How do I convert a former playgrnd into an attractive frontyard area?
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The kids are grown and the playground equipment is gone, but the retaining wall and area in my front yard remains. What to do with it... Flower bed, sitting area,??? The area faces South so it gets full sun except a little shade from the two trees on each end. How can I spruce up and utilize this prime street appeal area without breaking the bank? Thanks!
I'd do several flower beds. I can see azalea along the wall with mums between. That will give spring and fall color. Get some roses closer to house. Use perenials when ever possible since they do not need to be replanted. Check Michigan Bulb; they offer more for less.
Wow! What a gorgeous house and yard you have. I imagine the tree roots are already playing havoc with the retaining wall, and there seems to be some water runoff between the trees. The trees could easily blow down on the wall in a bad storm, although they might last another ten years. I wouldnāt plan anything big ten feet of either side of the retaining wall. But paint the wall white. Just simple exterior white, easy to repaint. Add the house numbers in Black very large letters, but no name. At that point above the wall, even under the trees, Iād love to see some yard swings, chairs, tea tables, and some rose bushes and even a unifying terrace to anchor it all. Below the wall, and outside of the shade, is a nice spot for a container garden, either flowers, vegetables, or some combo, plus a small fruit orchard. Paint the containers and lawn furniture in bright, striking colors if you want them visible from the edge of this photograph. I donāt see a flagpole, but there is plenty of room for a couple nearer the house. If you have a driveway with trim that could be painted white, even better. A clean, crisp, traditional and very alluring curb appeal awaits! āŗļø
What a gorgeous setting! I do love azaleas, but you'd need to find ones hardy enough for the Midwest (there are some). Another though I had was to plant some Knockout or shrub roses. They don't need a lot of care, just sunlight. Another suggestion would be daylilies planted in front of the walls (especially the ever-blooming kind). They're pretty hardy, too.
Flower beds are the name of the game. Use land scape fabric. Buy fabric that will last several years. That will be on the label. Then mulch. I would use 3 Inches. Keeps the moisture in and cools the soil. For even more weed control sprinkle with Preen. The less lawn the better. Lay out the gardens so that you can reach everything from the edge or put in paths in a large bed so you can walk into the bed. Some weeds will grow but with the fabric and mulch they will be so easy to pull. Good luck with such a wonderful yard.
More great comments! Thank you all. I had considered a trellis and possibly a bench, but liked the idea of a quaint table and chairs. Painting the wall was an interesting idea too. Wonderful flower suggestions and tips. Thanks again!
Just plant flowers vines over the wall to hang over it will look pretty