From Square to Bohemian, help with cookie cutter back yard

8 years ago

I have a new house, a perfect little cottage. I have one tree that came with the house, a Bur Oak that is about 8 feet tall and doesn't provide shade. The garage is detached so forms part of the boarder of the yard. The rest is a 6 foot privacy fence. There is a sidewalk that runs from the back door of the house to the garage. I want to do some raised beds and maybe a dwarf peach tree on the 'small' side and something pretty, maybe painted coffee can herb gard on the fence, or lush elephant ears along the fence on the big side and side yard. I don't know where to start. I may also want to divide the yards to keep my dog out of the raise garden bed 'small' side - but one that doesn't block the view. Help... I can't afford a designer, unless they are affordable... how much should one spend on a designer? I am a DIY but at a loss. The photo is of the 'big' side of the yard (left of sidewalk) where my single tree lives.

Featured Answer

Rina

8 years ago

I've just looked at your wonderful garden ideabook. There is so much there that would work beautifully in this space, including really attractive see-through fencing. I'm not sure what Acm means by a stake -- I hope it's not as in a stake to chain your dog, as I'm afraid that is a good way to turn a loving dog into a frustrated, dangerous one.

If you do work with a designer, be sure to show him/her your ideabook.

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Comments (8)

Rina
8 years ago
Hi Lisabeth. Where you start has to be with a plan. The ideal would definitely be to get a pro to draw one up for you. I don't know what the cost might be, but it would be a good idea to speak to local nurseries for advice on that, and possibly recommendations. Another good source would be any gardening clubs that might exist in your area. If you do have to draw your plan up yourself, I've just googled "simple garden planner" and found a few online options there that might be just what you need. This area has so many possibilities.

I hate to be a possible bearer of bad news, but your tree may be too close to the fence. It would be well worth looking into that now and a good investment to get it moved three feet or so further away while it is still small if it is a problem.
acm
8 years ago
If you put up yet another fence, i think you're going to feel like you have a warren rather than a welcoming yard. Could you solve the dog problem with a stake in the part of the yard he may use?
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lisabeth36
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the advice, need to go back and review my idea books. And staking the dog to one part of the yard is not an option, he likes to romp around too much. As for the tree, the builder put all the trees in the same spot in everyone's yards and we all say the same thing, too close to the fence. I am going to wait until November/December when its much cooler to move it over about 3 feet. That is already in the plan. :-)
Rina
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I would so love to be able to follow your garden coming together, if you have the time to update us and post pics. By the way, I'm seeing that corner bit as perfect for a bohemian gathering place, Paving, colourful benches, big low round table, trellis, wisteria? Also liking your painted coffee cans.
User
8 years ago
You will need a donkey.
User
8 years ago
https://www.etsy.com/listing/226808284/lol-laughing-donkey-quilted-pillow?ref=market
PRO
Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec
8 years ago
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