My goal for my backyard is to have no grass and all paths and flowerbeds (etc.) A great vision – a lot of work – and not much else re: the vision.
So far, I have dug up lawn in patches, thrown in a few plants/bulbs/sculpture element and stood back and smiled. All has been random without much of a direction re: what the gardens will look like.
But, yesterday, I had a thought… or perhaps it was a vision or maybe an inspiration. “Create an overall image”—ooh a master plan!
Today the master plan begins in my mind and the ramblings start as I try to narrow down the what/where/why/how.. (the who is simple: Rick and myself.. ahaha thanks for volunteering, Rick).
1. The backyard is my retreat and so it needs to feel like a retreat.
2. I want to “discover” little treasures throughout the yard, enticing the viewers to travel the different little paths to find the different elements of surprise.
3. I want as low maintenance as possible. (I know that my intentions rarely follow through in the middle of the summer when I’d rather be floating in the pool.)
4. I want to make sure that the view to the fields behind us are not blocked (even though the fields will be ginseng for the next few years… lovely black tarps.)
5. I want the gardens to attract butterflies and birds
6. A tropical feel would be great, using plants native to our region would be cool, if I can make it happen.
So, where does this leave me?
I have no idea. But the search begins!
-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)
4 comments so far
Treefarmer
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45 posts in 508 days
posted 382 days ago
Sounds like a yard I know….:)
One thing I’ve found Deb is that a yard of small places to “discover” and low maintenance don’t go very well together. Despite my best efforts you still get weeds, they still need pruning, and cleanup tends to be more difficult.
Birds and butterflies are easy….provide food, water, and nesting. Don’t use pesticides unless you absolutely have too and even then try to stay organic. I’ve realeased lots of beneficial insects over the years. Ladybugs, mantids, worms, etc… They combat pests, fertilize for free, and provide food for the birds and are self sustaining. I put out mantid eggcases 20 years ago and I still have an abundance of them in my yard today and if ladybugs were worth a dime each I could retire.
The tropical feel is possible. Our backyard has somewhat of an asian influence to it. Add a few tiki torches and the right accesories and you’re in the tropics. Our daughters held our 25th anniversary party in our backyard with a hawaiin theme…surprise, surprise. A bonfire and some torches go a long way to set the atmosphere.
The master plan sounds like a job for Sketchup. You knew I had to weave that in….:)
-- Bob, Carver MA USA, Zone 6b, Annual Rainfall 48" http://capecodbaychallenge.org
MsDebbieP
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3811 posts in 509 days
hardiness zone 5b
posted 382 days ago
oh I’ll be seeking your Sketchup skills!! :)
-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)
Bon
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1741 posts in 289 days
hardiness zone 5a
posted 114 days ago
It’s raining out so I am surfing the past blogs.I see your yard and gardens have come a long way MsD.It’s nice to see your vision becoming a reality.
-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a....Always room for one more
MsDebbieP
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3811 posts in 509 days
hardiness zone 5b
posted 114 days ago
Thanks Bon.
Yes, they’ve changed!
Rick and I look out and say “nice” :)
-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)