How should I landscape my huge backyard?
by
Lamia
+13
I have a huge backyard without any grass or any big trees for shade. We have a concrete slab where we put out umbrella and few chairs but want to do something there like put a BBQ maybe. attached is the layout of the front part of the yard. We have some mini fruit trees which are about 3-4 feet tall. Also have some vegetable beds. Any creative person or amateur landscaper has any suggestion on how to update the yard with perennial plants/trees/shrubs? I live in north Florida.
If money were no object why not go with a outdoor kitchen on the cement slab (it would make a good foundation).
https://www.diyncrafts.com/39880/home/15-amazing-diy-outdoor-kitchen-plans-you-can-build-on-a-budget
Some nice seating. http://www.woohome.com/outdoor/26-awesome-outside-seating-ideas-you-can-make-with-recycled-items
If you are in florida a pool would seem like a must.
If you have a problem with insects a screened in porch would be nice.
Possibly an outdoor shower so rinse off before going inside. https://www.apieceofrainbow.com/diy-outdoor-shower/
Visit your local nursery to get more information for your area and project. Wander around, ours have small vinettes of plantings and tress, fountains, etc. May give some inspirations.
There are some great landscaping ideas on Pinterest for Florida. See if any of these inspire you: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/florida-landscaping/
A very large yard can be landscaped to create separate smaller areas such as a perennial garden sitting area or a Chinese meditation area or with possibly a different theme for each one.
I offered up my tired old house to a landscape design class at a local community college. I have a VERY BUSY summer ahead of me! (and it was free!)
Of this were mine, I would start with a pergola or trellis type cover over at least half the concrete slab, if not all, for much-needed shade. You could plant vines to green w over it if you like that loook. A full roof would be even better if budget permits. I would then create zoned areas in the rest of the yard, with natural looking plantings of assorted heights. Perhaps a secluded “secret garden” sitting area toward the back, walled in with plants. If you have kids, a grassy area and sand pit for play. The types of plants you use depends on exposure, what neighboring yards have as your background, and personal preferences.
The very first thing you have to do is figure out how you want to use your yard. Have kids put animals? They need a space. Like to entertain? You need a space. Like a space to reflect or just have coffee? Enjoy gardening? Or want a yard that is super easy to take care of? Want shade? Where? Man made (want it now -, like a Pergola)
Or natural (trees or hedges)? Need a place to store stuff, garden or otherwise.. Do you want to compost?
Sure there's other ideas to consider, but first thing is to decide how do you choose to use your yard, IMHO.
As funds are probably an issue I would first plant some trees that will provide shady areas, especially near your patio. For me, I generally put in a few foundation beds at the front entrance for curb appeal and then near my seating area in back. You can then expand on these each year.
I always buy only perennial plants & flowers so they return yearly. I'm careful to purchase only things meant for my growing zone so they do well with minimal extra care.
Always watch for the special sales when the weather first gets warm and again at end of summer. Those are great times to buy some big bags of soil and mulch for the beds.
Have fun and happy growing! 😎🌺🌻🌼
When you plant trees, the root system is aproxametly 3 times the width of the canopy. You want to give it plenty of room to grow. Have any underground utilities marked before planting.