What do you do with a backyard that is about 3/4 of an acre,
by
Grandma1957
+2
It is surroundedby a chain link fence and has almost nothing on it. A few trees in one corner, 2 storage areas and a swing set. Very little money to use , but would love some raised beds for easy gardening. But need more ideas.
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Water elements are always a good choice. The cost can be low to moderate using items (logs, rocks, etc.) that may be already on the property. You can create a nice small pond with just a good pump and a liner for the hole, if you don't want the expense of a pre-formed pond shape. Hope this helps!
That's a nice big space! Maybe plant some nice shrubs in front of the chain link fence, so you have a pretty view and a feeling of enclosure. I have had that type of fence too--I planted some various things like shrub roses, tall-growing azaleas, old fashioned bridal wreath, some evergreens, because those fences don't give you privacy.. I didn't have a lot to spend all at once, so i did different sections each year, looking for bargains in garden stores and catalogs. A pretty small ornamental tree somewhere as a focal point, and eventually providing a shaded spot to sit? And of course, save sunny places for your raised beds.
What about planting a fruit tree each year? You eventually could have your own little orchard in the back of your yard.
Plant lovely smelling things along the fence. Climbing roses, lavenders, wisteria, etc.
Do you want to cover the fence? I have a friend (now it's me) who was overrun with Rose of Sharon. I used it as sic - fencing around our yard, and now It's popping up everywhere, and I'm giving it away. It's very dense(no see-thru) and hardy here in NE Ohio. Plus it comes in many colors. I believe the doubles(if you want to buy one) are sterile. FYI Wisteria can be too heavy. We did a fence in trumpet vine, Very invasive, but good coverage. re the garden, Join Freecycle (everything must be free!)and adv. for some old ( not oil soaked or treated) 8-10 inch wide lumber, dig down a bit it in a rectangular shape, fill with dirt, and plant away.
if you do try raised beds, put cardboard or layers of newspapers down first to kill the grass and weeds underneath. We didn't think we needed to and 3 years later I am still fighting them. I also put raspberry and blackberry plants on my fence as a cover - do put them in small raised beds or they will spread all over your yard. We started with 4 beds and have added each year, just using 2" X 12" 's. All of our beds are 4' wide so that I can reach both sides.
Some are 12" deep and others are 24" for plants that need more depth. We do use a soaker hose system on a timer for watering. I love my garden and hope that you decide to try one. Good Luck.