Large yard

Question

Most ideas I've seen posted are for small backyards.  I have about 2 acres of yard (not counting the front 3 acres in grass).  I'm at a loss to plan it out, and other than a Gingko tree and some butterfly bushes, it is pretty bare.  Rabbits ate the other shrubs I planted. Any ideas??

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Have you thought about putting in a garden?...with that much space you could pretty much eliminate the need to ever buy produce again.

Lorraine M · Answer

True...and I do have 3 raised beds, enough for 2 people. Also an herb bed and 3 perennial beds, but all are close to the house. That still leaves me with a whole lot of space! Maybe it's time to see about a landscape company.

Gail Salminen · Answer

I just saw @Namaws post of her large garden - ambitious but something to think about - http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/getting-my-terrace-planted-and-flowers-in-old-pots-1443503 I like how she has incorporated pots into the perenial garden along the 50 foot section. You don't have to plant it all at once, but view the garden sections here, decide what plants you like and plan there withing visual site of where ever you will spend time outdoors. You can even incorporate veggies like beets, tomatoes, etc. I highly reccomend a fine mulch between plants, this really minimizes the weeding required. You could also section off some areas for trees and large flowering shrubs like lilacs. A google search on garden ideas for large yards could also give you ideas. Don't forget that sculptures and old items like wagon wheels can also add interest and maybe even a pond or fountain. Good luck and thanks for posting :) Please update us with pics of your progress.

Deck and Patio Company "Outdoor Living Experts" · Answer

With this large area do you have large ideas? What type of lifestyle fits you best? Would you like a swimming pool, cabana, covered outdoor pavilion with outdoor kitchen, TV deep seating, or a more natural look, large pond, streams, waterfall(s) landscaping? Here are some photos to try to help narrow it down.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

That is a lot of space! Sit back and think about what you want from it and then make a rough sketch. I would think in terms of having areas get that the most activity-a patio for dining outside, a fire pit, perhaps, your vegetable garden-closer to the house, and then developing more naturalistic areas toward the rear. You have space to plant some great trees. One of my favorites is a Kentucky native, the American yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea ). You'll probably want to make sure to include some evergreens for winter interest. Try not to think in straight lines, but in creating areas that encourage exploration. And if you're overwhelmed, this may well be a time to call in pro. They can help you develop a plan that you can implement in phases as budget allows.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

You also have to consider budget and the amount of time you are willing to put in for its install and or maintenance. One of my favorite 'landscape designs' are Asian inspired. a few years back we toured the holiday light display at the Denver botanical gardens. the mix of water features trees etc are just stunning and relaxing. I'm sure they have a few hired hands that keep them looking that way. you can see more pics at my blog. http://kmswoodworks.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/lights-at-the-botanic-gardens/ I live over 3000 feet higher in elevation and this type of landscaping would not survive here...I have shoveled snow 9 months of the year, and currently stiff have drifts in my yard

Kimberly Barney · Answer

You definitely have the space for several garden areas. Some ideas that came to mind are: dry creek bed, water fall, secret garden, reading garden with comfortable oversized chairs or hammock, outdoor kitchen for entertaining, etc.

Namaws · Answer

Thank you Gail, I need to take close up photos as I do have several old items like a wagon, 2 wheelbarrows, a fountain and yes I do have veggies at the sunny end and using a cattle trough for the tomoatos and an old wash tub liner for bell peppers and we do have 2 flowering cherry trees that offer some shade and places to hang my bird feeders. Will definetly post more as it grows

Lorraine M · Answer

Reading room, I like that idea. And the suggestion about the American yellowwood. My nextdoor neighbor has a stand of some kind of Bradford-like pears, and they spread like weeds. We have about 4 acres that we are letting return to a natural setting (was a soybean field). I take my 'loppers' with me when I walk the dog along the paths we've made. Between the blackberries, the wild roses, and the pear trees, it is a daunting task!

Debra · Answer

How about an orchard? We have an acre and have a few peach and apple trees, along with a blackberry patch. Just put in strawberries this spring. Homegrown fruit is great! You also have room to let an area 'naturalize' by putting in a wildflower meadow. It is beautiful, attracts bees and butterflies and you don't have to mow it!

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