Narrow urban backyard - how to lay out?
We have a small, narrow backyard that's about 19 feet wide x 53 feet long. There's a 7 ft tall wall along the back (the 53' side) that separates our property from the neighbors.
Main use of the backyard will be for BBQs (we like to have people over for BBQ at least once a month) and for our toddler kids to play in. Our house is in a tropical climate, so having shade from the sun is very important and we want to have lots of lush tropical plants. It also needs to be low maintenance, as we are not at all experienced or skilled gardeners!
I'm thinking of doing a paved patio area right in front of the stairs that lead out from the house (what's marked as "patio"). This area (approximately 21 ft x 15 ft) would be used for BBQs and seating. I'd like to put a planter along that back wall so that when you look out from the patio doors you can see lots of greenery. Something like this:
Or maybe a vertical garden, but seems very high maintenance?
What would you suggest for shade over the patio area? I'm thinking either a sunsail (inexpensive and easy) or a pergola with bougainvillea or other vines growing over (prettier, but more difficult and potentially high maintenance). I do love the look of bougainvillea, and it seems like all our neighbors have it so it's very suitable for our climate.
Then for the area to the left (marked as "back garden"), I'm thinking of just doing a simple lawn with some more tropical plants along the walls and in the corner. Would this be good for small kids to play on, or would you recommend a paved surface?
Any other suggestions or recommendations?
Comments (7)
8 years agoRelated Professionals
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8 years agoI'd put some structure in the play area, defining some lawn and having some garden beds. Yards always look really planned if you put in a strong shape, like the oval, here. I'd have grass, not gravel and no fountain. I'd make the grass circle fill most of the rectangle labeled "back garden," rather than have a path to a feature. This kind of structure makes a boring garden or a kind of random 'I love this plant and that one was on sale at the garden center' type garden look planned and elegant.
Grass is better for kids to play on. However, if your grass struggles to grow and you risk having your lawn turn into a mud or dirt patch, then rethink.
You want climbing plants, not a living wall. Plants grow, you if you have a wall full of healthy plants, they will grow and crowd out neighbors. And if you don't have healthy plants, your living wall won't look good, either.
With kids and a narrow lot, you want to make sure your plants aren't full of thorns. I don't remember if Bougainvillea is or isn't. Trumpet Creeper is an option.
You might consider putting a swing along the left wall of the back garden. If you put in something fairly elegant, it will be a feature to see from the patio and a place for adults to sit as well as something your kids will like. Or a hammock.
Carolyn Aiken · More Info
debora carl landscape design · More Info- 8 years ago
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Kaillean (zone 8, Vancouver)