The Pit off the patio

Question

I bought this house and the back yard was a jungle.  After it was all cleaned out we found this pit off the patio. We don't know what to do with it!  Do you have any ideas?

CK · Answer

A sort of 'secret garden' area would be pretty. Put a fountain in the upper left hand corner. The walkway would lead to it. Or maybe clear away the foliage and put in a fire pit. Plants to use would depend on your planting Zone. I'd keep them low though so you can walk on that brick walkway through it..and also it appears it was meant for seating around the sides.

We had a 'pit' in our former yard too. It came in handy as a large sandbox when we first moved in since our kids were 2 and 4 years old. After they were grown and the sandbox was no longer needed, we redid the space.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I would dress the area up with new plantings around and add a focal point of a bench ,statue, water feature or a fire pit .Once that is complete some pretty rocks would really add to it.

MN Mom · Answer

I like patio pavers. I think this would be a nice step-down area for a patio off your deck. You can still add planters and a fire element with seating. It looks like a shady spot to relax.it looks like you have a lawn to work on and care for so maybe a little hardscape would be a nice change.

Cindi · Answer

I'd get rid of all the brick and fill it in with rocks or mulch, with a White Bistro table & chairs in the center, with a few colorful pots with plants/flowers, maybe inbetween the trees, against the fence, or wherever you need some color. Maybe put some stepping stones to the table. Good place to sit and read or drink coffee in the AM.

Valerie · Answer

This is a great challenge! I assume that the 'planks' on the side of the photograph are steps. If not, I would raise them on cinder blocks to make a garden bench. If they are steps, I would retain the brick pathway. I would then place a bench near the fence, add a couple of container plants to create additional interest. I would incorporate the area on the other side of the path-way (or bricks) into the main garden by removing the plank. I would keep the plank as I am sure you will soon find a new home for it. If you wanted to add some definition to the pathway, there are several things you could use for edging. Placing empty wine bottles, top down, is an idea which immediately comes to mind, but there are countless others.

Kim C · Answer

Herb Garden!

Joanie · Answer

Put in a pergola, paver's and long table and chairs or benches and hang lights and plant vines on the fence side that will grow up over the pergola. Put nice planted flower boxes along the retaining wall side filled with herbs.

Joanie · Answer

Or you could do something like this if it is more your style! Have fun! http://www.hometalk.com/b/7137155/tree-stump-feature

Cathy · Answer

Does it hold a lot of moisture there? You could put in a rain garden---which is plants that need excess moisture but not a lot of standing water. Too close to the fence to put in a fire pit there--that would have been neat. You could possibly put in a water feature there since it is lower than the rest of the yard, not so much digging.

Dfm · Answer

HI! not sure what time of day the photo was taken. it looks like a very shady spot, and the area looks to step downward.. if it is shade most of the day....lucky you! is the board fence on your property? I'd be tempted to white wash it to brighten the area a bit. the trees growing in front of the fence? saplings from neglect? or planted there on purpose? ie are they regularly spaced or appear haphazard and are they a species that you would want? if the species is problematic -fire wood.

next- get the brick out of there.... it's just going to buckle and heave with the tree roots. put down a good quality landscaping fabric, lay a coarse sand base for good drainage, then lay rock mulch..or just keep it sand and rake patterns into it...won't warp as badly with the tree roots growing as larger stepping stones would. how about a fountain...they are not that hard to assemble....kit from Menards/ home depot. shade/ part sun type flowers in goods sized pots. herbs would be a good idea also if close to bbq grill.

Pascale Nguyen · Answer

Zen garden, shade garden,planter with shade plants, herbs, or succulents with some rocks or all of the above. Put in a seating area for relaxation.

Vik · Answer

The area is screaming for a water feature surrounded by shade loving plants. Also, put mirrors on the fence. Provide comfortable resting furniture. Limestone flooring.

LD · Answer

From your pick I see two areas that are adjacent to your deck. The lowest area would make a great area for a water feature with some potted plants and seating. The higher area would be a great place for sun bathing with a French Market style umbrella just in case the sun is to hit, and some beautiful potted flowers. This way you can take the existing deck area and use it for outdoor cooking/dining. Just make sure to add some posted plants along the outer edge of those steps to the lowest garden area.

Cj Avery · Answer

If you have kids I would make it a play pit with all there swings etc. if not table or bench water feature just a area to relax get away from. Maybe some shade plants.

Jean · Answer

Fire pit or patio for you. inset tramp for the kids, inset wading pool for the dogs...possibilities are endless!!! Except if that fence is the edge of the property then the space for some of those ideas may be a bit small. Good luck!

Duv310660 · Answer

I'd suggest an herb garden but I don't know what kind of sun you get in this area.

Judy · Answer

I want to thank everyone for their great ideas.  Almost everyone was on the same page in making it a relaxing area with water, plants, ground covering, furniture, and a swing.  That's what I'm going to do with it, all the above.

Connie Skoruppa · Answer

I'm not sure what type of furnishings you have available on your deck or what type of budget you're working with - but myself, I think since it's such a nice shady spot, I'd build a chaise/settee out of pallets (I can buy locally for $4- $8) along the fence area to the right of the deck end. An inexpensive cushion idea? Walmart baby crib mattress - under $30. Cover as you please - but an inexpensive waterproof idea is to use a fabric shower curtain (less than $10 at Ross/TJ Maxx/ Walmart). Maybe a small water feature but then to fill the remaining area - not sure if available in your area but here - at our recycling center you can buy a pick up bed load of recycled glass for $25. It's tumbled so no rough or cutting edges and I've found it just adds an appealing beautiful blend of colors. So - I'd guestimate if I did this space my way, I'd spend less than $200 and could probably get it done in a weekend. Whatever you decide - I hope you'll share your after pics with us.

Tina Hill · Answer

i would lay more pavers and make it a nice sitting area with a table and chairs

Jannie · Answer

A water feature would look fantastic with a meditation feel to a perfect area.....

Jannie · Answer

Hi Judy
The fire pit is an obvious one  but wasn't sure if your allowed them. We can only burn in low fire season in BC. Lavender would do very well, I think you'll have fun with it!!

The Pit off the patio

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The Pit off the patio

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