Does this look better? I am thinking about grass or porch

Tyler S
by Tyler S
So, I removed the garden, because it was getting crowed in the front yard, and my mom and I wanted to remove them. So right now, it doesn't look bad. It actually looks better than before. So, in the spring time, or in the fall, (As soon as possible) I am thinking about putting bricks thing (what do you call that?) lol... and make it into a deck or something, then we can have table with umbrella on it! :) Any Suggestions?
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  7 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Sep 07, 2012
    I made a small flagstone patio out in front of my house a couple of years ago, and I was really happy with the way it turned out. It's a really easy DIY project, too. it helped that I got some free leftover flagstone from my wife's cousin, but for a small project like this, you might be able to find some scraps on Freecycle or Craigslist, at least to get you started.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Sep 08, 2012
    Go for it Tyler! More and more people are realizing that space to relax is what they want so they are taking out landscaping and putting in small sitting areas. But keep in mind that putting in a sitting area in stone requires a lot of prep work and will be nothing but a mess if you do not do it correctly! Using irregularly shaped stones can give you more flexibility of precision since you are a novice as well as allow you to make an irregularly shaped area. In other words, it will hide a bunch of the flaws and bruises! Good luck...send photos!
  • Angela A Angela A on Sep 08, 2012
    I agree, and love the ideas above...you're doing an awesome job!! keep it up! looking great!! An added idea for your birdbath depending on amount of sun you get there, I turned mine into a planter....I have one full of sedum, and it is literally touching the ground now from hanging over the sides! Its beautiful! I have another birdbath (that I havent had time to work on yet) that I want to put succulents in)... where I am, its just too hard to keep changing out the water every other day or so for the birds :( , and I have too many mosquitos I have to fight already!
  • Becky H Becky H on Sep 08, 2012
    The only thing I can add here is if you choose to do the porch, hardscape/sitting area, take some chairs or furniture out there and arrange it comfortably, in the same places you'd wish it to be when the area is finished. That will help you determine the general/desired size/shape of the hardscape.
  • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Sep 08, 2012
    Becky that is a great suggestion. Two of the design aspects of outdoor space are functionality and perspective. I always asked a client if I can view the perspective from the window that they will be looking at the landscaping. I take a chair and set it on a deck or patio and sit in it, because that is really what the client will be doing. Those few feet difference really can make a big difference. The functionality is all about 'can we really use this space comfortably', and by putting the furniture in place before the first piece of stone is set is a wonderful suggestion.
  • Tyler S Tyler S on Sep 08, 2012
    Thanks guys! I will totally look on craigslist! That is a good idea! I will try to have a table or a chair and arrange it so I can make the way I would like and to see if it will fits! I don't have a table with matching chairs, oh, GOODWILL, EBAY, CRIAGSLIST TIME!!!! :)
  • Myrna Engle Myrna Engle on Dec 18, 2014
    Considering that your yard slopes to the road, be sure to take into account erosion from rainfall and months of snow. You may need to level and then edge the area before putting in the stones. It will be lovely to have a serene calm hide away for yourselves.