.

Ziggy

I agree with ziggy that you are looking at a very costly endeavor. To construct a 3 sided, double-walled stone wall as you are suggesting that will safely contain tons of decent soil and growing plants and deal with drainage and so forth is going to be surprisingly expensive.

Patty