definition between public spaces in your yard and private spaces add to making your yard much more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Compare your 'outdoor rooms' with those inside your home; it's nice to have clear definition between the foyer, living room kitchen (public in a sense) and home office, den and bedrooms (the private). The in between space we refer to as the "Transition Zone." With in the 'transition zone' there should exist a clear demarcation that you are moving from one space to the next... "The Threshold." The most evident place for the transition from the front/public to the back/private is located in the side yard. Usually a space that is neglected, unused and only occupied when you're mowing the lawn.

The "Classic Cedar Pergola" was designed to create the entrance to the backyard... The Threshold. To assist in the creation of privacy, custom cedar panels were installed to the "Classic Cedar Pergola." From a distance it appears as a fence and the site line to the backyard is interrupted. The clay paver path zig-zags through the pergola establishing a smooth pedestrian flow. Privacy is established. The side yard is no longer a barren wasteland. The overall feeling of space is increased.

The design concept and project were created by Sr. Landscape Designer Glenn! Switzer. Glenn! is a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Landscape Structures: Arbors and Pergolas by Switzer's http://www.switzersnursery.com/what-we-do/la...

section of our house, the traffice can be reirected by using the deck(on the right/behind the wood fence) I usually throw down mulch(every year) and it is always gone by the next spring. We have major maple tress that throw down the red things and helicopters not to mention the leaves, this is why the mulch never stays. The area behind the garage faces my neighbors back yard and I wouuld love to have it not be an eye sore for them. The dirt is very hard and the maple trees have roots that love to come to the top of the soil. HELP! What do you think would be a great fix for this area.

only be adding soil to the low spots which will help redirect the water, but I will create a beautiful space where I would much rather spend my time with the flowers and plants than cutting the grass :) Huge undertaking, but I am psyched up for it!

So far, I have used some "lasagna gardening" techniques- covered all of the grass (and weeds!) with newspaper, cardboard or paper yard refuse bags. Second step, top that with garden soil mix. I am waiting until I'm sure there are no more frost advisories before I start to plant my flowers and vines. I've started collecting the seedlings I'm going to plant as well as growing some from seeds. (I've got an ENTIRE back yard to fill with flowers!!!) I've been planning my secret garden layout and I can't wait until I can actually start planting my flowers! Wish me luck!

flowers and shrubs. I have chopped it down but I would like to get rid of it. I can't use anything that might kill the ground because my flowers would be killed with it. Digging it up is a futile effort because it comes back eventually. Does anyone know how to help me with this situation?

for my hubby, so I did what any crazy self-proclaimed do-it-yourselfer would do. I built it myself! It was a large, heavy project, but not too difficult! You can see instructions and more photos at the link below.

hardwood. (of course they need to go to for one reason or another) One triple trunk oak in my front yard. It was the first to go. It is amazing how they take these trees down without harming the vegetation around it. I will add more pics as the day goes on.