How to improve a garden
by
Yaron
+14
Hi, I have a small part of the yard, around 250 SF that is based above a garage (the land above the garage is around one foot high).
It's a bit neglected. Any ideas how I can make it look nice?
It's a bit neglected. Any ideas how I can make it look nice?
17 answers
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First I would fill in where it looks like puddles...just add a little sand. If you have to consider weight, go for lighter materials like mulch. I would put in a mulch path & sitting area and then just tidy up the area and put out some pretty plastic pots...they are out in stunningly bright colors this year...yesterday we bought orange, yellow, blue, red (posts will be out soon). These pots will not add as much weight but will add color. They come in small to huge sizes...go with the small & medium ones. Then add colorful flowers. We are going to put yellow in the red pot/white in the orange pot/purple in the yellow pot and pink in the blue pot...add a few vines and it will be beautiful!
Jeanette S
on Mar 20, 2013
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This is on the roof of your garage, with a foot of soil on top of the roof? What do you use the space for? It looks like you would have a nice view from there, so, as Jeanette says, a seating area would be nice. I would definitely put larger plants in pots to avoid issues with the roof.
Douglas Hunt
on Mar 20, 2013
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This appears to be an awesome space, but I would love to see a couple more angles, before I offer suggestions.
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Mar 20, 2013
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I would create a curved, lima bean, edge that extends 3 feet out from the boundaries and plant a beautiful combination of perennials, annuals, and biennials. I would also create a focal point where the wrought iron fence meets the stone wall. An unusual weeping cherry tree or fountain or something with some height.
Bonni G on Mar 20, 2013
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I think I would make a nice grassy floor and put only chaise lounges up there with tables of course. Maybe 2 thornless blackberries in pots at each corner to meet in the middle for a screen That would be so lovely while flowering and producing. They stay green all year. Blackberries take less water.
Nancy Rhodes C
on Mar 20, 2013
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Even out the landscaping (be it with grass or whatever material you like)..then add a seating area under a pergola or something similar pending sunlight, etc. And I agree, it needs color!
Cori H
on Mar 20, 2013
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A small table and chairs and a small tree with leaves for the sun , more flowers too and a koi pond with a walkway as well too .
Sharons
on Mar 20, 2013
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Take up the stones and create a small patio on the right side of the wall. Bench or small patio set there. Put in a small pond/bubbling water feature toward the left side of the wall. Flowering vine to trail up the wall. I would use an annual for lots of long lasting color. Clean out the mulch/lava rock(hard to tell what it is) and reseed central area. I would make a flower garden in the left corner of the picture with a winding boarder along the left. A beautiful climbing rose for the metal structure on the left. Clean area out along wrought iron fence to avoid weeding/mowing that area and create another 3 foot boarder filled with color assuming you get sufficient sun. I'm sure whatever is chosen it will be beautiful. Good luck!
Lorna M
on Mar 20, 2013
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It definetely needs some color, and somewhere to sit.
Helen M
on Mar 20, 2013
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needs a bird bath-----patio lights----flowers---- a sign----stone walkway----wind chimes-- & some T L C !!
David Baldasaro
on Mar 20, 2013
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Try a zen garden
Jeulia H
on Mar 20, 2013
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I wanna see it when youre done!!
Charlene Dorsey
on Mar 20, 2013
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In such a small space, I would make sure you use similar patterns and materials throughout. You have a small retaining wall that doesn't seem to have much of a purpose, however it does draw in your eye. Cut a nice clean bed in front of it for perennials and a few annuals. Add a small water feature (fountain in a pot) and some grasses along the iron fence to soften the edge. If the iron fencing along the front of the picture is to keep away from the edge, maybe replace it with a few small shrubs - again to soften the edge. As far as the rest of it goes, I would unify the "grass" area with pavers or just grass. Add a small seating area off to the side, where you can sit and admire your work! This is a great space to get a little creative, try something that you have always wanted to try, but was afraid to! :0)
Sistah Sunshine
on Mar 20, 2013
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A perfect place for a prayer labyrinth. http://pinterest.com/ruthsmommybrain/prayer-labyrinths/
Julie
on Mar 20, 2013
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Nees colorul flowers & a weeping willow planted
Diane P
on Mar 20, 2013
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Hi everybody, thank you so much for the wonderful advice and ideas. I am going to think it through and start working on it in the next few weeks based on some of your suggestions. I'll post photos once its done.
Yaron
on Mar 21, 2013
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Treat this as the "roof garden" that it is. Use only lightweight soil mixes and shallow rooted plants. For inspiration, visit the roof garden at Atlanta City Hall or one of the many other ones around Atlanta
Home & Garden Design, Inc., Danna Cain, ASLA
on Apr 15, 2013
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