Backyard Landscaping

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Everyone has been so amazing on this site that I thought I would try my luck with our backyard.

We added the porch and bench last year thinking it would make us enjoy our outdoor space more... It hasn't.

The bench is there essentially to "block" the air conditioning unit. We have also added a french drain to the side of the porch because we had water issues from the slope in our backyard.

Please help give me some ideas for landscaping to make our backyard an extension of our home! We want to build a really tall fence but I don't know how it should look after landscaping. The retaining wall adds an element of confusion as well. Help please!

Featured Answer

ljbwilk

11 years ago

Chazzymacd, I'm a total moron when it comes to landscaping so I can't offer much there. I just wanted to say that we spent a freaking fortune last year on making our outdoor space livable and enjoyable and I am SO glad that we did. It really made a difference for us-- the result is that we spent a lot more time together and gave my boys a place to really run around.

Having just invested in an outdoor project, I can offer a few pieces of advice:

1. don't buy sod (or any living thing, for that matter) unless you're prepared to do a sprinkler system or slave away over watering the yard. Frankly I think a sprinkler system would probably be worth it because it does the work for you. I'm NOT an expert at all, but if I could do it over, I'd have made it much easier to maintain. We probably spent $1000 on sod and half of it is now dead.

2. We live in St. Louis which gets horrifically hot and humid during the summer. I spent probably $1000 on having outdoor electrical outlets and wall mount fans installed (these: http://www.qcsupply.com/home-outdoors/backyard-garden/outdoor-patio-fans/durafan-indoor-outdoor-high-velocity-fan-24-oscillating-black.html). Don't tell my husband that; he would be appalled! It was so worth it, though. It REALLY helped not only with keeping things cooler but also with the mosquitoes. Nothing keeps mosquitoes away like a stiff wind.

3. I frankly don't think expensive outdoor furniture is worth it. Outdoor furniture is so freaking high maintenance-- my parents have twice over the years bought high quality outdoor chairs, lounges and tables and after a year or two, they peeled and needed refinishing. I bought two Better Homes & Gardens (read: Walmart brand) love seats, a couple of chairs and a fire-pit/coffee table-- a whole set for, like, $600. I think they look lovely and I won't be crushed if they need replacing next summer.

Hope this helps. For what it's worth: I think the wooden platform and retaining wall are awesome, frankly. It's really a great canvas. All you really need are to replace the chainlink and some fun furniture.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Kelley Dockrey
11 years ago
please take an image of the back of your house.

will your new fence be where I see a chain link fence?

The bench does not look inviting. I would suggest creating a box with slats to hide the air conditioner.

you have a lot of space on the deck.

would use an outdoor table and chairs too eat outside?

start looking for outdoor furniture that is comfortable.

you might consider an awning under which to put your furniture or do an umbrella over the table.
chazzymacd
Original Author
11 years ago
Kelley, yes the new fence will be replacing the chain link. I would like to get outdoor furniture because there is plenty of space but it will still seem a little "cold" and uninviting." Really I am just nervous to spend a lot of money out there if we aren't going to spend a lot of time in our backyard.
Related Professionals
Torrington Interior Designers & Decorators · Elgin Interior Designers & Decorators · Webster Interior Designers & Decorators · Edison Interior Designers & Decorators · Wausau Interior Designers & Decorators · Dodge City Interior Designers & Decorators · El Paso Interior Designers & Decorators · Forrest City Architects & Building Designers · Albany Architects & Building Designers · Clarksville Architects & Building Designers · Green Bay Architects & Building Designers · Show Low Architects & Building Designers · Aiken Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Norfolk Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Flint Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Kelley Dockrey
11 years ago
where is your home located?

I think the weather influences how you will use it as well as how you entertain.

I'm in southern california and outdoor dining and entertaining are quite common here.

I think you need to ad some hard scape such as an awning or with some plants to create a "room" or "rooms".

a fire pit would be nice to gather around.

a water feature could make it more tranquil.

I understand not spending the money if you are on going to use it.

I personally dislike outdoor dining, but Like to BBQ. So, I prefer to cook outdoors. it keeps the smell of the food out of the house. I just prefer to bring the food inside to eat. I do like to hang outside during day if I have a nice place to relax or work, but it stays around 70 degrees during the day most of the year.
chazzymacd thanked Kelley Dockrey
sandradclark
11 years ago
Great for adding a French drain. Sloping yards are sometimes very challenging. I would go ahead with the wood fence idea. It will give you the privacy you probably want & will create a new room addition to your home. Plant some loosely shaped shrubs on your side. Some that bloom in season.
PRO
Cording Landscape Design
11 years ago
I would consider adding a row/hedge of flowering shrubs above the wall (ie - hydrangea, roses) to provide a visual separation from the sloping yard. The flowers would soften the rigidness of the wall, while adding color to the yard. It would also create an inviting view from inside of the house, making you want to spend time outside.

Depending on your climate, Annabelle Hydrangea are a great choice : long lasting white blossoms that will cascade over the wall (see attached photos).
chazzymacd thanked Cording Landscape Design
chazzymacd
Original Author
11 years ago
I live in central Arkansas. We get all four seasons but our summers are very hot! This has been wonderful advice! Thank you everyone!!!