Newbie needs ideas (PIP)

redfoxtrot2

I will be moving into my new townhouse fairly soon and I am at a complete loss for what to do with the backyard.  All I know is that I really don't like it and I want to change it up.  It's pretty clear the old owners did nothing with it previously.

Any ideas for plants or design/layout?  I live in the Seattle area to give you an idea of the weather.  The "grass" you see is also mostly moss. I also hate those round cement stones...

Any help would be much appreciated!!

 

zoieglow

I'd rip out the patio and round pavers to start and do a small paver patio. Then I'd till the backyard and put in new grass. Wash the fence and then weatherproof and/or paint it. I'd take the picture to your local nursery and ask them for help picking stuff because I don't know what zone you're in or what kind of sun and soil you have back there. It looks like you need shade plants. Maybe some hostas by the tree and bushes along the fences just to start and then fill in with some color. Prune the other plants if you're going to keep them.

pdxmouse

The absolute first thing you need to do is clear out that ivy. It will strangle your trees to death, then escape your yard and strangle your neighbors' trees too. If it's still pretty small you can rip it off. If it's extensive you'll damage your bark if you pull it, so you need to find a way to kill it and just leave the vines there. While ivy isn't a problem for most of the country, it's a huge problem in the PNW. More here: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/english-ivy.aspx

The second thing I would do is accept that grass probably won't grow well in your yard. You can tell because grass already isn't growing well in your yard. It's too shady, even for shade mixes. I'd make a landscape plan that either doesn't require grass or limits it to the areas that get the most light. If you entertain and don't want to be tripping over shrubbery and plants find ways to increase your hardscaping (patio, paths, etc) and make those your focal points and design your garden around it. 

You can find tons of inspiration pics if you search for lawnless or lawn-free at sites like Sunset.com or Fine Gardening, BHG, etc. Sometimes the look is also called "naturescaping".

Find some pictures you like and go to a landscape architect or designer if you can afford it. If you can't, see if any local nurseries offer free or low-cost consults if you buy your plants from them. If you're plumb broke, take those pictures down to the library and check out some books. I like "Northwest Home Landscaping" if you're looking for readymade plans, almost anything by Timber Press or Sunset if you're looking to make it your own. 

If you think you might want to do natives, King County has a pretty good website: http://green.kingcounty.gov/gonative/. It includes some sample landscape plans too. 

This is probably my favorite online resource for PNW gardens: http://www.rainyside.com/. You can also skim Paghat http://www.paghat.com/gardenhome.html, the site's a little clunky and she's wordy, but her enthusiasm and the pictures are worth it. 

redfoxtrot2

Thanks so much, you guys!  I really appreciate it!