I wouldn't mind even just having grass on the left hand side and doing something different to the right of where the pathway would be to the gate and garage.

patio?
plants?
rocks?

Thanks Denita

We do have 2 small children and a dog
I like a clean look

Yard activities
- kids toys are in a deck box on the deck along with there pool.
-grass area to run play for family and dog :)
-walking to garage and path along fence to gate (garbage and recycling bins are next to gate/house so easy access to roll them out the the front)
- not really big into gardening
- I enjoy sitting on the patio set looking at my planters having a cup of tea
-maybe a patio on the ground so we can enjoy some afternoon sun since the deck gets morning sun?

Zone 3B

Your backyard has so much potential! I can understand why you want to make it a serene yet fun escape for you and your family. Hiring a Landscape Architect is definitely one great way to get amazing ideas and help with this endeavor.

thanks! that's what I might have to do. I was lucky enough to find someone on house that helped plan the front yard so we were able to do it yourself with the beautiful visual we got! So that's in full swing but now I look at our backyard and just see this blank canvas and have no idea where to begin

Contact Dig Doug Designs to see what he can show you. He is here on Houzz. Or contact the last designer you used :)

https://www.digdougsdesigns.com/

YES! that is who designed our front yard! he made my dream come to life!!!

some ideas:

Doug you have done it again! We just love the design you came up with to spice up our curb appeal! I will let you know how it goes! We have slowly gotten started but since we are paving that path in the front we thought we would pave the back at the same time. But were stumped on a back yard plan, since it is such a blank canvas. I appriciate your visual so much!!! love how it looks so balanced and the bird bath detail!