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Hi Community,
My wife and I are hoping to get some advice and direction for a backyard project we’ve been dreaming about. The truth is, we have no experience with building, tools, or design — but we’re excited by the idea of giving it a go ourselves, at least for some of the easier parts.
We have an empty area in our backyard that we’d love to transform into a beautiful space with a deck and an alfresco or pergola, a paved area, some greenery and plants at the back, and a cozy fire pit near an existing tree that match all togueter to add value to the property and use this empty space that we don't use atm.
We’re wondering if there’s a tool or app we can use to help visualise the design before starting, or if it’s possible to get someone to help us draw up a plan with recommended materials, tools, and even suggested plants. That way, we could see the full vision first, then break the project down into smaller, manageable steps — including a rough idea of costs and where to start.
We’d really appreciate any tips, suggestions or resources! How do people usually start planning a project like this?
Thanks in advance!
Good morning @cepalo
@JacobZ has really outlined solid things to consider. Here are a few extra ones that come to mind. 
I dont use an app, I use a notepad, pencil, sharpener and a few coffees
I draw up a base outline on the first page and then add things on the next page, that way I get to see it unfold in my mind.
The hard things in the yard, as @JacobZ has mentioned, these cant or you dont want them to move. I would work to hide them or use them in some form.
The large grill drain, the smaller sewer pipe? and then the white pipe I would hide. You cant cover them with something fixed, but you could have large pot plants round the area to form a gardened area.
On your rectangular area you have drawn, dont forget to add the extra bits to the side of your yard, plus your back door area.
Your clothesline I would class as a movable object, think where your sun shines throughout the year, think of headspace and freedom of movement. Maybe a different type of clothesline?
Pathways lead to points, a solid pathway, paved, gravel, concrete, mulch even. Maybe start with a path that leads to the clothesline, A shed or awning to store garden tools/mowers may be an idea. Garden beds, raised garden beds (factor in sunlight throughout the year)
The tree you have, maybe enlarge upon the area, make it somewhere to relax under, pick a few more trees taking note of the width and height they can grow. I have two liquid ambers in my yard tha can grow to 12-17m and 3-5m width. I planted them becaus eI want the leave sto fall in winter, Also I knew that I would have to lop them ever few years to keep them in line. Think large bonsai project They have reached as large as I want already so I lop them every two years. Trim up the width and they work well in the yard.
How is your drainage in the yard? Are there any wet areas that stay wet longer then you would expect after rain?
Lots of fun things to consider, birdbaths, ponds, bird stands (Post with a landing aarea and seed/water up high) solar lights for night time looks.
As you said, break all of the ones you choose down to smaller parts to complete, I find it amazing how the yard comes together.
Dave
