Backyard Design Ideas

 backyard design  No Responses »
Apr 162009
 

The words “Backyard landscape design” can sound daunting if your backyard needs a fair amount of work or a total overhaul. But with a few small steps and planning the task will be easier than you first anticipated. It may actually turn into a family event that adds fun to your weekends. Costagravas Yalisi #1 The little creek
Creative Commons License photo credit: Ganymedes Costagravas

The first step in redesigning your backyard is to consider the uses of the family. Many of these are obvious such as entertaining or a children’s play area. Other such as a backyard theme, focal points, sun, shade, hardiness zone, pets, drainage and maintenance are equally important. And finally color; contrast, texture and soil affect the plants, trees and beauty of the backyard.

So take you time and plan what your immediate needs are to turn the backyard into a functional area. Then work on smaller projects. When planning use paper and lay out a rough design. It’s always easier to change a plan than redo a started or finished project.

As you are planning some of your bigger projects such as a pool, pond, children’s play area or patio check on some of the overlooked landscape design areas that play an important role in the success of your backyard oasis.

Most important: Check for any City or State building codes. Also check any Home Association rules if they apply to your housing area. And as basic as this sounds, make sure you know your property boundaries. My neighbors built the corner of their house extension onto the corner of my property so accidents do happen and it can create a serious problem. Fountain - Heather Lenkin garden
Creative Commons License photo credit: brewbooks

Surface Drainage is important in any yard, even for adding a garden. It becomes a bigger concern when installing retaining walls, large areas of concrete or a hardscaping project. And when altering your existing grounds analyze how the water will drain. Make sure that the water will flow away from your house and any low-lying areas in your backyard. The best time to notice your drainage and making notes is after a heavy rainstorm.

Your hardiness zone and climate will influence your larger projects. Is your summer long enough for a pool? If your nights are warm and the summer long you will more than likely want a larger outdoor entertainment area. If the nights are colder you may want a patio that can be partially enclosed for extended use.

Climate will also guide your plant selection. Most plants will have a tag that will tell you the hardiness zone and care the plant will need to grow successfully. Your local nursery will also be able to help you select plants that will thrive in your backyard. A good plant encyclopedia and the Internet will also provide helpful information.

One more important point to consider while planning is maintenance. In today’s hectic lifestyle a low maintenance landscape may be essential. You will also have more time to enjoy your backyard oasis paradise if it’s easy to care for.

There are still a few important area for backyard design but these basic needs will get you started in redoing you backyard and making the perfect family retreat for entertaining and family fun.

Check out part two of Backyard Design Ideas for ideas on focal points, selection of color, lighting, backyard areas and seasons in the backyard.

Posted by Denise at 10:20 am  Tagged with: , , , ,

Terrace a Backyard Hillside

 backyard design  4 Responses »
Apr 122009
 

Living in the rolling hills of the Appalachia foothills has proven to give me many challenges. One of the biggest it that most of my yard is either a gentle slope or an out and out bank that is close to impossible to maintain. I also have runoff problems after a rain so the solution to this problem was to terrace several of my hillsides. I have now made my hillsides beautiful, productive, safer and easy to maintain. Streissguth Gardens - Seattle
Creative Commons License photo credit: brewbooks

The idea of terracing a hillside is to make the hill into giant flat steps that will allow for the areas to be safely worked and to keep soil from washing away. You may decide to ground cover most of your hillside or add a lot of rock with just a few plants. You may also choose to add low sprawling bushes that choke out weeds and need little care. One other option is to turn the hillside into several different gardens.

Terraced hills are more appealing to the eye if they are laid out in interesting shapes. They could be several mini gardens surround by rock or they could curve around a seating area. If the area has enough sunlight you may choose to put your vegetable or flower garden there. And a larger hillside garden doesn’t seem complete without a stairway wandering up the hill. It’s beautiful and functional for watering or working with plants.

To terrace a hillside, start at the base. You will need some sort of retaining wall material. This could be wood, railroad ties, stone, brick or cement block. The decision of material will be based on cost and your landscaping theme you have.

When planning your terrace design,  cut very wide step-like areas out. Usually this is done starting at the base. Flatten out the top of a raised area and move the dirt towards your newly positioned retaining wall. Even out the soil. You may want to add another row or more height to you wall and add additional compost or rich soil for growing plants.

You will want your terraced area to be wide enough to work and plant. Three to four  foot areas are a good size. A terrace area under two foot isn’t as easy to work with. When your first terraced area is even and you are happy with it, add another terrace. Continue this procedure up to the top.

Make sure that your retaining wall is firm and will not tumble forward. Soil will add pressure to the wall so the wall needs to be secure. Installing drainage at the time you put the wall in too will help with any added pressure on the wall area. This is more important in rainy climates or area that freeze in the winter

I added a drainage pipe and gravel to my higher slopes I terraced and a buffer zone of 10 inches of gravel behind the back of each retaining wall in my smaller terraces. This will keep water from backing up against the retaining wall and pushing the wall out causing damage.

Terracing a slope can be a practical landscaping solution to keep hillside erosion free. It adds beauty to a backyard or can turn a usable section of the yard into a garden area for relaxation or other uses. A terraced area will also help for small space design idea where every foot of yard is invaluable.

Posted by Denise at 11:23 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

Essential Koi Pond Supplies

 koi fish  No Responses »
Apr 092009
 

If you’re a new Koi pond owner, there are supplies you need to keep on hand to maintain your Koi pond properly. The list many seem daunting but the importance of the supplies cannot be dismissed. And by having the items on hand you will be prepared for any problem that may arise. Proper and quick action on any Koi pond problem will keep the pond beautiful and your Koi healthy. PC290787
Creative Commons License photo credit: maybecrystal

Knowing the function of each item can help you understand why they are needed. And if you have a problem on a weekend or holiday you might have trouble getting supplies, so be prepared.

Koi pond supplies – Transporting

Bags- Have the proper bags on hand to transport Koi. Trash bags or regular plastic bags will not work and may injure your Koi. Unless you remembered to keep the bags you brought your koi home in originally, you will have to make a trip to your local pet store. When selecting transporting bags make sure to get the right size bags to hold your Koi. They need to comfortable hold the fish without crowding and hold enough water to easily cover the gills.

Rubber Bands- You will need quite a few rubber bands for each bag you buy. These rubber bands must be good quality. There will be a lot of pressure from the water on the rubber band to pop a weak rubber band in the middle of the transport.

Net- The net is not used to pull Koi out of water as it can injure the Koi but you will need one on hand. You use it to lead and direct the Koi to the place you want them. Then you use a bucket to remove them from the water. Make sure the net is big enough to lead the fish. Koi can get quite large as they mature.

Paint Bucket- a paint bucket is a better option for catching your Koi. It will not injure your Koi like a net can. Make sure that your bucket is the right size to hold your Koi.

Pond maintenance supplies

Dechlorinator- Tap water can contain chemicals that may harm your fish. When adding new water for any reason, you must add Dechlorinator to eliminate these chemicals.

Filters- a filter removes unwanted pollutants and maintains proper water quality. Without a filter, water quality issues can occur and will cause your fish to have health issues. The addition of a filter also helps to keep the pond cleaning thus cutting back on the amount of cleaning you do.

Pump- a pump is essential to the health of your pond. Moving water can also be from fountains, waterfalls and other water features, but these features con not be used place of a pump. Its important to make sure the pump is in good running condition.
Test Kits- You will need to have ammonia and nitrite test kits on hand at all times. By performing weekly water tests you will know you have the proper water quality for a healthy pond.

Pond Salt and Baking Soda- Pond salt and baking soda are used to regulate kH and Nitrate levels in the pond. They are used in the event that you find a discrepancy in pond readings. Pay close attention to the amounts you are suppose to add to your pond. These will depend on pond size and the issues you are currently having. If in doubt call a vet or pet store.

Koi food and snacks.

Always have Koi food and snacks on hand. Feeding Koi is another topic as there are many choices but keep food on hand that you have bought at a pet store. Vegetables and fruits will also make a nice snack that Koi will enjoy.

Koi add color and entertainment to the backyard pond. And with proper pond care Koi will thrive and be a wonderful addition to your oasis paradise you have created.

Posted by Denise at 11:23 am  Tagged with:

Bagging and Transporting Koi

 koi fish  3 Responses »
Apr 072009
 

The backyard koi pond offers relaxation and enjoyment to the backyard oasis.  But your Koi fish may occasionally have a medical issue or it may be that the pond will need major repair or moved and you may have to transport your fish. Moving your koi is easier on you and the Koi if you bag them when moving them.koi
Creative Commons License photo credit: Naomi Ibuki

First, it is always a good idea to have all the equipment needed to transport your Koi on hand. You never know when it may be necessary to move you fish so be prepared. The equipment needed to bag and transport Koi is small, and will store easily when not in use.

If you kept the bags you brought your Koi home in originally, use those. If not you will have to make a trip to your local pet store to get proper bags for Koi transportation. Make sure to get the right size bags to hold your Koi. Note: Garbage bags do not work and may hurt your fish.

You will need quite a few good quality rubber bands for each bag you buy. There will be pressure on the rubber bands from the water so make sure you have high quality rubber bands and use several on the bag.

A paint bucket works well for catching your Koi.  Nets can hurt Koi where buckets will not. Just make sure that your bucket is large enough to hold your Koi. Nets work better for smaller Koi but they still may cause damage to the fish and they definitely cause the fish stress. If using a net lead and direct them into the place you want them to go.

Bagging your Koi for Transportation

First check the equipment to make sure its in good shape. Fill the bags with water to see if they are watertight and check the rubber bands to make sure they are strong. Have the net and bucket nearly. Tip: If you pond is large, you may want the help of your friends when bagging your Koi.

 

Use the net to guide the Koi into the bucket. Make sure that you checked the bags for leaks. Once you are sure that the bags will hold water, place the bag over the Koi from head to tail. Make sure there is enough water in the bag to completely cover the gills. Leave air room in the bag, this makes the bag lighter and easier to carry. Slip the rubber bands around the end of the bag and continue to double it until the bag is secure. Add one or two more rubber bands to ensure that the bag is securely sealed. Fishin'
Creative Commons License photo credit: OMFGmatt

 

Next place the bags horizontally in your transport container. Handle the bag carefully and make sure that you do not bend the fish when lifting it. Secure the bag in the transport container so that it will not move with bumps and turns. Also place a cover the fish so that as little heat and sun light can enter the bag as possible.

Treat the transport bag with care at all times. And when its time to return the fish to their pond, place the bag in the water and carefully undo the rubber bands. Let the top open slowly and the fish will wander back out into the pond.

Koi fish have been known to live for up to 30 years so take good care of them and they will be a part of your backyard oasis for years.

 

Posted by Denise at 12:17 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

Backyard Pool Safety

 backyard pools  No Responses »
Mar 292009
 

With summer months ahead and people buying pools for their backyard or cleaning and preparing their swimming pools for the season its time to take a close look at pool safely in the backyard oasis area.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Indiewench

Unfortunately thousands of children die each year from drowning and many of these deaths occur at residential swimming pools. When it comes to pool safely many adults are misinformed about their pool. They feel that as long as there is safely equipment and devices at the pool site their children are safe.

Pool safety devices are important but common sense and knowing how to use your equipment is equally important. And having a plan and staying calm in an emergency will help you and your family.

Pool accessories that aid in pool safety are arm floats, or baby floats and lifejackets. These are popular accessories that can also be considered lifesaving devices. Arm floats are perfect for children of any age. Once they are inflated, they slip onto a child’s arm and will help keep them afloat. But care and observation of use must be used at all times. summertime blue
Creative Commons License photo credit: plasticrevolver

A baby float is a great way for infants and lightweight children to enjoy the water. They have leg holes and squared shapes that add stability and will keep a small child above water. As with any water activity, but particularly with babies, remember the waterproof suntan lotion.

Lifejackets are most commonly used and associated with boating, but you can purchase smaller lifejackets that are ideal for swimming pools. These are idea for pool games where splashing and activity can be distractive to where the children are located in the pool.

Pool toys add to fun and activity to backyard pools.  Pool toys can include swim rings, beach balls, and other small toys. They are relatively cheap in price, sometimes only a dollar. Other swim toys can be expensive purchases, such as volleyball nets and basketball hoops.

When your children are playing a water games, it is very important that you keep a close eye on them. These games often become very competitive which adds to noise and confusion in a pool. These situations can become dangerous or deadly in a pool. Careful observation and having and enforcing rules will help keep active games safe.

Pool fixtures such as pool slides or deep end diving boards are also toys.  But since they are usually securely fastened to the pool or the side of the pool, they are called a fixture.  It is very important that you pay extremely close attention to anyone using slides or the diving board. Young children think these items look fun and often try to use these without supervision and if the child cannot swim this may lead to a tragedy. You may also want to make sure that divers are jumping a safe distance away from the pool’s side and that people are clear of the jumping area.

There are many considerations in pool safety and each family will have different concerns. But keeping an eye on the children in the pool and backyard pool area and making sure that all pool toys and accessories are in the proper working order will help keep your backyard oasis paradise a fun and safe place to relax and enjoy the summer.

Posted by Denise at 9:47 am  Tagged with: , ,
 Older Entries  Newer Entries
© 2011 Backyard Oasis Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha