Help! Overwhelmed with neglected yard and grounds...

11 years ago

This is the modified Cape that we bought last March.

So far, I have been working to renovate the interion, but with the warmer weather arriving fast, I have been venturing outside as a diversion to the inside work... I have recovered most of the lawn by thatching and mowing, but we need a garden spot and where the old above ground pool was, will become a firepit patio (away from the house). There is a plan to deck the rear of the house too.

From the picture above, I need some ideas about turning the front slope into a xeriscape feature (it is too steep to mow and needs to absorb the fall leaves with minimal maintenance) For now, the four foot fence needs to stay (my wife likes it and I will be painting it, although I loathe it...)

Here is an overhead view of the property. the property slopes up from the front to the back and the woods in the back are owned by someone else, for now. (yes they're for sale... Cheap!)

Ideas and suggestions will be greatly appreciated...

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Comments (4)

Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
regarding the fence; she may like a different fence even more. i think its a not-great version of a classic style.

were you intending to paint it white or dark? with a less-grassy look you may want to keep it lighter for contrast.

anyway, look at pictures of gates and fences, try walpole woodworkers for inspiration. if there is something you both like, maybe delay painting yours right now, its a lot of work if its going to be replaced.
leelee
11 years ago
The fence is too tall. It blocks the view of your house. A shorter picket style fence would be more in keeping with the style of your home. Could it be moved to the to the far back of your property? Painting it isn't going to make it shorter which is what it needs.
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apple_pie_order
11 years ago
What geographic area, roughly? Summer rain?

When you have time, rake the front leaves away, then spread bark mulch generously over landscape fabric. A blower can be used in the fall to pile up leaves for removal or mulching. Edge the front walkway and stairs neatly every week or two. If you must keep the fence after painting it, try adding a big piece of finished and painted wood to back the address numbers. Add lighting for the walkway and the address.
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Carey Long
10 years ago
Would she trade some shorter bushes for the fence? It is too tall as previously stated although it would be Superb in the back with clematis or something growing on it to separate your yard from the woods.