I would love to be a really good gardener, but honestly, I have no idea where to even start. When we were first married, we lived in Arizona and our yard was mostly gravel and just a small lawn - totally minimal. Since then we've lived in places with no outdoor space. I haven't had the chance to learn about plants and yard care/design. I'm SO excited to finally start now.
We have an upper and a lower deck, both are about 5' deep and 20' wide - not super huge, but just big enough for a small grill, a table and four chairs on the upper deck (which connects to the living room). I'll probably put a small seating area on the bottom deck too (which connects to my office), but I think mostly that area will be for outdoor toy storage. I haven't figured that all out yet.
As I look through Pinterest and my inspiration folders at brownstone yards, it seems like a lot of them have stone or brick pavers. When we first walked through the house, I thought those flagstone pavers should go out immediately in favor for just grass (right after that astroturf gets pulled up off the deck! yeesh!)
But now I'm worrying about mud. Maybe putting down (prettier) pavers is the best idea?
Any thoughts?
I like pavers, but I think some curves would be nice in that space as well to add dimension. Our yard was paved over when we moved in, and while its a different space, I think some of the elements that worked for us could work in your yard. Check it out if you're interested.
ReplyDeleteI am not proud of how jealous I am right now! I've lived in Brooklyn for about 6 years now and have always dreamed of having an outdoor space like that(or any outdoor space really!) I agree that getting rid of the pavers in favor of all grass could lead to a muddy situation. I am actually a fan of that type of flagstone paver - they lend a really nice element of disorder. If they're in really bad shape then it definitely makes sense to replace them but maybe wait and see how you use the space most and made a decision from there. Enjoy your new space and let me know if you every need and extra person to test out cocktails in that lovely backyard
ReplyDelete:)
I think you will want a combination of hard surface and soft, so some pavers as you step down, maybe for more dining, and then some grass for the kids. I've notices it doesn't take much grass, but my little ones like to do yoga on the grass, hit a t-ball, kick a soccer ball, just basic kid-stuff. The playhouse can go on either grass or pavers, but might get more use on pavers since, if it doesn't have a floor, it coul still be used when it's a bit wet outside.
ReplyDeleteWe lived in a tiny bungalow for 4 years, with a concrete backyard, awful, and now have a nice deck for dining, grilling, a raised patio bed for plants etc. and a small all-grass backyard for the above mentioned kid-stuff:)
Jessica
stayathomeista.com
Im no expert, but for some quick first steps, I would tear off that fake green grass carpet on the walk out balcony! Move the white bench that appears to be in the middle of the lawn, back a few feet, onto the grass (so it doesnt split the lawn). Dig up the right hand side ... turn that soil around and around. IF its a sunny side, plant a couple tomatoes and beans (they are hardy but need something to cling to and climb) Plant a hosta or two as well, for greenery. Hmm Maybe turn that white bench around so the back is against the new garden...and you are looking at the grown in garden. Perhaps a bird bath in the far corner, something to look at.
ReplyDeleteLooks like someone had a design in mind for a setting place surrounded by a garden. I think you have already the makings of a beautiful garden area. I would save the pavers you have and use them. Take them up re-arrange them into paths that lead to garden features or special sitting areas. Since you already have sitting areas by your home. If you'd like a seasonal garden you could even mix flowering plants with vegetables placed throughout the beds along side them. GardenGuides.com is a great place to seek advice to gardening & landscaping. I've been getting great advice there for over 6 years. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny, long-time reader and first-time commenter. You have a great treat in store for you - what a fab space. One person who could be super helpful to you is Marie from the blog 66 Square Feet. Marie is a Brooklyn-based gardener, forager, and small space expert. She's coming out with a book and is a delightful person. Maybe you could arrange some kind of swap - interior design for garden design?
ReplyDeleteSome friends of mine who have a backyard on the upper westside have put down slightly elevated wooden planks...I'm not sure what you call them, but they're pieced together before you put them down. They have patio furniture on the wooden part, and then grass/plants on the side. Something to cover up the fence would be good too...
ReplyDeleteYou may have already tested the soil, but I suspect that Brooklyn Heights yards have soil with high lead content. (I live in neighboring Cobble Hill, where the soil is extremely leaded thanks to Red Hook and Dumbo's industrial past.) If it is high in lead, you'll need to use raised beds or hydroponic systems to grow veggies.
ReplyDeleteThe only other practical consideration I can think of from our brooklyn brownstone experience is drainage. In the turn-of-the-century buildings, some gradation issues have crept in over time which can lead to severe flooding when it rains. When you browse Brooklyn backyards, you tend to see a lot of gravel for that reason! But I'm sure there are alternatives that are softer underfoot for kids playing barefoot. Might be worth checking into what plants will help with drainage and what plans could potentially exacerbate flooding.
I'm really liking the 2nd pic from the bottom - the one with the dog in the grass. It seems so clean - pavers and grass. Very family friendly. Good luck! Looks like a big project ;)
ReplyDeleteKeep the pavers! They look organic - and keep the bushy trees at least until you have the rest of the space organized. Otherwise the backyard will look shorn.
ReplyDeleteMaybe add some steppables in between the pavers - plants that grow soft and short and are okay for walking on... I would start with pots or a raised bed on the right, and lower shade loving plants on the left.... use the fact that you have both sun and shade to your advantage.
I think the pavers you have are fine, they were just laid down horribly. You can pull them up and make a proper patio with them or hire a landscaper to do that labor. You can put sand underneath them and little pea gravel pebbels to fill in inbetween, I think it will look nice and not cost a forture. I feel the same way about gardening, I'm a total novice but the good part is, gardens are very forgiving! I love going to public gardens for inspiration for what looks good in the shade/sun and what to put next to what. When I first started gardening, I would just buy tons of different plants that I thought were pretty, and it looked so haphazard together. I've learned that you need to bunch several of the same kind of plant together to make things look cohesive. Patience is key for gardening because you can save a ton of money by splitting plants, but it takes time and planning. You'll be great at it. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little space! Your family will enjoy it so much. I think the picture that shows a mix of brick and concrete is the best with landscaping around that outside edge for privacy and beauty. This would give you so much fun space for patio furniture, riding bikes, sidewalk chalk, pushing doll strollers, etc. A grass-less yard may not seem like the prettiest option but pavement would provide so much fun play space when you don't have a typical driveway and side walks to use. I know whatever you do it will be beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the pavers are fine...maybe not so many of them and maybe when removing some make a shape that makes more sense? Pull the weeds around them and grow moss (google it, it's easy) between them. Lawn area to the back and side. If there is a tree for a swing, do that. If there is not, maybe a little wooden playhouse.
ReplyDeleteLooks like lilacs along the side? I'd want tall stuff along the back and low and pretty stuff along the side for maximum sense of space. Clematis growing up the fence maybe, or a forsythia bush for early color in the corner. If you are not a gardener, do not do anything fussy, plant things that come back each year and do not require too much care.
I would hold off on tearing out anything until you've lived in the space for a while. You might find that those shrubs block harsh sunlight during the day or serve some benefit. I'd echo that the pavers are definitely reusable.
ReplyDeleteYour yard should have rooms or corners where you want to spend time. You might create a path using those pavers to a raised platform where you eat dinner. Veggie beds want lots of sun, so the center of your yard is best, if that doesn't bother you. This space has so much potential!
I agree with those saying to keep the flagstones. If you wanted to, you could pull them up and reposition them in a better arrangement... There was a great article in the March or April Sunset Magazine about flagstones and good plants to fill in between them. If you don't get that magazine check out a library maybe?
ReplyDeleteFirst, figure out exactly what plants you have in your backyard already (find a comprehensive guide such as one published by Better Homes & Gardens or ask seasoned gardeners)! Even if you don't like where they are right now, you can probably move them. It takes a long time for plants to grow in (unless they're annuals), so don't pull them out until you know for sure you don't want them. Even then, you can post the bushes on Craigslist for someone else to come over and dig them out for free! I see several hosta plants along the back fence. They are the best! Hard to kill, lovely foliage (size, texture and color) easy to transplant, easy to divide, and best of all, work really well in a shady spot like I assume you have there. Another tip is to track the sun in your backyard because you need to plant things in the right light. Figure out your sunniest spots and your shadiest spots. Look at what is growing well (even weeds! And also what looks sickly) in your yard already for clues about what kind of light/soil conditions you already have. Start a small compost bin--there are many tasteful designs out there and it makes for great/cheap fertilizer. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteyou have so much potential with that space!!! I wonder how succulents would do in NYC- they require little to no attention or watering! You can check my urban deck makeover here:
ReplyDeletehttp://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/05/yard-advice-please.html
I think it's the arrangement of the pavers rather than the pavers themselves that are the issue. If they made a curving path through grass to a playhouse rather than blobbed together as they are now, they could be lovely. You'd probably end up using 50% of them. Andy Goldsworthy would be good inspiration for how to fit them together in a new pattern.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lot of effort to put into long-term improvements considering you're only renting!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing to do for gardening is figure out how much sun you're going to get, and what areas of the yard get how much. One consideration is that grass has got to be cut, and depending on how fast it grows, it can be a pain to keep up with. If you pull up the pavers for grass or other pavers, make sure you check the grade of the yard so that rain and water runoff doesn't flood the house or cause big pools in the middle of the yard. I learned that one the hard way.
ReplyDeleteAn easy way to get into gardening is by doing container gardening. Ikea has some decent looking larger planters for $40--a steal, in my opinion (and I have been looking--most large planters cost $80 and up). I live in the deep south, so I have no idea what might grow well in Brooklyn! Make sure the container has holes in the bottom for drainage. I have had really good results using Miraclegrow moisture control potting soil. If you guys get rain fairly frequently in the summer, it may not be necessary, but we get long dry spells, and it's worked great (but if you over water with this stuff, your plants will get root rot).
The good thing about containers is that you can move them around once you've planted them and see if you get better results with particular plants in other areas of your yard. Much harder to do when you stick a plant in the ground. Then, when you find what plants work where, you're much more likely to be successful putting the plants in the ground.
I think Southern Living is one of the best places for garden inspiration. The plants may not work for you, but the spaces they feature are always great!
Gardening is a lot of trial and error. There are so many variables--sun, water, soil type/quality, etc. But, it's so fun and rewarding! Good luck!
Very pretty space! How exciting for you! I agree that the pavers are fine and I would probably wait a year (all seasons) before you make any decisions about removing any pavers. It may save you some money and headache. Also, I would find a local arboretum (there is probably a college arboretum website) where you can find species of plants that will do well in your area; again saving you time, money and work. Third, I would make a layout (like your designs) of the yard with info on sun exposure.
ReplyDeleteWhen we landscaped (Northern California) I wanted plants that have the best chance for success, given my black thumb. I created a list of plants using the sources on the UC Davis arboretum website. I would say that my garden turned out modern but not edgy with a color pallet of grey, green and red; I'm happy and the yard takes care of itself pretty much. Did you see the articles about Julliane Moore's garden (AT, AD and I think special edition Cottage Living), her garden is very nice, it may be something you like.
You guys are right - it's not the pavers that bother me - it's the execution for sure. I have no sense of how much pavers cost, so maybe it would definitely be worth it to reuse these. I like the organic shape of the flagstone, but probably slightly prefer something a little more geometric (like Jenna Lyons backyard, the one with the blossoms). But if I'd be saving several hundred, I'm all for reusing these!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks SO much for the tips on plants! I think the yard will look so much better with just a little sprucing up. Moving some of the existing plants around, trimming things back and moving the pavers. Since we're not moving in til August 1, I'm thinking that's all we'll have time for this year. I'm planning for this to be a smart, slow, economical process. Maybe we'll try to get some of those plant beds in this year too though. I wonder what the best timing there would be.
Also, Edmundo, we're planning on staying here for a couple years, but I'm a big believer in making your home beautiful and functional no matter if you rent or own. The landlord has offered to help pay for these improvements so we're doing a little more than maybe we would otherwise. Plus, I get to blog about these projects that I do, so it all works out! :)
j
Definitely a play structure for the girls - a swing, at least.
ReplyDeleteA garden, a berry bush, flowering shrubs.
A playhouse, a BB hoop, a sandbox.
A pet!
Oh my word, you are going to transform this space into one lovely spot! I would love a path with flagstone or bluestone from the stairs and the area on the left beautifully planted. I am going to draw what I envision and send it to you!
ReplyDeleteThe deck will be lovely with potted herbs. A sundial in the garden and perhaps a little house for the girls to play.
pve
Speaking of Pinterest, I love this idea, with pavers spaced with thyme. You could re-use some of the existing pavers, but obviously their configuration has to go. I'm so happy for you and your gorgeous back yard, whatever you decide to do with it.
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/162411130282157911/
xox
i would hold off for the time being-
ReplyDeletenothing wrong with the flagstone-
some may need to be settled in a bit-
there are all kinds of ground covers that can fill in the cracks-
get moved in and settled inside this summer-
then attack the yard in the fall- i will send you some black eyed susans !
john in nc
I am on the Keep the Paver team! I think slightly re-arranging them, a serious weeding and cleaning will make the space much improved. Tear up the grass and try moss roses - they are great filler for crevices/paver areas and so gorgeous. Best of all - they are perrenials so you don't have to re plant every year!
ReplyDeleteI'd string up lights across the balcony (but not the awful Christmas lights that are hanging up now). The strands with large round bulbs are great looking.
ReplyDeletelove the pavers! all grass is boring and not very practical. I can't wait to PUT DOWN pavers instead of grass :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny,
ReplyDeleteIts great to see you have another project ahead of you, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
First of all, decide what kind of space you want - chill out, veggie/fruit garden, play area, wildlife, just a pretty space? a combination of everything?
The important thing to remember - as in much of your interior design work I'm sure - is try to use what you already have. The shrubs/trees on the left hand side of the garden actually look quite nice (and they are flowering in the picture - already a bonus). If you try to find out what they are you may have some assets there, although they might need some pruning.
You can put a big pot with a climber such as Jasmine at the bottom of the stairs and let it climb up the bannister. You'll get great flowers and amazing scent.
I wouldn't bother with a hedge, you'll get looked at with or without it due to the size of the surrounding buildings. Again, if you place a climber on the back wall you can get a really nice contrast.
A fun thing to do for the kids is to dedicate a bit of the garden not only for a play house but for some plants of their own that are easy to sow and grow (sunflowers, marigolds' etc).
As regards to the turf - so long as you put it down straight after lifting the pavers you shouldn't have problem with mud - however, try to remember that if you use one path a lot the lawn gets run down, so just a few pavers to walk on towards the bottom of the garden would be a good idea. just make them lower then the turf for easy mowing.
Sorry about the speech, I love gardening and since having my little baby recently I have been making plans for different things I can try to put in the garden to encourage him to get out when he's older ;)
Have fun!
You have the beginnings of a great yard ... it will only take a few tweaks for you to achieve it. I don't see any need to throw the baby out with the proverbial bath water by getting rid of your existing pavers at this point ... as long as they are relatively level. Take a few of the ones farthest away from the house and use them to fill in the area closest to the lower patio area to provide more access to the yard. Then kill off all the greenery between the pavers and fill the spaces with constrasting crushed stone or decomposed granite.
ReplyDeleteThe narrow bed on the right could use some color and some height. Columnar shrubs and colorful annuals would do the trick.
Planting shrubs to add privacy to the back wall will infringe on your usable yard space. With a 40' yard, this is a real concern. Can you extend the height of the wall with framework and lattice to interrupt the view of your neighbors and keep as much usable yard space as possible. Move the white bench to the back of the yard to provide a destination. Think about using a couple of columnar shrubs here, too.
Soft play space can be on the left side of the yard. This is where you can plant grass, if there's enough sun to support it.
Connie
Installing pavers properly is really important for drainage reasons. Our back patio is all flagstone but the people who installed it did not propertly grade it so there are places where the pavers are uneven and water collects. A mason quoted me $6000 to regrade and repave (and that's reusing our pavers). You can do it yourself but it requires a fair amout of digging and we just don;t have that kind of time! All this to say that I would leave the pavers and plant a better garden.
ReplyDeleteI'm no yard expert, but I can tell that this space has a LOT of potential. I won't be able to renovate the entire space in my mind, nor will I even try, but I am really into vines, rustic lattice, moss, and good stone work -- and I think this space would do great with some of each. A good, shady tree would be perfect as well. In my opinion, at least. Can't wait to see what you come up with! By the way, I adore that first magazine picture. Complete bliss right there.
ReplyDeleteI agree with moving the pavers/having them relaid properly. :) I also really like how grass keeps the temperature of the backyard a lot cooler and would be a nice little play area for the kids. We live in a townhouse and have a backyard just about the same size as yours. We installed a pergola over the concrete pad and picnic table), planted an apple tree, have a chicken coop, and two square foot gardens. I think square foot gardening is AWESOME!!! You might be able to get a little bit of privacy in the dining area on your balcony with some lattice or a curtain or ?? A playhouse with space to play under it (does that make sense) will give your kids a little more privacy and shade. :) Can't wait to see what you do!
ReplyDeleteHey Jenny, you should check out our blog, Liza re-modeled her very small backyard into an oasis. We were even featured on Apartment Therapy, I am just saying this chica is amazing and knows how to plan a yard layout. http://melandliza.blogspot.com/2012/04/backyard-redo.html
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful space to re-do! I have been helping my father-in-law re-design their backyard, and I have turned to a website called houzz.com for countless inspiration images. If you aren't familiar with it, I recommend checking it out! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great space! I have something similar, but I am also at loss as to what to do with it. So I might take some of these comments as advice too, haha.
ReplyDeleteI have several in my pinterest garden file, including Charlotte Moss's and Julianne Moore's very pretty townhouse gardens. I am personally partial to a grid pavers with greenery between, short cut grass trimmed with a weed whacker like many houses in Palm Beach sport.
ReplyDeleteI think those stones are great-they just need to be reorganized and straightened out. Fill the spaces in between with creeping plants-many smell amazing, like the vast varieties of Thyme. then you don't have to bother with grass.
ReplyDelete-Kate @ plantingmylife.blogspot.com
Having 4 kids I think you may want to consider keeping some grass. Kids do love the softer surface, and the green adds so much to the yard. I think a good pruning job on the shrubs will do wonders. Keep in mind that plants take years to establish and grow, so tearing out too much might be a mistake. You are one of the most talented people I follow so I know you'll style your outdoor space just as good as you do interiors!
ReplyDeleteI definitely think starting with a clean slate (I.e. Removing trees, shrubs, and pavers) would kick start your creativity. It's no different than designing the inside, really :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of envious of your stylish city living :) but then again, I couldnt live without the stars, trees, grass and my garden.
Xx
Jessica
Don't get rid of the pavers! They are lovely because they are a little disoriented, and will actually look winsome once the rest of the yard is under control with a neat hedge here, flowers there, a sandbox, and furniture. I'd let grass grow between the pavers and plan for at least a small plot of grass for your children.
ReplyDeleteI would immediately plant tall evergreen upright plants to screen out the back and side views. Blue columnar junipers come to mind. Landscaping can be expensive. Is the only access to the yard through the house? Reusing the current flagstone with moss in-between will look just fine, and for a short-timer could get done before this winter. Good luck...every Friday,I do a garden post.
ReplyDeleteYou should get in touch with Jon Eklund at Ecostruct in Park Slope. Here is their site: http://ecostruct.com/
ReplyDeleteAnd a very similar backyard project they are working on in Fort Greene with pavers:
http://blog.thesweeten.com/2012/05/29/site-visit-w-ecostruct-2/
They do great work and are reasonable.
Good luck! I lived in Brooklyn Heights for four years and loved it!!
One idea would be to make your play house elevated and put the sand box under it. It will also offer some privacy screening.
ReplyDeleteWow, also jealous of outdoor space in BK...congrats!
ReplyDeleteIf this were my space, I would put 2 lounge chairs on the top deck, and a table & chairs on the ground deck level. It's difficult to see what the ground looks like under the grill that's there now, but you may want to extend that patio out a bit from under the top level.
I would remove the pavers from the open lawn area, and would just have grass. And if you'd like a veggie or flower garden, I'd position it on the short wall opposite the house. Good luck!
There is nothing like having fresh veggies from your own garden! I totally recommend raised beds in there wherever you have the most sunshine using the square foot gardening method. How about some lovely espalier fruit trees?
ReplyDeletei'd reuse those pavers (theyre nice and big AND real stone), but square up the perimeter and plant it all with creeping thyme so you dont have to mow. it'll look tidier.
ReplyDeletebefore planting veg figure out which areas are sun and which are shade. vegs need sun. i like a raised bed for veg, too, because it creates geometry to what could be a chaotic-looking area.
for flower beds in a confined space, i like having a very defined color palette such as white and chartreuse, or blues and purples: it keeps it cohesive. and then look for plants that fit into your shade/sun criteria.
you need some outdoor dining furniture!
Keep the flagstone! It's not inexpensive and would be beautiful if laid properly. I think there are two issues with the current layout - the stone is laid in a haphazardly rectangular pattern - it would look so much better if it was an organic shape! And they should be planted with a creeper in between, not grass. Creeping thyme or even moss would look way better and be easier to maintain.
ReplyDeleteFind a neighbor with similar exposure and see what he/she grows successfully, and start there. You can throw away years on plants that someone else has already found won't work. And while containers are beautiful, you'll be watering more often than if you find things that work well in the ground. Since you're not used to maintaining a garden, start with something easy!
Have fun. I love working in my yard and I think the sunshine and dirt-digging is great for kids.
The expensive fake lawns are AWESOME! No need to mow, or water, but all the pleasure of walking and playing in the grass.
ReplyDeleteAfter having a yard for four years in Texas, I will say my kids spent the most time on our little cement patio. They spent tons of time drawing with chalk or riding their scooters around in a little circle or painting outside. I always wished we had more concrete area. Oh and a playhouse would be so fun. We had a swingset and my kids' favorite part was the teeny tiny picnic table fort it had.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how you transform the space!
i would leave the rocky pavers they have and add a ton of those mossy plants in the dirt between them for a more rustic look. they will grow more and more each year, covering the space between each rock, and also covering imperfections. not only do they look beautiful, but they are low maintenance and don't require mowing like lawns! good luck!
ReplyDeleteMy cousins in CA did the square pavers in diamond formation and used astroturf in between. I know--awful--but they got astroturf that looks and feels so real, you actually have NO IDEA it's not grass. Saves a ton of time/energy on watering, weeding, etc. I am usually extremely anti on these things but look into it, might make your life easy AND garden beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA good resource for basic gardening info in NY: http://blogs.cornell.edu/horticulture/
ReplyDeleteI'd be a tad wary of doing lawn unless you have a plan for how to keep it trimmed. Seems like a really small space to be bringing in a mower or string trimmer. Could you do moss or a groundcover intended to hold up to foot traffic?
Unless you have time to really dig into a new hobby, I'd look for relatively high imact/low-maintenance ideas. There's a few ideas here: http://pinterest.com/demille/maximizing-small-gardens/
The good news is you could probably get away with doing containers or raised beds without having to install a drip or watering system. Lucky you and your rain.
Also, depending on the variety, most hedges grown for privacy (like boxwood) can take a number of years to get to the point where they are actually providing said privacy. If that's a priority, you might want to look for something that climbs quickly and provide it a good surface for said climbing. Good luck!
I have been trying to rehab our grandmothers garden here in chelsea for the last two years so I feel your pain (or excitement?) - the garden went to seed (literally) when two of our adjoining neighbors had large scale construction projects for 3 years straight - and now we are struggling on bringing it back to life /pruning like crazy.
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing about townhouse gardens is the shade, drainage and humidity all contribute to and how sensitive (and slow growing) the plants are - for that reasons grass can be really tough to deal with - I am on the second year of a lawn experiment and it is still not too happy -(That's also why pavers are great for walked on areas) - The plants need sun to rebound after being walked on - and if your new garden is like ours - each spot gets about 4 hours of direct sunlight until it is shaded by a wall/building - so the lawn always looks a bit abused.
In our garden we have two main paved seating areas - a huge seating area next to the house (that has a large wisteria arbor) and a paver area in the back that is surrounded on 3 sides by raised beds and framed by two young trees (chestnut and peach) with a curving walk between that connects the two.
The Arbor area is a favorite for dinner parties - it makes the outdoor space completely private from the neighbors. We created the raised beds in the back area last year - using 10" wide (untreated) boards with metal stakes holding them in place - even though they are less than a foot tall they really frame the back area and make it seem more 'room like' . As for pavers style - our front area pavers are fixed in concrete and we use gravel in between the loose pavers in the back( I just weed and sweep when needed).
I recommend roses (for sunny spots), ferns & hostas (for the shade) roses have done really well for us - something about how hardy the new variates are and how acidic the soil is. Containers are great (but you have to have room for them inside in the winter). Also get a lot of just a few types of plants - so that they read like a mass - it looks far more grand to have a mass of ferns -rather than busy one-of-each plantings (which I am guilty of).
Also thinking of blooming times are good too - our garden blooms like so - early spring in order: peach tree, quince bush, tulips and bulbs, late spring: roses, wisteria vine, snowbells, summer into fall: later roses, Rose of Sharon etc. It really is lovely to stagger the blooms so the garden always feels alive and never boring!
This is our garden from last year:
http://www.ourlittlebighouse.com/garden-latesummer.gif
This is it about 1 1/2 months ago (you can see we had just rehabbed the lawn -after our 3 dogs made a mess of it over the winter)
http://www.ourlittlebighouse.com/garden-spring.JPG
also just a note - birdbaths are illegal in NYC (West Nile worries)
also ditto on lead and contaminants in the soil (glass too for that matter) - if you are going to grow to eat get fresh clean soil and make a raised bed with a barrier in between. the ground and the new soil.
good luck - can't wait to see!
You strike me as the kind of person that likes symmetry and order. I think that square/ rectangular pavers (a mix of both would produce some interest too) with a nice table for outdoor entertaining would be great.
ReplyDeleteOur garden here in CO is about the size of yours, and we have a nice sized patio rimmed by cutting flowers AND vegetables mixed in. Don't forget- you can also put planters on your raised patios and in pots on the lower patio, which really adds dimension and boosts efficiency of space. A smaller fruiting tree adds vertical dimension and some shade and frames the garden nicely. Don't know what kind of tree you have back there now, but perhaps you could trim it up and reign it in a bit so it's not such a space hog.
As long as you have some sun, so your grass actually grows, there is little to no mud. It seems like your decks take care of the need for "paved" or flat space, and while a mix is nice if you have the square footage, pavers are A TON of money, and you do not want to do it yourself (very labor intensive and time consuming, and need to know about water drainage). While I like grass for looks and cheapness, don't let the kids weigh too heavily in favor of grass--maybe its just b/c that is what we have, but my kids complain about not being able to ride their bikes on grass, and all they do outside is play in the sandbox, little tykes slide, and a playhouse, and run--you can do all that on pavers.
ReplyDeleteFirst, you have to define the use of the space. I think that's what other's are saying. The pavers that are there are not really that bad, but the grass between them and the poor fitting together of the slabs is the reason it looks so terrible. I might take them all out and reuse them. Perhaps fitting them together more closely on top of a properly prepared base in one part of the yard and planting grass for the rest. If you plan on storing toys in the lower porch section some nice and easy drapes made out of outdoor fabric and grommets might look nice, and, depending on the fabric you chose, solid or pattern, could really define the color direction of the space. I'm a landscape designer. Feel free to email me privately if you need any additional direction Love your blog....good luck in your new home!
ReplyDeleteThat's soon to be a great backyard!
ReplyDeleteI really like the perimeter of your second inspiration photo. If you did something like that, but with more grass/ground cover and less brick in the middle, it would look great! I like the idea of raised flower beds because they allow you to use bushes/flowers for privacy instead of trees, and also add dimension to the yard.
For the downstairs patio, I think it would look great in the summer if you hung large, breezy outdoor drapes from the upstairs deck. Even though it will only be used as storage, it will make the area look so cozy as you look back at the house from the yard.
What about a striped awning for the second floor balcony - or a pergola? I would agree that some grass is ideal for little people and you can get seed that grows in any number of environments and light.
ReplyDeleteAs for plantings - do you want mostly formal greenscape? Flowers? Flowering plants throughout the summer? I love laurel hedges or arborvitae for a privacy screen or to block ugly walls and fences. Perhaps too you could consider hydrangea for color and cut flowers, lilac bushes or trees, even boxwood are all lovely and mostly evergreens (save for the hydrangea.)
Good luck! Planning a garden is one of the true joys in life!
Oh, are you ever going to have FUN! Try planting little bunches of Mother of Thyme between the rocks. You may want to wait until the fall so the hot weather won't be a problem letting things get a good start.
ReplyDeleteGet a pretty birdbath and hang a bird feeder with some black oil sunflower seeds.
Wait until at least fall, if not next spring to do anything big. You need to see where the sun and shade fall, where water pools when it rains, where the best views of the sunrise or sunset can be seen from ... until you can answer those questions, buy some pretty and comfy seating and a few hanging baskets for the lower deck, add the birdbath and feeder, and begin to enjoy. It's going to be beautiful.
I like the paver idea. You can re-use what you have just lay them down differently, but I kind of like their pattern. Also what is nice is to plant creeping thyme amongst the pavers, it smells heavenly and grows beautifully among pavers. I would go for raised beds, along the edge,you'd be surprised how much you can grow in little space. As for a playhouse/sandbox, go for it! It would be fun!! Can that tree handle a tire swing? A bench tucked in and a bistro set would add to the ambience on the lower yard
ReplyDeleteI would also create a sort of trellis with awning on the top deck, to create a sense of an outdoor room with lights strung across.
Hostas, black eyed susans, etc are great perennials, cheap, easy to care for and come back every year.
I am renting my home and have had fun vamping the yard that had nothing in it, to lush flower beds that I get complements on. The trick is a variety of perennials with a few annuals, such a petunias or impatiens tucked in!
Have soooo much fun. Knowing you, you will turn it into a fabulous space!
I like the idea of keeping the pavers but pulling them up and relaying them. I would skip the toy storage outside your office and go with a water feature so you can open the doors and hear it while working. Toy storage - rubbermaid makes these great storage sheds you can you to put the toys away when not in use and keep the yard tidy and uncluttered. I would change your second floor and stair railing; if not a big budget I would cap with a mahogany top vs. replacing all spindles..it just needs more weight..then you can add railing flower boxes...the rest..take your time..the best spaces as you know evolve with you as you settle into the space. Good Luck
ReplyDeleteI have had backyards in the two Brooklyn brownstones I've lived in, and I recommend having less vegetation. In our previous apartment which had a lot of grass, we couldn't even use the backyard (it was a rental) because I got DEVOURED by mosquitoes in minutes.
ReplyDeleteIn our current brownstone, most of the backyard is concrete with a garden along the edges. The difference is night and day! I still get bit (even with repellent), but now it's just one or two (I'm delicious to mosquitoes).
We've tried almost every zapper/torch/mosquito killer out there too. The thing that worked best was just having less greenery. Or you can plant greenery that mosquitoes hate like rosemary, peppermint, catnip (although that encourages cats to pee/poop in your yard and we've had that problem too).
Good luck!
As a horticulturist...I like the idea of pavers but installing them properly is a must. Gravel and sand allow for better water infiltration. Also, there are some plant varieties that can take some wear and tear and can be planted in between pavers. They should not need mowing or anything like that. Ask your local nursery. Keep in mind the light requirement for plants. In shady areas consider hostas and lenten roses or other species that can take low light levels. Most of all, enjoy the outdoor space!
ReplyDeleteAwesome space, so much potential! Can't wait to see to the rest of the house.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great space to work with. I think less is more, so my advice..is to keep it as simple as possible. Think of the style of your home. Clean lines, no curves, gray pavers, (b/c gray pops against green), a few eyestopping plants or dwarf trees. Create a 'central haven' in your yard and work your way out. Good luck, can't wait to see the outcome.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a great space to work with. Keep it simple and clean. Gray pavers, clean edges, no curves, a lawn space for some green and only a few eyestopping plants/dwarf trees. Look at your porch as a median between your home and yard. It's your fun space to combine the outdoors and in. Focus on your favorite colors & scents when it comes to flowers & plants. Good Luck! Can't wait to see the outcome:)
ReplyDeleteJenny,
ReplyDeleteI work as the head gardener of a property in Park City (ut) so this is my cup of tea! I see you have many helpful suggestions so I'll just pass on a few thoughts, most of which I am sure you already know.
1 - One key to making a small outdoor space larger is to create several gathering places. The pictures you have gravitated towards offer this. It can still feel united, and have good flow, but you want to provide 2-3 spaces for the group to filter into naturally as well.
2 - Those pavers in the back yard have amazing potential, but considering you have kids it is probably a priority to clear up some more space for grass. (Since you have kids I would recommend buying sod rather then trying to grow anything from seed. Once you lay down some great sod you won't have to worry to much about mud.) Keeping some of that hardscape (rearranging for sure) would be really nice! Those pavers need to tell part of the story...they need to either introduce you to a space or lead you through a space. Will they take you beyond the grass to a bench in the back? Will they focus you on the middle area? Will they take you to a small grouping of chairs to the left? No limit(: Some of my favorite ground cover fillers around hardscape? Elven Thyme, Scotch Moss, Irish Moss, Green Carpet, Creeping Veronica. Combining three of these at a time is really beautiful. All of these can be walked on, and some flower! I have some great pics of these ground covers in action. Put a little lemon thyme (it grows taller) around the edges and it will smell so good as you brush past it, or as the girls play around.
3- The red brick in the back is fantastic! The questions with that seems to be whether that becomes the feature in a gathering space in the back, or if it will have presence in the entire yard. That question alone is worth considering before beginning your design.
Just some thoughts. (If you have any questions about plants, pictures, or anything else feel free to e-mail. redclovercreations@gmail.com)
Your blog is so wonderful! Thanks for the work you put into it.
Bethany
remodeling this one seems hard. Maybe you can use pavers and put some window on the walls.. or grills?
ReplyDeleteI didn't read all the comments so someone might have mentioned this, but one thing to try is to paint both the brick and the wood fence (and whatever's on the left side) all the same color, if you can. Maybe stick a nice small fountain in a corner to provide white noise (just make sure there's no standing water or mosquitoes will use it for a breeding ground). Some mirrors on that brick wall would be lovely too.
ReplyDeleteI didn't read all the comments so someone might have mentioned this, but one thing to try is to paint both the brick and the wood fence (and whatever's on the left side) all the same color, if you can. Maybe stick a nice small fountain in a corner to provide white noise (just make sure there's no standing water or mosquitoes will use it for a breeding ground). Some mirrors on that brick wall would be lovely too.
ReplyDeleteBetter clean the space and hire someone to redesign the space available.
ReplyDeleteHi, loved the space! I think I would take all the pavement out and "divide" the space in two - near the office put pavement and then grass till the end. Then tall trees at the end, to give you more privacy.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Lena
I like the pavers. I think it just needs to be cleaned up a little bit. If you edged around the the border and added a few perenials it would be a huge improvement. You could also re-seed the grass and add some interesting containers. It would be a lot less money than adding new pavers. Landscaping can get costly.
ReplyDeleteMud is a real-life issue! Sounds like you have a great plan in mind already! Neighbors are great when looking for ideas/plants, too. Often you can get great advice and free cuttings of plants that work in the area.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fantastic space! It just depends how much grass you want, but it is a beautiful yard and I love the doors on the upper deck..Lovely area for boxwoods in urns and a seating area. How about a water feature down below and just planting beds beautifully arranged?
ReplyDeleteNancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Congratulations on the beautiful backyard!
ReplyDelete#1 Think drainage.
After that, I'd find a stone yard, chose remnants,have them cut to my pattern,and then hire somebody to install the small stone patio area.
Find a sail maker with remnant canvas for shade sail and/or buy a waterproof awning.
Herb garden in containers
Hi Jenny, From personal experience...I suggest you spend lots of time talking to neighbors & local gardeners. Local advice re: what works and what problems to expect is priceless! Take time to learn your space before doing. If this were my space, I'd limit my investment in the "will stay here when we leave". I would work on a simple plan for the overall yard--using it as a backdrop to pots, freestanding planters--"portables"--things that could go when I went! I loved having potted herbs on a balcony. Also, consider "window boxes" mounted on the porch rails with trailing plants & tall plants: That would "expand" the space, soften lines and provide some privacy et al. The space under the steps could be enclosed with trellis/climbing plants to provide out of sight storage. If you put in a "sandbox" for children, Young House Love suggests pea gravel, not sand. I look forward to seeing you work your magic on this space!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh that space is going to be amazing! Once all that junk is gone and you can really see the bare bones I am sure your creative juices will create something spectacular! We are currently landscaping our property and there is no better way to get the most out of your money than to use what you already have! I honestly would leave those pavers; they have character! I think that the first inspiration picture you shared could potentially be an after picture of your space! It is so elegant and girly; perfect for your sweet little ones to explore and imagine outside! Wouldn't it be fun to tuck a sweet little wooden play house in the back corner for those cute girls to play house!
ReplyDeleteOK, goal is to fool the eye and intro curves into the rectangle and contrast in heights and color in such a small space.
ReplyDeletePavers should be lifted, cut into better rectangles and then relaid in a bed of very dark gravel for ocntrast. The paved area should be reduced and kept near the house. The garden or lawn edge of paved area should bow out gently to give an expensive curve, and the illusion of space.
Check that stockade fence to see if it is on your property. If so, ditch it and put in a plank fence with some space between each wide slat for light and air. Stain it a dark color or make it of cedar, which will weather to a silvery grey naturally. Make the fence taller at house and back brick wall ends, and shorter in middle, with the transitions in height effected by curved cuts in the fence. The tall ends will give the illusion that there are different "rooms" at each end of the garden. Dress the fence with a flowering vine - like a clematis; try Henryii, which has large white flowers and dark green foliage.
Put in grass from side to side. Don't try introducing flower beds, except at edge of paving and at back area as noted below or the yard will look even narrower.
Back wall - put in an outdoor/waterproof mirror in the form of a wide arch on the wall in the center to fool the eye into believing there is more space and light. Hang a wall fountain, like a lion mask, on it and lay a small half ellipse pool on the ground in front of it, perhaps with a raised stone or brick wall edge, 16-18 inches high with a cap of slate to sit on so kids can enjoy while being safe. Water sounds give life to a garden and a wall fountain takes little space or engineering. Plant a small tree to each side of mirrored arch - a Stellata or Saucer Magnolia is perfect, as are almost any species of Japanese maples- especially since they introduce color and/or flowers and are in scale with the yard. Grow Virginia Creeper on the back wall to cover much of brick - it turns scarlet in fall, but is very vigorous, so be prepared to cut it back severely each year. Ivy with white edges to leaves will work too. Plant a few low shrubs or a short hedge just in front of trees, perhaps in a two "arms" mimicking the curve of the flagging at the other end of the garden.
Finally, add a short brick column with an iron urn atop at foot of stairs and plant with bright red geraniums and chartreuse potato vines for a jolt of color.
There, now you have a space which, when viewed from above, has two gently curved areas at each end, with a lawn in the middle - stone near house and greenery at back, with height and color interest and a definite view to interest people yet without losing play space for the kids.
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI was hoping that you were going to show a few befores, even with the bachelor's things in there.
I think that with your little ones, a little grass would be great. As for the pavers, reuse what you can in a beaitiful pattern.
Also, any botanical garden or arboretum, or a website like P.Allen Smith's is very helpful with plants, especially if you are looking for low maintenance.
Have a great day, looking forward to seeing more.
Elizabeth
Having an urban backyard with limestone, I wanted need to add something. I'm all for re-use but if I could cheaply/easily pull up my limestone and replace it with flat pavers I would do it in a heartbeat. Why? I love their organic shape, but being in a city we have shade from surrounding buildings and with the natural dips in the stones, there are areas that collect puddles of water that rarely see light...so it takes FOREVER to dry up. Which ends up meaning you get gross standing water and slimy stuff growing, which isn't ideal with kids and pets. In addition, since we have kids and pets and non-raised beds, the dirt and mulch get everywhere when they're out there playing and the limestone texture makes it harder to keep clean - you notice more dirt b/c of the lighter color and it gets in all the nooks and crannies of the stones. Yes, it's outside and I'm not an anal person, but we have friends who have raised beds and pavers like in your inspiration pic with the dog/grass and despite their kids/animals playing outside all the time, their yard "floor" always looks so much more clean.
ReplyDeleteNot to say I think you should absolutely get rid of them, but it's an aspect I never would have considered and it drives me nuts. Mine are giant pieces of limestone and yours look a lot smaller and flatter, so maybe if you're doing smaller pieces you have more options for ones that don't have as much variation with dips and whatnot. And if you get a lot of sun and maybe do raised beds (or something where it would be harder for the soil to travel), these things would be less of an issue, but still something to consider!
Just remember: whatever you do, you're going to have to maintain. Do you own a mower? Edger? Weedeater? Do you want to buy and use those things, possibly at the expense of some other activity you'd rather be doing?
ReplyDeleteI'd fill the pavers in with pea gravel to clean them up some and do some landscaping on the perimeter, maybe a nice organic curved edge with ground cover, space for annuals, some shrubs and small trees for shade.
This is going to sound absolutely crazy, but have you considered fake grass. I don't have any experience with it, but know a few people who have used it in areas like yours. If you use the good stuff (I think SynLawn is supposed to be good) feels just like grass, but no cutting, no mud, no mess. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing I ever had in my yard when kids were little was a water/sand table. It was easy to keep fresh by changing things up-fill it with dolls and soapy water one day, sand and dinosaurs another. I also think container gardens are a great way to spruce things up quickly, while adding visual interest with a variety of pots.
ReplyDeleteFor kids: I'm hoping you go with a child's garden. They can learn gardening with you! Getting your hands dirty is really therapeutic. You can let them pick their own plants/seeds (some of both is best) and learn about the pace and patience of growing things. Don't forget birds love low bushy trees
ReplyDeleteWhat about every other step being grass? Check out this: http://pinterest.com/pin/213498838555058917/
ReplyDeleteThere is great potential there, I do think it all needs some rearranging though to look neater. There is a fantastic article in this month's issue of MS Living (the one with the berry cake on the cover) about using groundcover around paving stones. It has several suggestions of types to use in different traffic areas, including pictures of everything. I hope that is useful to you!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and I'm excited to see how your new space progresses!
can't wait to see what you do with it!
ReplyDeleteThe possibilities are endless, but it sounds like your girls have never lived in a home with a yard. How about the majority of it being grass for them to just ... play? Sometimes, the best design solution is to just NOT design it to the hilt. In this case, I'd go for grass with plantings around the perimeter. You have two decks for seating. You and hubs can sit and watch them play.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog since I moved to NYC a couple years ago! As soon as I have a real apartment I can't wait to employ some of your ideas :)
I'm currently finishing up an MS at Columbia for Landscape Design and am working on a backyard project in Park Slope and a terrace garden in Lincoln Center. You have a lovely backyard space with so much opportunity! If you would feature my work on your blog, I'd be happy to provide a design consultation and plant suggestions for the space and could put you in touch with landscape contractors who can implement the design, as well as reliable nurseries for plants.
If you're interested, please feel free to email me: amber.knee@gmail.com. You can also check out my pinterest for ideas: http://pinterest.com/amber_knee
Thanks and best wishes!
Amber
Only plant evergreens. They will look pretty all year and you won't have to do so much gardening. I would do some pots in the summer with some pretty annuals.
ReplyDeleteYou may also want to try planters off the rail on the top porch. I think it might be really pretty.
Good luck! Love Brooklyn Heights!
As someone who lived in NYC for many years and had a backyard too, I say go for grass. NYC is all pavement, so having your own patch of grass in a sea of concrete is the ultimate luxury. As a mother, I know how much children love playing in the grass so give them their "suburb" yard in the city. You are one lucky gal as that is going to be a dream rental! Looking forward to seeing your transformations.
ReplyDeleteHey! So nice that you'll be having a garden...
ReplyDeleteThe current issue of Martha Stewart Living has a whole article on which plants to use to fill in pavers.
Good Luck!
The inspiration pictures you posted are awesome. the pavers will rock but I would also recommend leaving some space for a playscape for your kiddos too. I've been collecting some playscape ideas http://natureforkids.net/2012/03/22/more-playscapes-and-plant-preparation/
ReplyDeleteRipping out those pavers would be a big project, and I kind of like them. You should mow the backyard so the grass is low and level, and then seed the areas that have gone to mud. I think the results will be better than you anticipate. Along the fence to the right in your pictures, there's that long space; create a raised bed there so that it curves around and joins the bed in the back of the yard. Plant it with low-maintenance, low-light plants, like hostas that will return every year. You can place pots of bright flowers in between the hostas, which will give you the pop of color you're probably craving. You can try painting pots in a variety of colors OR doing them in a single, unifying color. The girls would probably love to help! Thanks, Carolyn (experienced gardener)
ReplyDeleteI'm in the midst of doing an outdoor patio myself. very expensive! and if not done correctly it will heave in winter and become uneven AND muddy in spring. i say go grass, as this is a rental. new beds, a cheap, beaten up statue (budda, perhaps?) for a focal point deep in the back...and you're done. but you'll have fun doing this, because you're smart cookie and have great ideas. keep posting and good luck! my focal point is a DIY fountain and it's done well for three years now--for a total cost of $45.
ReplyDeleteOoooh - Can I come over and help you? I love gardening and am moving back to NY. Seriously though I think you could probably repurpose the pavers you have. Plant some creeping thyme between them. Then maybe raised planters as you mentioned. There are some hostas in the back that also look to be in good shape. Tons of potential back there!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need to get rid of the stones you have, just get rid of the weeds growing between them and plant some low-profile ground cover to grown between the stones. That will give you a look like some of the pictures you pinned. As for vegetables, just remember that you need LOTS of sun, especially for tomatoes, so put those in the sunniest spot. If you want something more low maintenance than actual vegetables, just grow a bunch of herbs (which you can even do in pots on your upper deck). You still get the satisfaction of fresh things growing in your garden but without having to prep the beds and weed and rotate the crops each year. Plus you can bring the herb pots inside during the winter so you have fresh herbs all year long. You're so lucky to have a garden - it has the potential to be AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteSunset magazine June issue has a great back yard where old cobblestones are used with Baby's tears growing between/ around them. It is a soft alternative to grass where you could possibly reuse the existing stones. Also, they had a living fence of Black Bamboo across the property. Maybe a good solution for your back fence.
ReplyDeleteHI Jenny,
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about re-using the flagstones but putting pebbles between them? The flagstones are nicely sized. You could put a border of some sort up to contain the pebbles.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.stoutlandscape.com/images/Details/Patios,%2520Walkway%2520and%2520Stairs/Beverly%2520Hills%2520Flagstone%2520with%2520Gravel%2520Landscape%2520Design%2520Hardscape.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.stoutlandscape.com/details.php%3Fpage%3DDetails%26didx%3D9&usg=__PnvEj6y_5UMlwpNLwgnPitTUwW0=&h=340&w=453&sz=56&hl=en&start=70&sig2=2f6el31PIB85UvE-GpEh3g&zoom=1&tbnid=irmhqB5aPFkIEM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=127&ei=ZivJT9D_KcT50gGI_6GEAQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgravel%2Band%2Bflagstone%2Bpatio%26start%3D63%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1
Since you are planning on taking down some trees, you will definitely need to look for greenery to keep the yard looking lush - some pretty vines on the fences would be a perfect solution. I am by no means a "gardener", but the easiest thing to grow (with sunlight) is creeping fig! It is super low maintenance, and has nearly covered the unsightly fence in my sister's backyard in just about a year. Since it easily grows flat against walls, and takes up nearly no space, this could be a perfect solution - you'd still have room to plant flowers and vegetables in front of the vines!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Becky
http://www.cuphalffull-sf.blogspot.com/
I'm dealing with this same situation in regards to a path & have decided to keep the pavers & put dwarf foliage between. Here's a site for suggested plants : http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/562604/list/Plants-for-Your-Pathway Check out that purple creeping thyme...so pretty! And evergreen! The Stepables website also has many many options for hardy, tiny plants.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a sweet little yard! I would leave the pavers, just to save myself the trouble of taking them out, and fill in around them with dwarf mondo grass. It's really short and tough and never needs mowing. I live in the south and I love gardenias but I don't know if they are zoned up as far as you are. They're evergreen and have great spring blooms that smell outstanding. Hostas are great for shade are need next to no care. Personally, I think your small yard tends toward a foresty feel that kids would love to explore. A "tiny playhouse" in a cottage style would be absolutely perfect if you asked me! Have fun creating your great space! It really is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis space has so much potential. I can't wait to see what you do with this - it'll be amazing I'm sure! I wonder if you could just use a concrete stain on the pavers that are already there to make them look a little nicer and then fill in the cracks with gravel? Otherwise- a herringbone pattern with brick pavers would be AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI love your adorable new yard! It has SO much potential, and I know that you will turn it into something lovely, Jenny. My husband and I had our own tiny back yard in need of a renovation-- check it out here at Mel & Liza: http://melandliza.blogspot.com/2012/04/backyard-redo.html
ReplyDeletexo
I am all about using what you have. Our house came with a ton of flagstone and two horribly done flagstone patios. It is amazing how much better it all looked when we rearranged it. We did pea sized gravel in between, but you could easily get your grass to grow in between.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that everything you take in or out has to go through the house...like my daughter's house in Brooklyn, there's no back access for hauling out grass clippings or bringing in pavers or bags of dirt, etc. Keep it simple! A really great raised growing system is Earth Box (earthbox.com)- they look better than wood boxes and are just the right size for a small garden. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny! Congratulations on the new home. My advice is to clean it up for this first summer and live in the space, you will learn what needs to be changed. Because you do not know the light patterns yet,it will save you some money on plants by learning how much sun or how little sun your patch of earth receives.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Liz
hello,
ReplyDeletei am a regular to your site. love the DIY's and querky room arrangments, i am from 'bangalore India, and would like to drop a name here 'my sunny balcony' i know there are brilliant landscapers there along with your interior now, to be exterior designer you wont have trouble. but here in Bangalore 'my sunny balcony' is run by 3 or i guess 4 X It professionals. u could check them on face book for a more fresh and different sort of landscapes... u could also mail them and they could for sure work something for u.. I don't know them personally but an avid followers of their artistic creativeness ..
It's actually a great size. I think you can do a lot of what you want. I definitely like softening the edges with hedges/plantings, and a nicely laid paver patio will do wonders. I'm also partial to some lawn. You will love the feel of the grass under your feet in the summer!
ReplyDeleteMaybe start with a) do you want to mow a lawn? b) do you have a space to store a mower? That usually helps with the grass or pavers problem. Think of it as an outdoor room & you won't go wrong. Think of levels, colour, contrast, texture... then go to a nursery or google for what plants suit your needs best :)
ReplyDeleteI saw this and thought of your little porch. The very last line of photos (porch on the right).
ReplyDeletehttp://www.burnhamdesign.com/portfolio/hancock_park.php