How do I make this space look better? Help!
Hello everyone! I've been working on making my backyard a little more presentable and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to landscape the area. It's already come a long way from where it first started but now I'm stuck.
If this was your backyard, how would you do the landscaping without spending a lot? I would like a walkway from the backdoor to the fire pit and sitting area and then a walkway back to the side of the house. But I can't decide on how to do that. Any ideas or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Here's a couple pictures of what it looks like right now. Ignore the dirt areas throughout the lawn, those are the areas that I picked all the weeds and planted grass seed.. it just hasn't grown in yet.
Thanks in advance!
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I would perhaps do some raised beds, just to add a little visual interest and height to the otherwise flat area. I would make the sitting area a bit more cozy, too with cushions, lounge chairs, etc. I'd love on Pinterest for some ideas for pathways.
Hi Carley!
I know waiting for grass seed seems like it takes forever! My idea would be to purchase concrete molds like this on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/TureLaugh-SuperThinker-Pathmate-Pavement-Concrete/dp/B07RB66XNF/ref=sr_1_10?crid=1H6CE7FDGA4P5&dchild=1&keywords=stone+stamps+for+concrete&sprefix=stone+stamp%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-10
it is cost effective, maybe something like a pergola to cover the eating area at the rear, hanging some canvas type long curtains or a gazebo?
I am not sure where you live, but I would think wild ferns (these grow well in Canada, I like how they soften hard edges, or pampas grass etc. perhaps some field stones to add interest, a portable water fountain, Lowes and Home Depot carry them. Good luck!
Planters with architectural plantings or flowers suited to your growing zone would be an awesome visual enhancement.
Looks great! Maybe adding mulch around the areas with no grass. IF you can afford new grass or install sod.
It depends on what material you want for your walkway - brick, stone, or some sort of crushed stone or pea gravel would all look nice. The walkways will have to be dug-out, covered with landscape cloth to prevent weeds, and then have sand/gravel added for a base (depending on which material you want). Here's a link with some ideas to get you started:
https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/topics/walkways
Some ideas
https://www.google.com/search?source=univ&tbm=isch&q=diy+patio+ideas+on+a+budget&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjCuKbnwO_sAhUCUa0KHZSpD8UQjJkEegQIERAB&biw=1280&bih=590
Our local masonary buiness sold us a pallet of pavers. We used them to make a walkway to the chicken coop and wood shed. Don't know why we didn't that sooner. Excellent in the winter.
Painted some old 4 x 4's white. Painted some cinder blocks black and made two benches for seating. Also stacked some that were left over to make matching tables.
You could use cinder blocks and make some planters in the yard. That would be an excellent way to add some color. You can paint the cinder blocks any color you wish. I found out that they absorb a lot of paint so be prepared to add several coats.
I think Tiki torches would be very cute in the yard.
You could spray paint the two chairs that are now green and make or buy some colorful cushions to them also.
So you have an area for a bbq or smoker?
A water feature would add interest as well as the soothing sound of running water.
How about a big round patio around the firepit? Then 4+ big colourful chairs around it. The patio could be pea gravel with a brick edging and that would be easy and affordable. :)
I would add an outdoor rug in front of the chairs. Go low maintenance with pea gravel or mulch and plant grass seed to help fill in blank areas.
You could make the fire pit a focal point for the evenings, simple colorful bench seating with cinder blocks and boards covered with cushions. Have curly que stemed wine glass holders on each side of the benches and a good supply of local wines.
For the area around the pit put pavers or pea gravel, have long forks for smores.
For the daytime yard, maybe some raised bed flower gardens.and tall grasses. It needs brightening up with large colorful flowers. Masybe large pots with beautiful blooms suited for your area of the country.
A bbq grill would also be good nearby. Have simple tv trays for family/guests.
Hi You need some color and flower beds would do that. I would put pavers in a big square and put a table and chairs along with maybe a glider with pretty cushions.
All the above answers are great! I would string the lights in the palm trees for ambience.
Love the palms! You have a great yard with lots of potential. I would look through Pinterest & get some ideas that fit your style...maybe a screen gazebo, or just flower plantings to tie the areas together. A wood deck, more comfy furniture. Put you adrondikes around the fire pit with 2 more.
You can add more chairs, a hammock, or any nice lounging area. Like this!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/66920744451885312/
Scroll through some of these ideas: Home and Garden DIY Ideas | Hometalk