How do I create a relaxing space on the south side?

https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/easy-backyard-diys?utm_term=.li50o9lp2#.dgyxXV15a

https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/

https://www.craftionary.net/25-diy-garden-projects-anyone-can-make/

https://www.thespruce.com/diy-outdoor-decor-projects-452730

https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/easy-diy-projects-for-beautiful-garden-accents-pictures

Wow! Sassy provided you with lots of ideas. Maybe one of the most important things to consider early on is how the space will be used. Maybe divide it into more than one or two areas and start close to the door and work out further in time. If your Mom wants privacy you could start by planting a hedge so it can start growing right away and then work inward from there. I bet you two will have a lot of fun creating the new outdoor space. Good luck. :)

A small patio, gazebo, or even a swing and umbrella.

Hey TMJ, first of all I want to thank you for the great pictures from all sides! This really helps.

Now, you said your mom had lots of ideas, we might want to try to incorporate some them into that large space. Is that grass and does it come back? Do you want it? Initially I thought about a nice paver patio with a tranquility pond and some perennials. Then a shade cloth or pergola for shade. Or/and an ornamental tree for shade and beauty.

What was there before? It looks squared off already like a deck, or above ground pool or maybe a corral was there.

Keep in touch!

First, let me say that you have a beautiful property. To begin, put your plans on paper including measurements. I like the idea of tilling the area on the south side and laying down either sod or grass seed. Plant a couple trees in the area and make cute boarders around them. Hang some bird feeders in the trees. That way you and your Mom could sit out there and watch the birds eating. Whatever you decide, have fun with it. Those will be the memories you will someday cherish . Best of luck to you and your Mom too.

Such a beautiful area to work with. I’m sure you’d like to sit out in the evening and watch the sunset. Why not make a space for a patio swing or a glider facing west . Plant several raised beds of flowers on the periphery. Hang a couple of window boxes on those two windiws with flowers in complimentary colors. Put down pavers or flag stone to make a path from the front door to the side yard. Make it homey — put a welcome sign in that section — something that says come and sit a spell. Goid luck!

Hi Melissa! Before, she had a dry creek bed with a bridge and tree with different flowers and cacti all over. The tree was dying so we pulled it out and had a new sprinkler system installed.

The lovely green stuff you see are crab grass and weeds that will definitely be going to the cows.

My mom is hoping to put in a patio with natural rock and a shade tree. Where the lilies are, she wants an arch to distinguish the walkway up to the house. Again with natural rock as the stepping stones, so it all flows together. Any suggestions, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

When you say barn is that your parents barn? Do they do farming? Do they need a kitchen garden? Or are your plans just for decorative and recreational purposes? Vines grow very fast and give shade. We were in Williamsburg last June and they had lovely grape arbors and also ivy growing to give shade outdoors. I love the idea of small trees, esp fruit trees and willows are lovely if you have water nearby. You did post pics of the house which help a lot but it would be very helpful to see the front and the back of the house as that must be the focus of your design.