Asked on Jun 02, 2014

Southern CA Backyard Corner Needs Beauty!

Megan Aubrey
by Megan Aubrey
My sister lives in the beautiful, golden weather, no humidity, wild-fire ridden state of California and has a beautiful home. However, the other day she texted me a picture of the corner of her backyard with a plea, “HELP! Looking for inexpensive ideas to make this backyard corner beautiful!”
She already has a beautiful covered patio with table and chairs to eat at so she doesn't want a place to eat. Also, it needs to be pretty low maintenance and able to survive in the California desert.
Also, she is not the biggest DIYer so she is looking for simple ideas on how to spruce this space up on a budget.
What ideas do you have for the space?
  71 answers
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jun 02, 2014
    Why not get some of that natural growing ice plant and create a green space. Don't know if that is the proper name for the plant, but it is hardy and is a ground cover.
  • Lori J Lori J on Jun 02, 2014
    Yikes...that chain link has to go. Surely a nice wood privacy panel and an inviting gate (maybe with a trellis over the top) would go a long, long way. I think I would turn it into a little sitting area and go the potted route.
    • See 2 previous
    • Lori J Lori J on Jun 04, 2014
      @L.Briscoe That is a very short section of fencing. You may be able to locate a section of wood fencing on Craigslist.
  • Mitziblueyes Mitziblueyes on Jun 03, 2014
    Being she has some potting stuff why not convert it Into a potting bench area and us
  • Mitziblueyes Mitziblueyes on Jun 03, 2014
    (Oops hit done) and use that table with a few chairs as a small sittin area. If she can't afford the new fence idea I'd find a quick growing bush or trailing vine for it to hide behind!
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jun 03, 2014
    The first thing I would do is move the stones over to the area where people walk! Make a nice walkway from the fence. Then I would spray away the grass in the corner and put in a border with the stones and make a gravel area for a zen garden. There is a beautiful variegated Liriope that does not run wild and some small interesting plants would work well.
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 03, 2014
      @Jeanette S A zen garden! I would have never thought of that. Cool! Love the walkway idea too!
  • Sherry Sherry on Jun 03, 2014
    She needs some yard art!! The kind I make you don't have to water. :) I'd say you don't have to get rid of the chain linked fence...hang stuff on it, like bird houses or block the view by putting some sheperd hooks with hanging baskets. My shop link https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecycledBySkattur
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 03, 2014
      @Sherry I love the idea of hanging things on the fence. Such pretty yard art too!
  • Honestly, investing in an artificial grass lawn would be a great idea for her because it looks absolutely great year round and it requires little to absolutely no maintenance at all.
  • Mary Byrne Mary Byrne on Jun 04, 2014
    I personally would keep the chain link fence, if there is no visible rust. I would just "dress it up". you could attach a bamboo like fence with zip ties or wire, if your going for the zen feel. or you could also attach lattice.
  • Terry H Terry H on Jun 04, 2014
    a gazebo?
  • Sfg178760 Sfg178760 on Jun 04, 2014
    Can I have that truck? o)
  • Debra Kraft Debra Kraft on Jun 04, 2014
    Some birdhouses, a birdbath, and a few native plants.
  • Beverly Tayler Beverly Tayler on Jun 04, 2014
    I would do the same w/ the stones on the ground.. make a path with them. I would do a trellis of ivy on the wall. http://www.allaboutmygarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Plymouth-gardens-5-1000px.jpg
  • Wendy Johnson Wendy Johnson on Jun 04, 2014
    great ideas, I have nothing to add, I just hope to see the end result by commenting-hope you dont mind..Oh and I love their old truck
  • Bernice Semanco Baker Bernice Semanco Baker on Jun 04, 2014
    There are critters in Southern California that she wouldn't want to invite into her yard I am sure....I would go with a nice setting area here...maybe put bamboo over the fence...but I think I would paint the cement block wall to look like the brick on the house to bring it together. With that said...go with potted plants and a zen fountain.
  • Heather Brinkley Heather Brinkley on Jun 04, 2014
    A couple trees, green shrubs, a triangle shade over would work there and a free standing hammock, relaxation station!!!!
  • JS JS on Jun 04, 2014
    Since this is not part of her covers patio, I would suggest turning it into a safe BBQ area. Inexpensive stone pavers could be used to create the 'floor' and a trellise panel over the chain link could be use create privacy. Potted vines can be set out to grow and cover the trellis.
  • Cindy Cindy on Jun 04, 2014
    What about some type of water wall on the cement blocks to add to " Zen" garden ...would add tranquility and interest.
  • Bob Staley Bob Staley on Jun 04, 2014
    Sell me the truck so it isn't in the picture?
  • Janice Sheeks Janice Sheeks on Jun 04, 2014
    The lattice sounds like a good idea for the fence, or a Clematis Vine (if It works in that climate). I would paint the cinder blocks, move the stones, throw down some grass seed, add a couple of relaxing outdoor chairs, a side table and pots, pots, pots of flowers.
  • Auntenna Auntenna on Jun 04, 2014
    How about a grape vine on the chain link fence? Dual purpose and it could extend around the corner. Then a patio made of pavers, perhaps, with the table painted and a couple of chairs. Or all lawn. Lots of options.
  • Bre Casey Bre Casey on Jun 04, 2014
    I just want the truck!!! Will pick up!!!! (no pun intended!)
  • Linda Allen Linda Allen on Jun 04, 2014
    A big rose bush and an antique pump water feature pouring into a big wooden bucket. Ground cover around the area.
  • Jan Remling Jan Remling on Jun 04, 2014
    paint the brick wall....
  • Alicia Crawford Alicia Crawford on Jun 04, 2014
    I think this is the perfect place for one of those really amazing canopies that have the sheer panels on all four corners that you can pull together at each post and tie to give it a super romantic look...then lay some type of all purpose weather resistance flooring down and fill it with some nice patio furniture with plenty of candle, lamps, and such for a soft lighting, have several small tables included with plants displayed throughout...would make a perfect spot for entertaining or a great place for that time when you want to be alone to read or whatever...clematis of several colors growing along the fence would add so much and hide it from the area.
  • Debbie G Debbie G on Jun 04, 2014
    In Ca a rhododendron or two would be perfect there, then maybe do terraced pots of all kinds of plants, anything from zinnias to coleus, ferns, even agapanthus, then maybe do a border of a small growing perennial..I like the flagstone idea to put the terraced pots on...
  • Andrea Robinson Andrea Robinson on Jun 04, 2014
    Chain link can be spray painted. I would paint the fence and the cement wall pale green. Remove the existing stones and patchy grass. Lay flattened, recycled cardboard containers as a weed barrier from the potted palm to the fence (area squared). Cover with river rock. Set stones as a border. Add bright colored pots and assorted succulents as budget allows. I also love the idea of hanging glass plates on the chain link - but only in a childless home.
  • Darla Darla on Jun 04, 2014
    Paint (or stain) the cinder-block wall... Plant a vine to cover the fence... add more pavers.... put plant hooks on the wall (by drilling into the mortar between the blocks)...A few hanging baskets... maybe a table with an umbrella and some chairs?
  • Shelley S Shelley S on Jun 04, 2014
    How about a rock garden with drought resistant succulant plants? Some yucka plants? You can buy rock or go on family rock finding expeditions.
  • Linda Stroud Huggins Linda Stroud Huggins on Jun 04, 2014
    Would stain the walls, trellis the chain link fence for appearance or small bushes providing privacy, lay more pavers for sitting area or fountain?
  • Jami Scanlan Jami Scanlan on Jun 04, 2014
    Paint/stain wall, ornamental evergreen bushes along chain link or tall ornamental tall grass to give some privacy from ugly chain link. Get rid of stepping stones and plant some low matinence annuals. Maybe a cute bench or chair with colorful pillows and small table.
  • Rudy Oakley Rudy Oakley on Jun 04, 2014
    I think a nice water feature, pavers, paint wall and fence and lots of plants, vines would make a beautiful relaxing area!
  • Terri Brodfuehrer Terri Brodfuehrer on Jun 04, 2014
    they have different coatings (stucco, etc) for cinder block.. then on pinterest the other day there was a much larger wall with planters attached and different decor attached.. if she's into art, have an artist come by and work their magic. Then there are the painted ones, which, surprises me about this color, I actually like it. Paint it a bold color and add plants or cactus? the pic is from there in cali.. LA, I believe. I like how they applied decorative tile to it.
  • Velvet Jones-Krueger Velvet Jones-Krueger on Jun 04, 2014
    Boganvia I'm not sure of the spelling and paint or stain the block wall and add some art to wall and a birdbath or water feature the ideas are endless
  • Sandy Eck Sandy Eck on Jun 04, 2014
    A small pond. I love mine.
  • Richard Monje Richard Monje on Jun 04, 2014
    You can never go wrong with some kind of water feature....fountain, bird bath, waterfall, small pond, and then build around that
  • Gini Gini on Jun 04, 2014
    I would paint the cement block wall, and cover the chain link fence with something, even outdoor curtains. Then I would put one of those round slumber couches there, with lots of pillows If the area gets a lot of sun, I would drape some sailcloth or use a large umbrella. Put planters with your favorite flowers all around, and you have a nice reading area.
  • Dix183812 Dix183812 on Jun 04, 2014
    How about some citrus trees--orange, lemon--they grow well in CA. I live here too and have a dwarf Meyer lemon that produces all year 'round.
  • Rosie Velasquez Rosie Velasquez on Jun 04, 2014
    paint the cinder block light yellow, fill in the dirt area with square pavers, buy long white flower bed boxes put against the back wall, fill in with bright flowers purple, yellow, red & white, start adding patio furniture on top of pavers, from yard sales etc. it will be a never ending project with tons of fun too. Good Luck, send pics!
  • Amy S Amy S on Jun 04, 2014
    Too many non-California responses so hope this helps. Put some trellis along that back wall and plant bougainvelia (sp?) or just some potted plants along the wall and paint the wall a different color. Vines would grow llike mad on that fence - maybe nasturtium - they don't need much once they get started. If you can help her out you could build a wall of succulents - very drought tolerant and pleasant.
  • Kelli Blanton Kelli Blanton on Jun 04, 2014
    Honeysuckle on the chain link fence, bird houses on the brick wall, fern planted in the background corner, a birdbath circled with flowers
  • Debbie Thomas Debbie Thomas on Jun 04, 2014
    Put that potting bench to work and make a great potters corner out of it! Trellis and flowers...
  • Maria DiTondo Maria DiTondo on Jun 04, 2014
    I'd go wider with the pavers. Add pebbles in between. Some trellis' s with pretty vines. Some hanging colorfull flowers. On the chain link fence I would also do climbing vines or something. Or at least put those privacy slats thru the fence.
  • Brenda Brenda on Jun 04, 2014
    Remove the stones and fill entire area with pea gravel. Plant a vine type plant to grow on the chain link fence. Hang a colorful outdoor pic or sculpture on the concrete wall. Add a firepit and adirondack chairs and you have a nice little oasis.
  • Mclines Mclines on Jun 04, 2014
    Get some flower pots and put artificial flowers in it
  • Wendi Beck Wendi Beck on Jun 04, 2014
    Start some grape vines on the fence keeping them neat and productive and ad a water feature more pavers and a couple of chairs and tiki torch citronella and enjoy the beauty of nature with a perfect snack growing right there by her.
  • Herlinda Sanchez Herlinda Sanchez on Jun 04, 2014
    use the table behind the fence, paint it your favor color, add a bench n chairs, different colors, add silk flowers in a vase n use it for familt, friends gathering, good luck,
  • Lena Campbell Lena Campbell on Jun 04, 2014
    For safety issues I would not fully cover the chain link fence. There is a gate there and I assume people use it. The walkway to/from the gate should be enhanced using the pavers that are in the corner. Some tall, willowy grasses could be used to detract from the chain fence. Paint is the cheapest way to address the block fence or some narrow growing trees or shrubs. I'd recommend yard art for the corner as a water feature can become work for someone who isn't a DIYer. If not art, then maybe she could create a potting table in the area as it looks like she has the start of one on the other side of the fence. I'd like to see her find the rear end of an old truck similar to this one and cut it down and plant it full of flowers spilling over the bed.
  • Valinda W Valinda W on Jun 04, 2014
    climbing roses, maybe in red, orange or yellow. it will give it that "POP" !
  • Leona slone Leona slone on Jun 04, 2014
    Beside the boganvilla, I'd add cactusand a water feature. Don't forget a bird feeder. Get rid of tose pavers or restage then into a path.
  • Mho247859 Mho247859 on Jun 04, 2014
    I would take out the pavers. Lay down a couple layers of landscaping fabric to cover the grass. Haul in a load of pea stone (the crunch is nice under foot), paint the back wall a light beige or have it stucco, go to Home Depot and get some retaining bricks and build a raised planter along the back wall. Fill it with your favorite plants for your area. On the part of the chain link that is free of the gate, I would plant bougainvillea for sure. It fills in quickly and is beautiful in a variety of colors. Depending on your budget, choose some patio furniture, a colorful umbrella, comfortable chairs and perhaps a store bought fountain of some kind for the ambiance. A couple of low tiki torches to keep the bugs away and for lighting and you have a great extension of your home. Possibly a fire pit of some kind or a chiminea for cool evenings. blues are very relaxing and cooling.
  • Sandra Whittier Sandra Whittier on Jun 04, 2014
    Power wash the wall, use some of your neighbors bamboo to cover the chain link fence (in cement pots, if it's invasive) two bags of cement to make more pavers, and tycondra for ground cover, seating. Yep, I'm jealous, too. Water feature, but bird feeders bring snakes
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 09, 2014
      @Sandra Whittier I know, right? Gorgeous space! She's a lucky girl! Love those ideas - so resourceful!
  • Sandi Nelson Sandi Nelson on Jun 04, 2014
    If she has grandchildren or young nieces /nephews, she could put down pavers and allow grass to grow in between and put activity table. For herself, a potter's table, raised garden. Great place for a water feature.
  • Jessie Jessie on Jun 05, 2014
    Looks shady great place for a succulent garden, pea gravel pots and yard art.
    • See 1 previous
    • Jessie Jessie on Jun 10, 2014
      One more thing I have a block wall I covered it in two years with one six inch pot of creaping fig vine, the birds pooped me a grape Vine and some other vine volunteered.
  • Laurena Mooney Laurena Mooney on Jun 05, 2014
    My step-dad in AZ made a retaining wall for a basement patio and planted pyracantha.to trail around the wall. I don't know how it turned out as I moved out of state before it was really big. However, it is very thorny. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/trees/pyracan.html
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 09, 2014
      @Laurena Mooney Ooo that sounds pretty! Good to know about the thorns though...
  • Laurel Laurel on Jun 05, 2014
    I'd make a vegetable garden there. Hang some gutters on the fence and put some hanging flowers and veggies in them. Then some rows of veggies with a bird bath amongst the rows. Pretty and you get to eat some fresh goodies to boot.
  • Angie W Angie W on Jun 05, 2014
    I would do something like this......or instead of wood on the wall and fence you could paint the wall, and add a lattice in front of the fence, add a climbing vine to climb up the lattice....
  • Angie W Angie W on Jun 05, 2014
    This is nice also.....add some outdoor furniture....or chairs and fire pit...
  • Angie W Angie W on Jun 05, 2014
    Sorry...didn't see the "inexpensive" clause........Whoops !
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 09, 2014
      @Angie W haha! That's okay. I love the pictures you shared. Maybe she can do something like the High Low project! Because those spaces are beautiful!
  • Betty Webb Betty Webb on Jun 05, 2014
    Take up grass and lay down landscaping fabric then use existing pavers and place in a circle close together to soften the sharp corners of the area. Pour in pea gravel with brown tones between the paver spaces and the rest of the area. Stain or paint the wall and hang planters with flowers on it. The rest can be up to you. Firepit and benches or just a chair or two with small tables for sipping ice tea and reading a book or any other creative idea. You can grow a vine or place some shrubs along the chain link fence or build seating/storage benches/boxes along it with some cushions and pillows.
  • Jodi Collins Jodi Collins on Jun 05, 2014
    I would paint the wall...bright with a design or pattern. If artistic or know someone, a mural would be awesome!
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 09, 2014
      @Jodi Collins Oh if you could find the right artist, a mural would be amazing!
  • Barbara williams Barbara williams on Jun 05, 2014
    Just a thought at Cracker Barrel the restaurant they did a faux serenity garden..now I live in the hot desserts and I can pull this off and bet she can to..if you can go to your local hospital or rehab facility and look at there serenity gardens very nice and beautiful...where I live mine will be more whimsical because if the 110 degree days but wewill give it a shot
  • Carol Scott Porter Carol Scott Porter on Jun 05, 2014
    you can go to Lowes and get a roll of reed fence to cover the gate. it will still be useable because you can cut it to fit each section and it will be like 8 foot tall and give privacy. It may be bamboo but they sell it in their garden dept
  • Barbara Chapman Barbara Chapman on Jun 05, 2014
    For starters, paint the concrete block wall, a color that goes with the color scheme of the house. Remove the stones, dig out some of the soil. Cover the soil area with several layers of newspaper (do NOT use the colored sections) lay down mulch and replace the stones, adding more stones. Use potted plants or do a border around the stone area. Plant vines around the chain link fence, morning glories or sweat peas are both easy to grow and can be started from seed. Good luck!
    • See 2 previous
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 10, 2014
      @Barbara Chapman Awesome! Thank you!
  • Patti Trail-Centers Patti Trail-Centers on Jun 05, 2014
    I would paint the wall depending on her present decor ....an match it up ....French chic seems to scream at me the perfect spot for a rehab potting bench old tattered chair and soft fabrics a spot for some yummy flowering pots ....of course either some refurbished tire rubber mulch and I would leave the stepping stones, add some simple weaving of plastic trash bag strips to the chain link fence ....cute and cheap time consuming but great results....the fence could also become a trellis for a fab wisteria ,.....oh so many cheap inexpensive options ...old wheel barrel full of flowers and a rocker or hammock with vintage linens surrounded by flowers great reading spot
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 09, 2014
      @Patti Trail-Centers Fun ideas! Thank you! What a great budget vision. I always forget the rubber mulch too. It's such a good eco-friendly option.
  • Danielle V Danielle V on Jun 05, 2014
    we live in Southern California too and have raised beds...We've been harvesting strawberries like crazy...maybe she'd like to have something like that?
  • Lorraine Lorraine on Jun 05, 2014
    My questions : what is the wall brick or cinder block, does the grass need to go?? Is she interested in a small garden? Would another seating area be on her list?
    • See 2 previous
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 11, 2014
      @Lorraine Love those ideas! Thank you!
  • Lorraine Lorraine on Jun 11, 2014
    Whatever your sister decides - I hope she posts the finished product.
    • Megan Aubrey Megan Aubrey on Jun 11, 2014
      @Lorraine Me too! She read through all these comments and said she has a design idea coming together! I'll definitely ask her to send me a picture so I can post it!
  • Suellen Hintz Suellen Hintz on Apr 11, 2016
    If the old truck is always in that spot, open the tailgate and put tiers of potted plants. Could be cactus and succulents...considering the water situation. Move the blue barrel to a slightly different location. Load the area around the table with more potted plants, empty pots, birdcages, old yard tools, etc. Redo the "floor" by adding grass barrier, additional stones, and finish off the gaps with sand. In the past I have wired rolls of bamboo to chain link fence or find old doors to stand up in front of the newly painted wall, add chairs and a water feature for sound, as well as a vine on some of the fence.
  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Apr 26, 2022

    Hi Megan, sorry, I know your question is from a while back, but if your sister is still struggling with that spot she could look at making some inexpensive, gabion planters that will both hide the fence and create interest. This is how we made ours - https://acraftymix.com/blog/gabion-planters/

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 25, 2024

    I would cover the fences with artificial roll out hedge. Then see what I fancied doing after that! Maybe a Cactus garden??