Pavers

Depending upon the style of the house & other landscaping, yes, pavers are nice, also stone, or most cost effective decomposed granite for a Zen modern look ( or MCM look ). Artificial turf will give the appearance of grass without the maintenance, not inexpensive, but pays for itself in the long run. Many options. Looks like the perimeter landscaping needs some major cleanup. I’d do that first.

What is on the other side of the arborvitae? Can they remove those? What is this space in relationship to the rest of the home. Will it be used for anything at all? Do they have pets or children? Do they use their outdoor space. I personally can attest to how fabulous artificial turf is as we had a small area like this fenced off and a doggie door added tot he house and artificial turf for pets installed and now no mud mess when it rains and the pups can’t ruin the grass. More info is probably needed and more pics for people to really give some great ideas

Here are more recent pics. Thanks for all the suggestions and questions so far !

Teddytoo a fence then a street is on the other side of those trees. They really want to keep them for privacy purposes. They do have young children but they won’t use that are for play. This area is the first area you see when going through a gate into the back yard. There is also a screened in deck and another hard scape area on the other side of the deck which is all inside of a fence. Side and front yard of grass and trees flowers etc.

Did my pictures load up ? I can’t see them on my end hmmm.

do what DigDoug drew up for you! beautiful

I agree with you Beth it would look amazing and I’m definitely passing that along to my daughter.

What about a fabulous shade garden with plants that don’t require a ton of upkeep and some hardscape maybe even touches of a fairy garden for the children.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/8-sumptuous-shade-garden-plant-combinations-stsetivw-vs~51542345

I would start with the walkway since it is the path to the back yard. As it is currently stands, it is both narrow and tight against the building, an uncomfortable walking situation making single file walking required while the building looms over you.

i would start by moving the path to the middle of the space and then planting shade tolerant ground covers on either side. Make the path wide enough for two people to walk side by side and either make it straight or a long gradual curve. Generallly people don’t enjoy tight curves on a functional path and they look somewhat silly if there isn’t a reason for them such as moving around a shrub. If they have small children that may want to ride scooters or similar small wheeled vehicles, add a large landing just inside the gate to allow for turning around so the kids can have a longer stretch to ride beyond the back patio.

If your daughter is like many young couples with a new house and cash is a bit tight, moving the path can be DIY if they are willing to read up on installing a proper base for the area they live (areas with frost or freezes need a more robust base that those in warm areas.) Plant suggestions can be gotten from the perennials forum and can be a set of several plants repeated down the length of the side yard in a non regular fashion or can be one solid groundcover with perhaps a couple of featured flowering shrubs. Regardless, it will need occasional weeding to keep it looking tidy. Use shredded bark mulch laid down relatively thinly and no landscape fabric.

Since this isn’t a place they will be hanging out, I would not make this a complex garden space, but rather a spot with something attractive to look at that is low maintenance.

Thanks for all your suggestions everyone! They have all been very helpful and has given them a lot to consider before preceding.

Search online for images of “Charleston Courtyard Gardens”. You will be inspired by what you see! Even if you aren’t in the south, the concept is wonderful and you can substitute plants appropriate to your Zone for those that you see. The idea is to create a pocket garden, a little retreat or passage way, utilizing a small, enclosed space. They are gorgeous!

Do they have kids? Turf would be great for kids and zero maintenance.

A shade groundcover. Ajuga is one option. Sweet woodruff. Wild geraniums, there are many varieties available. Thyme, although that needs a touch of sun. Lamium, also called dead nettle. Vinca vine.