backyard advice

[mself084]

Hey guys,

Need some advice on what to do with my backyard! We just put up a nice red cedar fence last weekend, and want some ideas.

http://oi50.tinypic.com/qx5p91.jpg

Not very big. The back corner has a 45 deg angle for the fence bc of an easement...measurements are in metres.

Thoughts? Patio stones, veggie patch? Some cedars? We have a small patio set.

Fyi we have a crazy 11 mth old golden retriever.

[Shaner]

What about some kind of water feature? Or is that more than you're looking to spend?

[Little Tim]

Go to Humber Nurseries (http://www.gardencentre.com/Services/LandscapingServices/Pricing/tabid/317/Default.aspx) and book a consultation for landscape design. They'll give you a kit and you will draw up your area much like you've already done. Bring some pictures and sit down with Peter to discuss what you want to do. He'll draw a real nice plan for you that takes all your needs and special requirements into consideration. It's $60, but you get a $15 gift card back, so it's very reasonable.

We've done it twice and we've been extremely satisfied.

Edit: Oops, just noticed that you're in Ottawa. Well, if you happen to be in the GTA, the above advice still stands. Otherwise see if a garden centre in Ottawa offers a similar service.

[mself084]

What about some kind of water feature? Or is that more than you're looking to spend?

Probably more than we want to spend! It's an end unit town, we dont want to go too fancy...

OT: Ps shaner forgot to say thanks for the dog food rec. We tried mixing some Acana into his food and its going well so far.

[onlineharvest]

Hey guys,

Need some advice on what to do with my backyard! We just put up a nice red cedar fence last weekend, and want some ideas.

http://oi50.tinypic.com/qx5p91.jpg

Not very big. The back corner has a 45 deg angle for the fence bc of an easement...measurements are in metres.

Thoughts? Patio stones, veggie patch? Some cedars? We have a small patio set.

Fyi we have a crazy 11 mth old golden retriever.

I think you need to first google "small backyard idea" or designs. That will give you a visual map so you can see what STYLE appeals to you. Some people like clean lines, some like the forest/messy look. From my experience, less clutter in a small yard design, few elements/plants with repetition, is a good idea in a small yard.

Pick what you want as a focal point and build from there/around it. Do you want a quant seating area? For instance, I have a smaller sized pergola as the focal point in my backyard, and my design was built around that. It doesn't have to be big, just something that you want as the central focus.

Good luck.

[alsmow]

A great site for seeing what other people have done with their yards is www.yardshare.com

You can select different options that match what type of yard you have and the things you are looking to do which can give some good inspiration.