Backyard Oasis Disaster: Redoing the yard

 backyard design  No Responses »
Aug 242009
 

Where do you start when your entire yard needs redone?

With my wet cold summer and four floods on the property – everything need redone. Front, side and backyard. And the most important part of my landscaping design is to protect the yard from run-off to stop any further flood damage.

The storms we had this year destroyed the drains on the opposite side of the road and if it rains very hard or long I have mini rockslides and water running into the road and through the yard.

I also have three clogged streams that need to be cleaned out so that the streams will drain properly into the creak and not spread out over the lawn areas.

So where do I begin?

  1. I called the conservation department to see how I can set up runoff ponds to catch any heavy rain. I have no idea when the road company will fix the ditches and drains but why depend on other people to fix a problem. If I fix my lower property by making it run-off safe and by putting in dry creeks and run-off ponds to catch and re-direct water I don’t have to depend on others and wait in line for assistance. This part of my project will take months
  2. I also called the utility companies to check where I can dig on the property without hitting cables or pipelines. This is particularly important with the gas line. I know where the new line is but there is an old line and I need that marked before I can dig any pond or put in a streambed. The gas company will be by later this week to mark any lines.
  3. I will have family do most for the backhoe work, which will save me money but the ponds and dry creeks will have to be put dug and installed in stages.
  4. The most important work to be done with the backhoe is to put in a new driveway and fix the rock retaining wall in front of the property. Right now there is no driveway left and the pile of rocks look dreadful

Note: When you plan to do backhoe work you need to have any papers filed if they are required in your area, check for utility lines and pipes and know heavy equipment safety. This link to Home and Garden Online has a great article on how to use heavy equipment: How to Operate mini heavy equipment at home

So for right now my first major project is to redo the front yard, which was totally washed out. The driveway has to be put in and the rock wall smoothed and landscaped. This area will be landscaped to redirect water, just in case I have a problem again. I don’t want or need water in the house.

My side front yard was also a perennial garden and it was washed out earlier this summer. I left it a mess so that I could find the perennials that were beaten down in a runoff flood. Now it’s time to clean up the area and replant it.

My first small project: assemble my plants and ground cover and lay out my new garden design.

I will also be making as much compost as I can. I will need this for my new perennial garden area and for the rock pile. Check out my sister site, The Gardener’s Rake for an article on how to make compost in two weeks.

And tomorrows project: How to set up a moveable garden

Posted by Denise at 10:02 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

Add a Deck to your Backyard or Home

 backyard projects  3 Responses »
Aug 052009
 

Adding a deck to your backyard, home or pool is a major decision and plans must be carefully laid out to make the deck and flow of the yard compliment each other. Safety and cost are also concerns. Hot pink geraniums—yaaay!
Creative Commons License photo credit: EraPhernalia Vintage (way behind. sorry!)

I have always wanted a deck and this year I found the plans that worked well with the house. I wanted a deck that would replace the 1960’s metal rook over the patio area. The deck is on the second floor and just off the dining area of the house.

By adding a deck I increased the living area by adding a usable area that is 15 foot by 25 foot. And the sliding patio doors add more light in the dining room and help blend the indoor space with the outdoor space. It’s a perfect entertaining area that extends the use of the outdoors area by several months.

I also wrapped the deck around the back of the house as a walkway. This helps me to get to the windows and wash them more easily. Deck porch boxes have been placed along the walkway deck rails for more color and that backyard oasis feel that makes the home more relaxing and inviting.

And being garden addicted I have a small container garden, complete with two small tress and a few trellises for color and shade. I now need to add a small corner water fountain to complete a relaxing atmosphere. 00024
Creative Commons License photo credit: ethanmauldin

I also made sure when planning the deck that is pet safe and child safe. I do have pets and may have family that will visit so preventative measures are always best for safety. My deck sets 15 foot off the ground so the deck has rails with a brick brack filler and gates for the stairs leading the to backyard that lock.

Better homes and Gardens has a deck mini course that covers the planning process of making a deck, installation and how to ideas, and how to finish a deck.

Photos are included and there are great ideas on how to personalize the deck to fit you and your families needs.

I read all the topics and each had valuable information for my deck design and ideas.  I enjoyed these following links from the Better Homes and Gardens deck mini course

Deck Building Ideas

Planning a delightful Deck

Deck Planters with Trellis

Design the Perfect Deck or Patio

The deck has added a great place for watching the sun rise in the morning and to entertain. It’s probably one of the best investments I have added to the home in years.

Posted by Denise at 11:33 am  Tagged with: , , , ,

Backyard Oasis: Build a Grill

 backyard oasis  2 Responses »
Jun 302009
 

Its summer and backyard picnics are a popular weekend event.  Sunflower
Creative Commons License photo credit: Tobyotter

Backyard furniture, comfortable furniture and a patio or water fountain and garden will add to the atmosphere.

But a backyard grill or barbeque pit will also add to your family entertaining.

This you tube will show you how to make a very nice barbeque grill.

A nice grill and picnic area will add to your backyard fun and entertaining. Add a shady area and flowers or vegetable containers and you backyard will have a new look and feel

Posted by Denise at 8:41 pm  Tagged with: ,

Fast and Simple Backyard Design Ideas

 backyard oasis  2 Responses »
Jun 032009
 

Has your backyard become overgrown, cluttered or just has a tired uninviting look? Or maybe redoing your backyard space has been one of those projects that you have put off.

A few simple steps will help you create a backyard getaway.

  • Organize your space. Get rid of any unwanted plants, furniture or clutter.
  • Tidy the lawn. Keep your lawn mowed and trim around trees, gardens and porch areas.
  • Create backyard privacy. Fencing, lattice fencing or a trellis will block the view of the road or the neighbors yard. Shrubbery or trees will also add privacy. If you don’t have time for plants to grow this season add flowering vines. It doesn’t take much to make a break and add a feeling of privacy to your backyard.
  • Plant flowers. Even if you’re not a gardener plants and flower add color and a lush feel to a home. A few potted trees or containers for flowers will create an oasis feel to the yard.
  • Add an entertainment center. Buy a grill for your backyard and add a patio table or picnic table for casual entertaining. And if you want a larger project, add a fire pit or outdoor room.
  • A simple patio can be created by adding flagstone or by simply removing the turf in an area and adding mulch or stone to the area.
  • Pathways in the yard will add a feeling of adventure to your yard as they wander for one area to another. Add a mini garden, secret garden, bench or water fountain along the path and a create mini garden area for relaxation in the yard.
  • Add new trees, fruit trees or potted trees for a lush feel and more privacy. Trees that have blossoms will add fragrance and color to your backyard. rosemary & thyme
    Creative Commons License photo credit: Indiewench

Many additions to a backyard take little time and money and can be done on a weekend. Have your family suggest ideas for the backyard makeover and have them help to create the new backyard oasis.

Posted by Denise at 10:07 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Wood Fence Designs and Their Uses

 guest writer  No Responses »
May 202009
 
by Reagan Miers

Fencing is one way to get the privacy and security that you want in your home. With wood fencing, you get the added advantage of having a great appearance that you don’t get with metal fences. DW and Fence
Creative Commons License photo credit: fauxto_digit

Wooden fences are designed in many styles and with different materials, so you need to choose a fence that fits your own landscaping and has the functionality that you also need in your home. The function of the fence is its primary reason so don’t ignore this.

Depending on the homeowner’s end goal and the style of the house itself, wood fences can sometimes fill the need for both form and functionality. For instance, if your chief purpose is to have a semblance of privacy or to add visual appeal to your home, there are many wooden fence styles that can address these requirements.

However if you need a lot of security, then you will probably need to consider a metal or stone fence. These are much more secure, although the aesthetic appearance is not as good as the wood effect.

If the wood fence design is more important, then here are your choices.

Look at the list and choose the one that best fits your needs and the style of your landscaping.

  • Picket-style fence. This type of fencing provides quaint charm most suitable for cottage-style homes and those with landscape designs leaning towards English garden themes. Picket-style fencing also comes in a variety of types of which the most popular are dog-ear spaced picket, French gothic spaced picket, and the pointed top spaced picket.
  • Split-rail wood fence. Perfect for a country feel, ranch-style homes and those with landscaping inspired by the Southwestern US design should find a good fit with the split-rail wood fencing. The best material for the split-rail style is the Western red cedar wood.
  • Log wood fence. This style showcases the true beauty of wood and best matches houses designed with a rustic theme. While most are installed as vertical panels, horizontals log panels are also not uncommon.

Wood Fence Designs: When Functionality is Top Priority

Wood fencing may be a good choice for its aesthetics but on a more practical level, wood fences best serve two principal functions: privacy and durability. For these two important uses, several wood fence designs may be used:

  • Stockade fence. With the wood slats vertically aligned without spaces in between and the tops pointed out, stockade fencing is one of the most appropriate wood fence designs when the intention is to afford absolute privacy from the outside.
  • Solid board fence. This style of fencing is also great for privacy as it gives a complete barrier to sight. Not only this but it also gives you a noise barrier as well as some security. If you want to improve on the design features, then you can also add latticework to this fence.
  • Latticework fence. These fences are very popular as they give users both privacy and also allow for sunlight to penetrate. Besides this, they also provide space for air to blow through as they have diagonal shaped spaces throughout the fencing. If you want, you can also place the openings vertically or horizontally to create square openings instead.
About the Author:
Making the best wood fence design isn’t the easiest thing to do. If you live in the Milwaukee area of Wisconsin it might be a better option to employ a Milwaukee fence contractor. You can find several Milwaukee fence companies here to help you with your project!
Posted by Reagan Miers at 6:15 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , ,
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