My backyard is a blank canvas HELP

[Shugardrawers]

Here is the backyard, if you want to call it that, of my new townhouse. What you see is ALL there is. Well, the planting strip that you see around the perimeter does extend all the way around on the right, you just can't see it in the shadow. The planting area is only about 18" wide. Over on the right in the corner I need to plant a small patch of grass. Petey will only do his bizniz on grass and out front isn't an option. The back 2/3 nearer the gate has full sun until late afternoon then becomes shaded. The other 1/3 nearer the house is all shaded. The whole area is only about 13x10. Ideas??

 

[amid chaos]

I think it would look awesome with some big planters on the patio, some hanging plants on the fence, maybe even painting the fence, some grass for the pup and a nice comfy chair and table for you.

edited to add....put some colorful annuals in the big pots or even a tomato plant!

 

[Shugardrawers]

Good ideas! I'm also thinking of some climbing thing like ivy or morning glorys. Wish I had room for a fountian.

 

[PrincessMommyof2]

Good ideas! I'm also thinking of some climbing thing like ivy or morning glorys. Wish I had room for a fountian.

You should get a fountain! There are ones with narrow bases (I bought mine last year at Kmart, Martha Stewart line).

I think everyone here knows my opinion on ivy (blech! too invasive). Why not try a flowering vine like jasmine or tobacco? Morning glory is fun to grow, it self seeds religiously.

In the back left corner, you could do a Disney topiary, either in the ground or in a pot. If that's too pricey, maybe a spiral juniper topiary (okay, that, to me, is the only good use for a juniper) in a pot and put white lights on it! And don't forget the knick knacks!!!

 

[Kahana-ri]

Yes! I agree a fountain would be great in the area. Various decorative pots filled with your favorite plants would be attractive. Love the morning glory idea. Hanging baskets of cascading flowers on the fence would look nice too.

 

[rockyroad]

Good ideas! I'm also thinking of some climbing thing like ivy or morning glorys. Wish I had room for a fountian.

You do have room.

Have you seen the fountains in a pot.

Well, I can't get the link to work, but they have one on the Better HOmes and Gardens website. Basicallly a big pot with a pump inside. Sounds very pretty. Smallish, yet tasteful.

 

[cstraub]

easy garden ideas