skip to main content

Backyard Landscape in Need of Help!

8 years ago

Hi,

We recently renovated our Seattle home and the only space remaining is the backyard. It is currently a weed jungle.

The space is 48' wide by 66.5' long. The property slopes up towards the back fence.

We would like to build a deck out of the french doors. This deck doesn't need to be large - just big enough for the BBQ grill. In addition to the deck, we would like to have a patio space for eating and then a grassy space for our kids to play. We would like various foliage / plants / trees along the fence.

I do not know where to begin. I've attached photos of the backyard from a few vantage points. Any thoughts / insights into what we could do and what plants would work in our area would be great!

Thanks in advance!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Heather Mac
8 years ago
If feasible, consider taking up the patio stones where the deck will go and reuse them to extend all along the back of the house. There are some nice creative approaches to stairs coming down from the deck to the patio, such as room for flower pots or landing with a corner bench. I'm a fan of curves in the grass to balance out straight edges of the patio and deck, so consider large beds along the fence with curves - maybe kidney shaped or hour glass shaped grass in the middle. You can bury black plastic edging (very affordable, I prefer the deeper style) to keep grass from growing into your beds. If you'd like a bit of height here and there along the fence or in the beds, consider a tall decorative lattice panel with a vine, or iron arch, or a willow pyramid - whatever your style. It's also nice to have some stepping stones to a feature in the back corner since your yard is so big - bird feeder or bird bath, or kids slide, or swing under the tree, or bistro chairs - again, it depends what you like. Looks like you could use some conifers for winter interest. I'm in Alberta, so of course we have cold weather plants, but you could probably have a few cedars or pyramid junipers that would grow nicely in Seattle. Good luck and enjoy your project!
PRO
True Scape Design
8 years ago
A composite deck would work well for the Seattle climate and give good longevity, technology has come a long ways in this regard and there are a number of quality products that would work well and look sharp as well. If you do go the deck route you could just leave the existing brick patio only having to worry about removing enough to install your deck footings (depending on how large you make the deck). Looks like the back tree could use a good pruning and remove some of the lower branches so you have more use underneath, probably a good idea to keep the lawn area more towards the existing patio so that your lawn area if you choose to put one in can get enough light to thrive. You may want to also consider a small retaining wall towards the back and place a nice leveled kids play area with a big toy or other play feature(s) that fits the space. We can certainly help you out with design and/or construction of the space including the deck and fencing if you so desire, feel free to reach out if you feel inclined. Good luck with your project, the outside renovation looks great.
Related Discussions
URGENT Please help with Kitchen Diner living layout
Q
Comments (5)
The long black one is the back garden door way.The smaller one on the same wall is the door way leading to extension;s corridor. The black square at the front is the door way to enter the room. The white squares are the supportive pillars for the back wall and the long one is the chimney breast. Thank you for your answer :)
...See More
NEED help with my exterior colors and siding
Q
Comments (6)
Do not paint the brick!! It's part of the homes appeal and its style. Change up the stucco color to a warm gray as well as paint the fascia boards a more appealing color also (deeper charcoal or similar) a grayed green would be another option for the stucco. As long it all works with both the roof shingle and the brick these are colors worth looking at. Another option for just the gable end would be cement board shingle (Hardieboard or similar) if you want a change from stucco.
...See More
Curb appeal??!
Q
Comments (14)
Gosh, I've returned after a week travelling for work to loads more suggestions - thanks all! To respond specifically: - the house faces south so gets the lovely morning (and in the uk, sometimes the only) sun. - the husband has avoided putting plants in the planters due to maintenance and they're generally twee so comments here have confirmed to me that they will be coming out - love the idea of wooden boxes with the spiky plants and grasses - also like the concept of taking out the grass/bed/tree in front completely out and replacing with slabs - yes to lightening the windows - to the Barn company, I honestly don't mind the advice and I'd never seen sloping garage roofs. - nicking ideas from landscaping of new builds....great idea! - finally, Helen Scholes, I'm embarrassed about the spelling of kerb. Had no idea! Thanks again all.
...See More
need help with our extension
Q
Comments (2)
Hi David, If you could provide photos of the property that would be very helpful. Also, as jonathandb1972 said, any plans would be greatly appreciated here, so there is something to work with. If no plans available, even a crude drawing will be useful to help visualise the layout. What style would you like to achieve? (contemporary, country etc.). You said you'd like the extension to incorporate your current kitchen. What else would you like to have there, as it is going to be 2 storeys extension? Bedroom with en-suite? If you provide more information I can create couple of ideabooks for you to start with.
...See More
Barbara Almandarz
8 years ago
First have a professional landscape designer look at your yard. If the space slopes up toward the fence, then the drainage will be an issue. Water drainage should always be the first issue addressed. They can then offer a few designs you might like.
PRO
SYNLawn
8 years ago
Hi houseceam, it's great that you uploaded several photos! If you want to have a safe play area for the kids that's virtually maintenance-free, have you considered adding artificial grass? At SYNLawn, we offer products designed for playgrounds and play areas, and you'll have built-in safety because soft padding is installed under the grass. Our artificial grass comes with a 15-year warranty, is stable in all climates and has excellent drainage with a drain rate of 30-inches per hour. You won't have to spend weekends mowing the lawn, and you'll save 50 percent or more on your water bills. If you're interested, we have distributors in Oregon (http://www.synlawn.com/oregon/) and Vancouver Island (http://www.synlawn.ca/vancouver-island/). Let us know if you have any other questions. Good luck with your backyard makeover!
Amazing Before and After Photos · More Info

Artificial Grass for Playground Installations · More Info
csch
8 years ago
You might need a retaining wall or terracing; a rain garden would be a good idea to soak up runoff. Mature plants will also help with retention

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-site-and-size-a-rain-garden-for-your-landscape-stsetivw-vs~53697312

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/protect-a-precious-resource-with-a-rain-garden-stsetivw-vs~3417403

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/top-10-native-plants-for-the-pacific-northwest-stsetivw-vs~48301301

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/garden-lessons-from-a-grand-northwest-reserve-stsetivw-vs~2198953

Sponsored

Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore

More Discussions

Panelling hallway & cupboard

0

Authentic Feng Shui Workshop - Angel Times Limerick 27th April 2024

0

bathroom renovation advice

0

Interior Material Clash?

0

Interior Design Classes April to June 2024

0

Ireland

Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.