Need landscaping ideas for narrow backyard

[John93]

Hi,

I need some ideas to properly landscape/design my narrow backyard.

The space is around 2m (W) x 13.6m (L). Few photos attached

I have a built in seating area in the corner which I'm currently thinking of breaking just the planters pots on each side (roots are going everywhere) and extending the seating area. I have removed the arbour aswell so basically have 2 garden beds. (1 leading to the side of the seating area and the other ending from where the arbour used to be). I prefer to relay the synethic grass and keep the grass areas as it is if possible (have 2 toddlers)

Jim mowing suggested doing just 2 Corten steel garden bed on each side. 

 I have found 1 x narrow garden design from google (attached) but I think my area isn't wide enough

From google

I'm open to all ideas ! just wanna make it modern, nice with minimal maintenance. Hope to have few small trees along the fence + plants. Any other design ideas you guys can suggest would be helpful (if you can add some sketches aswell)

[JacobZ]

Hi @John93,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

The first thing I'll mention, which is more from a practical perspective than an aesthetic one, is that the bottom of the windows is very close to the ground. Are you aware of where, in relation to the ground, your weepholes and damp proof course are? I ask because it is very important that any landscaping against the side of your home does not block the weepholes or create a bridge that can transfer moisture into any bricks above your damp proof course.

As long as this practical issue is considered and addressed, it is all up to you and how much work you want to put in. You might like to check out Top 10 most popular side yard projects for some inspiration and ideas.

You could cut back and reinforce the synthetic turf and install a concrete path like in your example, or you could do something like @diy_hausdesigns did with their Side yard - Landscaping project and use pavers and decorative stones to create a pathway or even a boardwalk like @pete_brig's Backyard renovation with decks and boardwalk. 

The garden beds along the side look relatively good in terms of size and structure, but you could consider adding something like corten to add a bit of visual appeal to the front edge. You might like to check out How to choose garden edging for some ideas about garden edging.

For plants, low-maintenance plants such as lomandra, mondo grass, or dwarf agapanthus would work well in this space.Small ornamental trees like dwarf olive, or slender lilly pilly varieties also work well in narrow spaces like this.

With the seating area, as long as removing the top part of the structure doesn't remove the structure's stability, it should be ok. You would need to install some framing to extend the seating area, but this should be relatively easy to do. There are plenty of resources about How To Build a Deck, which is essentially what you would be doing. 

Allow me to tag our helpful members @Dave-1, @mich1972 and @Nailbag to see if they have any ideas or advice to offer.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[mich1972]

Well said Jacob , great advice mate 🙂

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @John93 

Thats a nice long space you have there. I was thinking hydroponics in PVC piping next to the fence, It would give something green to look out of the window as a secondary win.

I also was thinking of a long rectangular shallow pond. Something a few guppies and plants plus rocks would work well for attracting wildlife and bird chatter. 

As much as I like straight paths a slow wave type deal (A non repating wave) would give the path a more natural feel and also bed the  area in.

With those planter boxes/seats It may be hard to get the trees out but I think it would be worth it, As long as the roots arnt going outsid ethe boxes I like the added shade the trees/shrubs bring. Maybe some large pots so you could move future trees around and remove the built in pots totally? (extend the seating over them?)

Dave

[pete_brig]

Hi @John93.

Some questions for you:

• where are you located bcos climate might influence ideas
• pls explain the total shape (I just saw the seating behind the arbour?) but whats at the other end,
• what access you have to the area--may be only from the seated area, or both ends?
• any constraints (underground pipes/sewerage) etc,
• do you have any ideas what you'd like to use the area for (e.g. just minimise maintenance, look nice from the seating area)?

Couple of things to start:

• The (remaining) plant near your seats looks like it might be a fig; if so, I'd def get rid of it & it's partner (& their roots 🙄)
• I agree your space isn't wide enuf for the Google-inspired image: a path would be 600-800mm wide & wouldn't meander like the image plus concrete mightn't be good for the toddlers?
• I like using (treated) timber/sleepers for building planter boxes--see the Mother-in-law tongue box planted under the windows in my project
• Plant taller taller plants between the windows e.g  native gingers & groundcovers, or install some sort of screening panels--Bunnings have an array or look at DIYing some from waterproof sheeting & painting. Pla
• Use bougainvillea to screen the fence--the thorns can be a pain, literally, but they're low maintenance (apart from pruning), grow quickly, & come in some magnificent colours. Add cordyines etc as per my project but be aware how much space you want to allocate. If you used just bougainvillea, they'd only need 300-450mm from the fence, plant groundcovers at the base & between. I tried to go for a tropical feel (Brisbane area) hence gingers, philodendron dwarf, and other things like Elephant ears, palms etc around the seating area.
• Replace the trees in your seating area with shade trees (e.g. Tulipwood (Harpullia pendula)--see photo below) but be prepared to prune/shape; otherwise some sort of pergola/cover. Avoid trees with fruit. 
• Buy advanced plants, esp. trees, where you can--the time saved is worth it. I bought from markets & found some wholesale nurseries would also sell to the public if you knew what you wanted.

Cheers, Peter

Tulipwood at front fence of current property (after 10-15 years)

Tulipwood at front fence