Looking at the garden... some reflections.

[simpsongal]

I thought I should post some pics   -It's a work in progress, the grass needs help.



In the back is a shade garden we're slowly trying to bring back to life.  Hard to see but there are lots of blue bells around the center area.

The high fence keeps the deer out of the vegetable garden.  We laid the patio last year - the brick is the garage.  There's wisteria climbing the wall and we're putting up a pergola this week over the patio for the wisteria to climb.  Can't see it but on the left (just out of the pic) there's a ring of 8 knockout roses surrounded by bulbs.  Those are untrimmed crepe myrtles in 3 colors behind the garden.

[simpsongal]

Here are the front side beds we're working. 

We planted a little gem magnolia, surrounding it with some boxwoods & hinoki cypress.  I need to add more but it's a start.  I want to expand these bends and change the line from straight to curved (all in good time).  There's poison ivy in the area too

We planted a lilac, gold mops, creeping phlox, lavender etc. in this front bed (gets a lot of sun).  The greenery behind are some giant camellias that  need TLC (poison ivy among them, so I need to be careful).  Our dream is to add a porch off the side of house (in the grassy area to the right of this pic).
We did a lot in the back side beds too (so many weeds!)   I planted a gardenia, rhodoes, spirea, etc. and I'm nurturing lots of azaleas, slip laurel, camellias, rhodos, etc.

Just a small pic - we worked on the front plantings last year.  Lots of lovely established ones, and we pulled out some overgrown ones in front and planted some cool things (e.g., abelia, cottonwillow).

Last pic - lots of knockout roses (I cut way back) & hydrangeas here behind the driveway.  There's a gorgeous clematis getting ready to bloom on the mailbox

[sjh722]

Your yard is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

[2curlydogs]

Apr 21, 2014 12:09:24 GMT -5 housegeek said:

Money and lack of know how.
I have 3/4 acre of lawn weve been desperately trying to fill. If you want to give me tips on how to make it a relaxing oasis on the cheap I'm all ears!

You know, it's weird, I found it so difficult to find decent advice anywhere on landscaping large areas. TONS of resources on small spaces, nothing on large ones. I guess people think if you have the space you can do whatever. Except... no. Not quite. I actually found the size and the blank canvas incredibly daunting.

We've got a 3/4 acre lot. The front was professionally landscaped before we bought it. The backyard... not so much. There were some planting beds but not much done.

I think it cost us about $800 to have a professional plan drawn up. That included a full site survey, several sit-down meetings to discuss needs, wants, lifestyle, etc. (for example, we wanted to keep some lawn as a play area, sight line considerations from the house to the playset, all our plants had to be non-toxic to humans and dogs, as many native specimens as possible, etc.). 

We estimated the plant material alone will cost roughly $3500 (that doesn't include top soil, mulch, etc.). And then we went and changed/expanded some of the beds, added in new ones, etc. So that'll end up costing a bit more.

So we're taking a staged approach for implementing it. This year I am determined to put in all the trees, plus the plant material along the west fence line. We were supposed to do that last year but life got in the way (jobs, pregnancy, etc.). This year should be easier.

If you want to talk more, PM me.

[ceceliamarie]

Your garden is beautiful! I really love the color of your deck and fencing.

[housegeek]

Apr 22, 2014 15:32:18 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

Apr 21, 2014 12:09:24 GMT -5 housegeek said:

Money and lack of know how.
I have 3/4 acre of lawn weve been desperately trying to fill. If you want to give me tips on how to make it a relaxing oasis on the cheap I'm all ears!

You know, it's weird, I found it so difficult to find decent advice anywhere on landscaping large areas. TONS of resources on small spaces, nothing on large ones. I guess people think if you have the space you can do whatever. Except... no. Not quite. I actually found the size and the blank canvas incredibly daunting.

We've got a 3/4 acre lot. The front was professionally landscaped before we bought it. The backyard... not so much. There were some planting beds but not much done.

I think it cost us about $800 to have a professional plan drawn up. That included a full site survey, several sit-down meetings to discuss needs, wants, lifestyle, etc. (for example, we wanted to keep some lawn as a play area, sight line considerations from the house to the playset, all our plants had to be non-toxic to humans and dogs, as many native specimens as possible, etc.). 

We estimated the plant material alone will cost roughly $3500 (that doesn't include top soil, mulch, etc.). And then we went and changed/expanded some of the beds, added in new ones, etc. So that'll end up costing a bit more.

So we're taking a staged approach for implementing it. This year I am determined to put in all the trees, plus the plant material along the west fence line. We were supposed to do that last year but life got in the way (jobs, pregnancy, etc.). This year should be easier.

If you want to talk more, PM me.

Woo it does add up 0.0 I wish we had added 10k to our mortgage to put into landscaping, but we didnt :/  weve been filling it bit by bit, have lots of trees started, but its seriously going to be like a 10+ year process.

[pitterwoo]

So interesting 2curlydogs that you found more resources for small spaces. I always feel like garden tips for small spaces are much like decor tips for small spaces and not so small at all! I can see though how having a huge blank slate would be daunting. Especially if you want to really create an interesting landscape and pathways or things like that.

I've spent a lot of time researching and daydreaming about my landscape and feel like I've gotten off track trying to fit too many plants or plants that will outgrow the tiny space I have for them.

It's taken a lot of trial and error to come up with my current plan that I'm happy with.

[finally]

treedimensional your backyard gives me lots of hope and inspiration!!!  Our house is for sale and I will be downsizing since it will be just me (Not sure if you know that DH & I split up.  Sadly, today would have been 9th anniversary!!!).  I am sad that I am giving up our pretty English Garden-like backyard.  The little houses I am looking at have little yards that are barren now but one has this awesome deck that I can see doing amazing planters.  So I love to see how you have done yours.  Of course, I need to make sure my doggie has some area to "TCB" but think I can find her a square to spare!!!

And I feel the same way about people who lack color in their homes and every wall is Builder Beige.  People are afraid of what they are not comfortable with (plants, color) but there is enough expert help around to guide them if they just look for it!

[sjh722]

finally, it is good to see you! I am sorry to hear about your split. Is that your new pup in your avatar? I remember Gilbert!

[finally]

sjh722 it is good to see you too!  Your daughter is adorable!!!  I've been around but mostly lurking.  Yes, that is my "Apple".    We lost Gilbert last March and adopted Apple in June.  She makes me smile 

[sjh722]

I'm sorry to hear about Gilbert. Apple looks like a sweetie pie! Glad you have her around. And hope to see you around here more, hint hint.

[treedimensional]

Apr 22, 2014 19:53:08 GMT -5 finally said:

treedimensional your backyard gives me lots of hope and inspiration!!!  Our house is for sale and I will be downsizing since it will be just me (Not sure if you know that DH & I split up.  Sadly, today would have been 9th anniversary!!!).  I am sad that I am giving up our pretty English Garden-like backyard.  The little houses I am looking at have little yards that are barren now but one has this awesome deck that I can see doing amazing planters.  So I love to see how you have done yours.  Of course, I need to make sure my doggie has some area to "TCB" but think I can find her a square to spare!!!

And I feel the same way about people who lack color in their homes and every wall is Builder Beige.  People are afraid of what they are not comfortable with (plants, color) but there is enough expert help around to guide them if they just look for it!

Hi friend! Sorry to hear about the split. hope you're well.
My dog has decided the raised beds are more fun to poop in than the tiny lawn (he used to go everywhere). I go round and just pick up every day or two. A small yard is easy to keep tidy.

[finally]

sjh- I will be around more...I am going out this weekend to look at homes and I am sure whatever I end up with will need lots of redoing!

[boiler717]

I agree that large yards can be tough to do. I have a vision of what I'd like in my yard, but I know nothing. I tried to find someone from the link treedimensional posted, but none in my state.

Every company we meet with wants to do typical suburban mulch mound with some boulders, shrubs, and an evergreen tree or two. I show them what I want, tell him, and we get stuff back that is the above stock mound. It's so frustrating. I have no idea how to make it happen!

[treedimensional]

Apr 23, 2014 5:00:09 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

I agree that large yards can be tough to do. I have a vision of what I'd like in my yard, but I know nothing. I tried to find someone from the link treedimensional posted, but none in my state.

Every company we meet with wants to do typical suburban mulch mound with some boulders, shrubs, and an evergreen tree or two. I show them what I want, tell him, and we get stuff back that is the above stock mound. It's so frustrating. I have no idea how to make it happen!

I'm so sorry to hear that! Where are you? Maybe google can help you find someone?

[boiler717]

Apr 23, 2014 7:00:02 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

Apr 23, 2014 5:00:09 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

I agree that large yards can be tough to do. I have a vision of what I'd like in my yard, but I know nothing. I tried to find someone from the link treedimensional posted, but none in my state.

Every company we meet with wants to do typical suburban mulch mound with some boulders, shrubs, and an evergreen tree or two. I show them what I want, tell him, and we get stuff back that is the above stock mound. It's so frustrating. I have no idea how to make it happen!

I'm so sorry to hear that! Where are you? Maybe google can help you find someone?

That would be awesome! I'm outside of Indianapolis. We've looked at a few landscape companies and some individual landscape architects and all of the portfolios look the same. Maybe it's our climate and I can't do what I want? I want stuff that will eventually grow into a really full blooming garden. Hydrangeas, peonies, azaleas, lots and lots of different flowers. Cottage garden type of look. Every just has the mulch mounds with scarcely planted shrubs around here it seems!

[boiler717]

These are some of my inspiration pics I'm showing them

[housegeek]

^^^ Those are soo pretty!

[boiler717]

Apr 23, 2014 8:34:35 GMT -5 @juno said:

Apr 23, 2014 7:22:21 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

These are some of my inspiration pics I'm showing them

What about a pre-planned border for your zone (multiple if you have large spaces)?  I got my new Sunset last night and it featured this company: www.highcountrygardens.com  (zone 5 here: www.highcountrygardens.com/pre-planned-gardens?SID=6mi7tg7e3cd2aik0hf20lve434#SID=6mi7tg7e3cd2aik0hf20lve434&zones=5&gan_data=true_)  The magazine said it was like plant-by-numbers.  There are also garden plans on sites like www.bhg.com.  I've used some of those for some of my spaces.

Oh that's a great idea!! That's exactly what I need!

[2curlydogs]

@housegeek - that's why we're doing it broken out! So, for example, this year we're going to put in some of the trees. I haven't figured out which yet, but they are a LARGE chunk of that $3000 cost. So we'll be staging their planting a bit. But then landscaping the west fence bed is only $300 for all the plant material. That's totally manageable, I think.

@pitterwoo - I think it's just hard envisioning creating spaces and destinations. We have a rectangular house on a rectangular lot with a rectangular back yard and a rectangular deck/patio. Our LA really helped start that process and we expanded on it. It's difficult to come up with the lovely dense plantings and beds that treedimensional posts. How do you create intimate spaces when your lot is 100ft by 150ft? How do you accommodate the conflicting needs of space for kids to play, space for dogs to run (we have 2), but still create habitats for birds, bugs, etc., and reduce lawn footprint all at once in a manner that's functional and attractive? It's hard!

boiler717 - those are gorgeous photos!

[tiffany81]

treedimensional - can you take a picture of your yard and the stone borders you have back there? It looks lovely and exactly what I want to do to my yard eventually. Thanks!

[munkii]

Apr 24, 2014 7:07:21 GMT -5 tiffany81 said:

treedimensional - can you take a picture of your yard and the stone borders you have back there? It looks lovely and exactly what I want to do to my yard eventually. Thanks!

I second this request, actually. I was just telling MH yesterday that I want to do that in the back yard against our fence and would love some inspiration.

[Blueper]

Apr 21, 2014 12:09:24 GMT -5 housegeek said:

Money and lack of know how.
I have 3/4 acre of lawn weve been desperately trying to fill. If you want to give me tips on how to make it a relaxing oasis on the cheap I'm all ears!

I am in the multi-year process of turning my front yard into a cottage garden with only native plants.  I do not have much spare money, but I budget my garden expenses as entertainment because I REALLY enjoy it ( I was outside yesterday in the rain re-assembling a flag stone bird bath because I didn't like the way it looked before). 

I don't know when the transition happened, because when we first moved in I had zero interest in landscaping beyond putting in a veggie garden.  If you are interested in a native garden, the cheapest way to do it is to start plants from seed.  Different seeds require different techniques to germinate (most of mine need to be cold stratified).  You can also buy plants from local plant sales.  My city's master gardener program has a spring sale and all of the plants are cheap.  I use seeds from these plants for the next generation!

As far as the more "traditional" gardens, look for 50% off sales at large nurseries about halfway through the season.  There are also a lot of home gardeners on my craigslist that sell plants from their own gardens that reseeded or clumped up bigger than they needed.

As far as the lack of know how, here are some of my favorite gardening websites
awaytogarden.com/  She has a wonderful podcast too!
naturalmidwestgarden.com/archives/3482  A native gardener
gardenrant.com/ I love the "Contrasting Frong Yards" video that is on the first page (the end result might be a bit too wild for most people to get on board with)

[katie4253]

I like trees, but I hate other stuff. It is just more maintenance and I want nothing to do with maintaining a yard.

[treedimensional]

Apr 24, 2014 7:29:47 GMT -5 munkii said:

Apr 24, 2014 7:07:21 GMT -5 tiffany81 said:

treedimensional - can you take a picture of your yard and the stone borders you have back there? It looks lovely and exactly what I want to do to my yard eventually. Thanks!

I second this request, actually. I was just telling MH yesterday that I want to do that in the back yard against our fence and would love some inspiration.

Seriously? The stonework is not even finished. There's no capstone. I probably won't have one until late this summer.

This shows the layout:

[jloww]

We'll then.  I can put you to work at my house.  I honestly don't know where to start.0, but I'd like to.

[jloww]

Apr 23, 2014 7:17:50 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

Apr 23, 2014 7:00:02 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

I'm so sorry to hear that! Where are you? Maybe google can help you find someone?

That would be awesome! I'm outside of Indianapolis. We've looked at a few landscape companies and some individual landscape architects and all of the portfolios look the same. Maybe it's our climate and I can't do what I want? I want stuff that will eventually grow into a really full blooming garden. Hydrangeas, peonies, azaleas, lots and lots of different flowers. Cottage garden type of look. Every just has the mulch mounds with scarcely planted shrubs around here it seems!

This is exactly what I want too and I got back the exact same design as you.  I did get him to switch the coral bells for Karen azaleas, but it's as far as I've gotten.

[tiffany81]

treedimensional - thank you! I love your yard and will use it as inspiration for mine.

[treedimensional]

Apr 28, 2014 15:01:53 GMT -5 @domerjen said:

treedimensional do you have a shade garden Pinterest board by any chance? My friend has a shady yard and I'd like to point her in a good direction, but prefer to keep gbcn to myself

Nope, no shade board.