Ideas of how to make our backyard look more inviting?

Ljo20453236
by Ljo20453236
Here is a photo showing our hot tub and our fire pit and cement patio. If you could give us some inspiration, we would be very appreciative.
Thanks
  12 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 26, 2017

    That will depend on your budget and goals.Do you want a deck.gazebo landscaping?

  • Ljo20453236 Ljo20453236 on Mar 26, 2017

    No deck...in NWEst we do not do wood as it rots in all the rain. But landscaping ideas are appreciated, thanks.

  • What a great piece of property! Looks inviting to me as is, and I can see where you might want to add to nature's bounty. Do you want trees? Foundation plants? Planter beds? Do you like to garden? How about a cutting garden or a kitchen garden with herbs and / or vegtables? I would purchase a couple good sizeable pots to place by the steps and either put in a foundation plant with some annuals or something that trails over like creeping thyme or ivy of some sort. You need to add a few pops of color with either plants or flowers. Do you have a good local nursery that might be able to suggest what would be best year round for your climate?

    • See 1 previous
    • So welcome! Maybe add some solar lights and some garden art too that will add interest. Have fun!

  • Mfbandit769 Mfbandit769 on Mar 27, 2017

    Hire a qualified landscape designer/architect. Using a professional will save you a lot of money, mistakes, time in the long run. You'll get a lot of "advice" on these types of forums, but keep in mind that even though some think they are experts, they aren't.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 27, 2017

    My go to when wanting ideas is Fine Gardening. They give you a lot of inspirational tips for what will grow best in your area.Gardening is trial and error whether a professional does it or the work is done by you.My suggestion is to browse through Garden catalogs and magazines to get a feel for what you may want to incorporate. This site has many ideas as well.https://www.pinterest.com/explore/backyard-landscaping/

  • Lori Lori on Mar 27, 2017

    Some stepping stones in between and you could put down mulch or pea gravel around it few big planters with lots of color.....a quick fix

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Mar 27, 2017

    I still love glossy magazines for inspiring pictures. Southern Living, Garden type mags. My thought is you need to create multiple small seating/interest area; a few sections of white picket fencing and some small gardens/benches in front. especially at the ac unit is, or whatever that big grey thing is off to the left. Also watch those two big bushes, keep well trimmed down and shaped.. Maybe a pergola over the door/patio. (you can get kits for a few hundred). And eventually every garden or yard will call for a water feature. I would convert that firepit to a fountain pond. Consider the time you actually use it compared to how much a pond and fountain would be enjoyed 24/7.

  • Ljo20453236 Ljo20453236 on Mar 27, 2017

    Thanks for your input. The "ac" is actually our hot tub -this is our back yard. Living in the dreary Nwest, pergolas aren't too popular as they cut out light. We use our firepit year round, but thanks for the ideas of small spaces/benches.

  • Bernadette Staal Bernadette Staal on Mar 28, 2017

    Section off different parts of the garden, either with plantings or retaining walls / fences / raised planter boxes or paving. Add some established tree's to break the starkness of the area and create softness. Add some seating around the fire pit and maybe consider making this area a cosy space by sinking it into the ground e.g. dig out a large area where you have to step down into a secluded area with the fire pit, seating plants above the seating, etc. Add pots of colour onto the patio. Get some garden magazines or borrow books from friends to generate inspiration.

  • Ljo20453236 Ljo20453236 on Mar 28, 2017

    Nice thoughts, thanks!

  • Inetia Inetia on Mar 29, 2017

    Just adding an umbrella table and chairs will make a huge statement. For cohesion, I would remove the grass between the hot tub and the patio and replace it with pea gravel (or sand) and stepping stones. A fountain or birdbath between the two hedges and some randomly placed potted plants.

  • Ljo20453236 Ljo20453236 on Mar 29, 2017

    Thanks for your great suggestions!