Improving this backyard inexpensively
by
Susan
+13
This house is in the tropics. I need help in improving the back yard inexpensively
This is my backyard.How can I improve it inexpensively
10 answers
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think i would put decking over it all
Weedug
on Sep 24, 2016
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This has such potential. Would your budget run to a few bags of cement and some sand? You could lay the sand over the rough stones, then make a slurry of cement dust, sand and water, then pour it over the surface. Leave it for a day to set, then it should be ok to walk over. I used to live in Darwin, Australia and I did this on a rocky surface below the upstairs verandah. We used the area for barbecues and is lasted for the 10 years we lived there after. Other than than, my only other suggestion would be to, again, put a layer of sand over the stones to make them even, then lay a mat of astroturf on top. It lasts for years and years, but isn't exactly inexpensive to buy. When the surface is right, you could get some buckets, make some holes in the bottom (for drainage) and plant whatever greenery does best for your area. Lightening the door and window surrounds with white or maybe green paint, to match the banana plant in the top left hand corner, would also brighten the area up. OR, It looks like there are some bare spots in the paved walkway. If that is so, could you collect some more stones and fill in the bare spots? Then, if you had access to some hard wearing paint, you could make a 'wash' and spread it over the paving stones. You would probably only get 3-5 years wear out of that idea though. I'd suggest you paint them in a grey or brown though, then as the paint wears off, it won't be so noticeable. If that didn't bother you, then hunter green would be nice...something to give the impression of grass. I keep thinking of more ideas, but I hope that helps to give you some ideas.
Pippa Pendrill
on Sep 24, 2016
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Not yet
Susan
on Sep 24, 2016
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Do you have a good water source so you could plant vegetables or flowers in pots in this space? Does it get too hot for plants on this side of the house? Pippa Pendrill above has some really good ideas.
Ann
on Sep 24, 2016
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I'd plant more flowers. This link lists several flowers that do well in high heat areas. http://www.weekendgardener.net/garden-plants/... Good Luck.
Deanna Nassar
on Sep 25, 2016
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use colored squares of concrete, see your surroundings.. town , neighborhoods, for popular colors different stamp textures and colors will add. interest. leave two feet borders for plants. section the yard with plant walls such as bamboo or banana type plants or hedges.since this is in the tropics. many exotic plants grow and cost is affordable..the yard divisions will give privacy and coziness..chop up that ugly yard with greenery
Deeman
on Sep 26, 2016
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Seems you have 3 options. To pour more cement over the rocks with a framed area or to add a more colourful rock over these rocks. Something small that will not shift too much. The 3rd option would be to make a wooden walkway with large planters of wood would be nice. If you can get pallets free you can use the wood to make sidewalks and planters. The planters will have to be lined with a breathable membrane even housewrap will work. Look around maybe you will find items that you can use locally. Check free sites in your area for recyclable items. Use drought tolerant plants with lots of mulch. Do not use small planters they will not retain moisture. Take a look at some of these sand and wood ideas. https://www.builddirect.com/blog/guided-garde...
Edith Reardon
on Sep 30, 2016
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Have you considered planting creeping moss in between the stones? It would be low care and steppable, as the stones would keep you from crushing the moss terribly. If you are in a high humidity area, you might not even have to water it. Also, it would bring a lot of color to your back area and you could easily accent with potted plants for flower colors. I think you would fairly easily be able to do with with putting the moss seed in with a type of soil, mixing it thoroughly and then sweeping it into the crevasses. Perhaps premoisen the whole area before doing so, and then lightly sprinkle it until it takes hold.
Tig8813372
on Oct 01, 2016
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You could make a sand garden, with stepping stones and some rock focal points. Then you can rake the sand into new designs when you need a new view.
Crystal Landry
on Oct 02, 2016
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this looks to be like a very old historic home I would do nothing other than .to add sand or dirt to the rock way and seed it with thyme or other creeping herb. I would add pots of vegtables and herbs and trees and some yard art what is your location as far as weather
Donna Cyr
on Oct 03, 2016
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