| Living Large in a Small Yard |
| Written by Stephen Daniels |
| Wednesday, 18 November 2009 08:32 |
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There are so many possibilities when re-designing your backyard. It can be overwhelming to even know where to begin, especially if you have restricted space. It may be more of a challenge to re-design a small backyard and make it feel larger, but using smaller versions of what would be found in a more spacious backyard will give you plenty of options to choose from. Taking the process one area at a time and perhaps meeting with a professional landscape designer, will make landscaping your backyard much less unapproachable.
There are so many possibilities when re-designing your back garden. It can be overwhelming to even know where to start, especially if you have a small space. It may be more of a challenge to re-design a small backyard and make it a real living space, but using more compact versions of what you might find in a more spacious backyard will give you sufficient of options to choose from. Taking the process step-by-step and perhaps talking with a professional landscape designer, will make landscaping your backyard much less intimidating. When redesigning your backyard, think about how you are planning to use it. Would you like an outdoor kitchen and lounge type area? Do you need your yard to be enclosed to keep children and pets safe? Would you like to incorporate some water features or gardens? The first thing you need to do is determine your budget for the entire project. Your budget, along with your needs, the feel you want to create, and the amount of the actual space you have to work with will determine what options are realistic in your setting. Regardless what your budget is, the smaller backyard does not have to feel cramped or uninviting. For example, an Italian grotto or Mediterranean feel can be achieved with light-colored flagstone flooring and curved garden beds that segment the boxy feel. You can add grapevines growing on a small framework. Place plants in clay or decorative urns or other pots. Planters can be attached to the wall or suspended from a trellis. Even a sandbox for young children can blend well in a backyard with a Mediterranean atmosphere. Simply fill an extra-large clay planting bowl with sand and you have created an instant sandbox for your children. A small water feature or pond tucked into a corner, away from foot traffic, will add style to any garden. If your dream yard is all about creating a secluded space that will be a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life, an recess with a waterfall and a chair or bench, shaded by a trellis or a tree, makes a great area to sit and read or just enjoy nature. To create a plush feeling in your secret garden, vary the height and color of any plants. Use container gardens in pots of varying heights, vines on trellises, and planters affixed to the wall, similar to the Mediterranean garden. Would you like a place to host friends and family, complete with outdoor kitchen? Unfortunately a full outdoor kitchen may not be achievable because of the size constraints; however, you may have room for a top-quality grill or a fire pit. For dining and sitting, a bar with bar stools is casual and not overpowering like heavier, bulkier furniture. Add a water feature, perhaps a pond with some fish, and a variety of plants to round out your yard. Re-designing a small backyard can be a lot of fun if you relax and are agreeable to adapt "big backyard" ideas to your small space. The internet is a great source for pictures and ideas to get you thinking about what your choices are. With the help of a landscape designer, you can construct a backyard that is just as usable and elegant as a large backyard would be. About the Author: Ulitimate Landscape Concepts is a leader in landscape design for several reasons. First, their great service. Second, their wonderful and colorful blueprints; not chintzy, vague drawings, but architectural renderings. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services |