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aweebitkiwi

Landscaping for shade and kids play

aweebitkiwi
7 years ago
We have purchased a new home with a large sloping backyard that faces west. It has little shade available except when two large gum trees offer some respite. The sunsets are amazing but I think we were mad buying a west facing home! We've also spent our budget in fixing drainage and adding awnings so funds are now limited for a while.

I don't have a lot of capability to garden with 3 kids under 6 all at home (one about to start school) but need some ideas on what I can do for short term impact to:
- add shade
1: fast growing shade trees to suit clay soil that is often wet.
2: fast growing trees to add in spots to add privacy from new build
3: shade sail over sandpit? Get a professional to do it?

- add interest
1: we turned a firepit area into a huge sandpit then realized we need to cover every night to keep shite-ing cats out.
2: there is little about the yard and it's landscaping that entices both the kids and adults down to it. I would love to go crazy with planting it out as time allows but am just overwhelmed and don't know where to start.
3: so much garden and lawn to maintain. Where should I focus?

Hugely appreciate any ideas or point in the right direction. I start looking at Pinterest and get lost.

Thanks in advance
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