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Help with my side yard design

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Would like to do know what to put down our side yard- it is very shaded, and sloped~ so grass won't grow. I don't really want to just pave the whole thing ~ as this will look too stark. Thinking plants along the fence, but then not sure what else !

Featured Answer

deanli14

7 years ago

Seems like you have fantastic storage that you are currently using under the deck. But it doesn't look all that wonderful. If this is to stay a utility area I'd conceal the storage a bit with some gates in similar materials/styles to what you already have. You'll also need good even paving with drainage away from the house. Continue it all the way under the deck for smooth access. Need to get bulky or long stuff in and out? You need to allow for that the unobstructed paving width too. THEN think about the pretty bits : )

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Comments (11)

Tribbletrouble44152k7 Trek
7 years ago
Go to this link, and save the photos you like to an ideabook on your homepage.

http://www.houzz.com.au/photos/query/Side-gardens/nqrwns
wrachelc
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
@jaynecam - try river stone
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You've made a great start. I'd think about spray painting your security screens white and having all of your pots in one colour so that you've got a unified colour pallet (it helps bring a space together) then having climbers along your timber fence as they don't take up a huge amount of room in the ground/pot. I'd then bring in colour with plants and add colourful cushions on your seating. Remember too that green can be treated as a neutral colour, but with your white, gray and brown colours that are in the space already, keeping plants to pure green can be stunning. You could also think about a vertical garden on the fence (keep in mind you will want to have an automated watering system for them - that can go on a couple of times a day in hot weather to be as successful as possible). https://www.rivasdesign.com.au/ have great outdoor mirrors that might help you to expand the space. Whatever way you go, think about layered planting - tall to the back, mid and low height plants at the front. This will help you make the space feel a bit bigger.
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r_dhillon14
7 years ago
a narrow walk way of pebbles with rocks on either side and with potted plants against the fence.
zen_garden
7 years ago
I would go stepping stones with low growing Mondo grass
jaynecam thanked zen_garden
James Tran
7 years ago
If the passageway is sloping, then maybe paved stairs (concrete finish) with big landings (preferably 4-5) and lights illuminating from underneath the edge, along the house. Then have a low retaining wall (on fence side) with shade type shrubs/plants, and maybe some sculptures. The side underneath the decking, you could have a vertical garden wall.
PRO
Arthur Lathouris Garden Designer
7 years ago
"Tribbletrouble' has given you a great link into similar situations.There are a few there that look similar to your side passage.

If it's a major thoroughfare for bins and wheelbarrows be aware that stepping stones look great but are awkward to traverse if not laid well. Fewer larger ones would be better than lots of smaller ones.

If using pebbles, put down a firm base, eg roadbase, with a thin topping (25mmm) of pebbles. If the layer of pebbles is too deep they are awkward to walk over and drag bins through etc.

I don't know where you live but your local nursery will be able to guide you with plant selection for your area and your aspect.

Best wishes.
jaynecam thanked Arthur Lathouris Garden Designer
PRO
Ivy & Bloom
7 years ago
Just to add to the helpful comments you already have, it looks as if you have a view of your side yard from your deck. Don't forget to take this 'view from the top' perspective into account when planning out your design.
Debbie Fisher
7 years ago
forgotten side area. Now a very a well used · More Info

forgotten side area. Now a very a well used space ! · More Info

This was a forgotten side area of our reno houzz. We put a sliding glass in for easy access and a small area of grass for our small dog (Maltese). I have since taking the pick added some pots to the stone area. We live in central Qld so the fact that the line dose receive shade is not a bad thing as the washing dries well with out being exposed to much sun. I love it, very secure and
forgotten side area. Now a very a well used space ! · More Info

private. We did fit a tap in the area as well which makes watering plants and hosing easy.
jaynecam thanked Debbie Fisher
Marion Collins
7 years ago
Cordylines, coleus, arches with creepers either side of a brick pathway.....lots of colour.
wuff
7 years ago
Love your garden Marian

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