Backyard Ideas

[ny96]

We are redoing our backyard and our landscape guys came the other day, removed the concrete behind our house and laid river rock. My H is really unhappy with the job. He thinks it looks sloppy, which it does, but I’m trying to convince him that we just need to do a few things to spiff it up. My ideas are: lay rectangular pavers in the river rock to create a path and break up the space, run the ivy down the stone walls, take the planter that is in the second photo and put it in the main space, and add a few more large planters, and then put a small fountain in the inset area. We’ll be taking down the swing and maybe adding a hammock stand.

[maudefindlay]

What are the dimensions and what do you want to use this space for? How many are in your household?

[ny96]

May 10, 2023 16:40:22 GMT -5 maudefindlay said:

What are the dimensions and what do you want to use this space for? How many are in your household?

The usable space is about 7ft by 25ft. We just built a large deck off the side of the house which will be our main outdoor area. This is bonus space and we’re fixing it up, really, for resale sometime in the future. As I said in my first post, we want a fountain and maybe a hammock. Just mainly pretty space.

There’s 4 of us (2 kids, 10yo and 5yo).

[maudefindlay]

I really think pavers will neaten/streamline the space.

[ny96]

May 10, 2023 16:55:39 GMT -5 maudefindlay said:

I really think pavers will neaten/streamline the space.

I think so too. The bottom photo with the pavers is the style pavers we want, but the top photo is the style we’re looking to achieve.

[ny96]

This is what it looked like before

[SusanBAnthony]

I can see why you took the concrete out.

The thing my eye goes to is the falling apart concrete wall. I would either completely cover it with ivy or something, or replace. I think that wall will bring down the entire space.

But honestly how much does this space matter if you have another main yard? Is it worth major changes as a bonus space? I only ask because you mentioned doing it for resale reasons.

[ny96]

May 11, 2023 4:01:13 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

I can see why you took the concrete out.

The thing my eye goes to is the falling apart concrete wall. I would either completely cover it with ivy or something, or replace. I think that wall will bring down the entire space.

But honestly how much does this space matter if you have another main yard? Is it worth major changes as a bonus space? I only ask because you mentioned doing it for resale reasons.

Ivy is the plan for that wall. That space does matter in terms of resale, in our market every usable sq.ft. is valuable.

[definitelyO]

I'm not sure how it's sloppy - it's rock that appears to be level. What is that space used for? from the picture it looks like a walkway to me.

[ny96]

May 11, 2023 13:54:55 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

I'm not sure how it's sloppy - it's rock that appears to be level. What is that space used for? from the picture it looks like a walkway to me.

There is a bunch of things in not in the picture. They removed an overhanging roof and didn’t put the drains back, there is a rough cut to the where the newly built deck meets the river rock, and the black plastic lining is showing though on some of the sides. It’s much bigger than a walkway. It’s about 7ft by 25ft. I’m sure when we sell our house, based on the area, that it will sell quickly. We want to fix up this area to make sure that when we sell, all of our spaces are enticing and well utilized and we have a home where people want to enter into a bidding war, and this is unused space at this point. It’s also an enticing space because it’s quiet and calm and takes you out of the big city that we live in.

[definitelyO]

May 11, 2023 14:49:30 GMT -5 ny96 said:

May 11, 2023 13:54:55 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

I'm not sure how it's sloppy - it's rock that appears to be level. What is that space used for? from the picture it looks like a walkway to me.

There is a bunch of things in not in the picture. They removed an overhanging roof and didn’t put the drains back, there is a rough cut to the where the newly built deck meets the river rock, and the black plastic lining is showing though on some of the sides. It’s much bigger than a walkway. It’s about 7ft by 25ft. I’m sure when we sell our house, based on the area, that it will sell quickly. We want to fix up this area to make sure that when we sell, all of our spaces are enticing and well utilized and we have a home where people want to enter into a bidding war, and this is unused space at this point. It’s also an enticing space because it’s quiet and calm and takes you out of the big city that we live in.

AH!  didn't realize all the things not in the photo making it sloppy.  I do like the idea of having the ivy come down to within 12 inches of the ground.

I love the quiet/calm taking you out of the city.  Do you have room to make a little outdoor coffee spot?  a comfy outdoor chair or 2 with table?  Can also double as a little HH area.  

[InBetweenDays]

I think that could be a nice relaxing space. Especially with the addition of a fountain. I think a few big planters with some different type of tall grasses could look nice and the foliage shape would be a nice contrast to the ivy.

I'm not sure how a hammock would work in the area, but what about one of those cocoon chairs at the far end? We used to have one and the kids loved it. We added some pillows inside and it made a nice reading spot. And then you could do some comfy chairs and a small table on the close end.

[heygrey]

I would get as much greenery in there as possible. Longer ivy, big planters with tall grasses. Low maintenance plants so it’s not a space you have to maintain regularly. The ambiance from a fountain would be really nice especially if you’re in a city and want to muffle the city noises.

It’s hard to tell what’s on top of the wall. Is it possible to put in a couple posts and run string lights between them and the roof? Or if you don’t have an electrical outlet near there, there are some great solar options that would work.

Pavers would be nice to break up the stone, but depending on the furniture you choose, an outdoor area rug would also soften the look of the gravel.

I can envision a lush green space with soft lighting and cushy chairs or a hammock to drink wine and read a book. I’d love to escape there on my own in the evenings or sit there with DH or a friend. I love that it’s hidden away and unexpected.