Shady yard in need of an expert makeover
We have lived in Lombard for 25 years. At one point in the beginning, we had a beautiful lawn with flower beds. As time went by, we adopted two kids and got really busy. About 20 years ago, our neighbor put a second story on their home, and we were super happy for them. We even cooked barbecue for their helpers. But, as time went by, our yard changed. It has lacked sun and started flooding in areas near their home. We have tried to improve the area so many times, but it still remains muddy. Our patio furniture is on a separate part of our blacktop driveway. I am always trying to make it inviting with splashes of fun colors! I love a parklike setting that can include a trampoline and a firepit. Also, our neighbor asked us if we could trim our tree, which gave us some privacy. The tree guys worked hard and did a great job - but now … no privacy.
Design by Lurvey's Garden Center
Expert: Thom Kenly, www.lurveys.com
This small narrow space between the garage and fence could become a very usable space for relaxed family gathering. It can be a shady respite from the summer heat during the day, and an intimate, softly lit space in the evening. Use raised linear planting beds to structure the space and block the bottom of the fence. Space-saving perennials will then be at eye level. The walls of the planting bed can double as overflow seating around the centerpiece firepit.
Suggestions:
• Use Rochester Barn Plank Wall that is a concrete version of a timber wall to create a long-lasting structure in the space. Planks also come as a firepit kit so you have a matching wall and firepit.
• Use Modinex Resin Decorative Panels to obscure the siding of the garage.
• Inside the space, use crushed granite gravel to create a more relaxed and price-friendly paving option where you want the space to have a softer feel.
• Consider a fountain to create white noise.
• Use path lights in the planters and wall lights. They will throw a pool of light on the plants and gravel. Lights in the fountain will reflect the water against the walls of the space.
• Use perennials and grasses and small hostas to create a dense green planting where there is a lot of textural variation in leaf size and shape. Choose plants for USDA Zone 4 hardiness or lower because they are raised above the ground. Choose primarily late summer and long flowering varieties because you will use the space mostly in July-October. Try perennials such allium, geranium, Northern Sea oats, molinia grass, ferns and small hosta. For a sunny spot, consider integrating some veggies into the raised bed such as zucchini for its course leaves.