Side yards aren't easy to work with, but with new fencing, pavers, bench seats and fresh greenery, this space is beautiful and functional.
The project
I'm a rookie to the world of D.I.Y. but keen to get my hands dirty. Recently, we moved into a new property and I've finally started one of many landscaping jobs. Here is the first after browsing through the Workshop projects and sketching away. With help from my wife, we managed to make the side walkway feel usable.
We planted based on soil types and the ideal locations for the plants to thrive. I used Pittosporum and Pittosporum Tenuifolium (Silver Sheen) for the plants against the fence, and Liriope Evergreen Giant against the wall.
I spent a lot of time preparing the ground for the pavers as it affects the overall look and feel. I installed edging, using the pavers as a guide for spacing. I used SpecRite 69 x 7mm 5.7m Merbau FJ Garden Edging and Whites 270 x 20 x 3mm Garden Edging Peg for all my edging.
I didn't use weed mats in this project as the area is a low growth area, though I do hear of people using them and would encourage them. I also didn't apply cement as I'm leaving some room to easily change the design. Instead, I used paver sand and spent a bit of time ensuring the ground is level and firm.
We built and planted bits and pieces over time and there were a lot of changes to the design. My advice is to plan, measure, measure and measure.
Before and after
More backyard projects
Rufaro shares more about his beautiful bench seat with in-built planter box in this discussion.
Rufaro utilised the top of the stairway that leads to this side yard for a D.I.Y. breakfast bar.
Find more inspiration from Rufaro's outdoor renovation, including a tiered deck and Merbau feature wall, in this Backyard makeover project.
