At the start of 2020, I had no plans for significant work in my back yard – in fact, I was looking forward to a break from projects as we were in the process of completing a very involved basement renovation. Once we knew we would be spending a lot more time at home this year I started thinking about how to make our property as comfortable and enjoyable as possible during this challenging time. Our desire to spend time outside with friends and family led to an almost complete renovation of our back yard.
Our starting point was a sloped space with a stone retaining wall separating the lawn from a gravel patio area with 3 large rectangular beds, surrounded by plantings. Unfortunately, I never succeeded in making this layout work. I tried using the large beds for fruit and veggies and either lost steam (way too much lettuce one year) or failed due to inconsistent care (tomatoes and cucumbers). We also developed a significant issue with weeds – especially Japanese stiltgrass.
My challenge was to find a way to use the space and manage the weeds more effectively, and my first step was to measure the entire space and really consider how it functioned, what could stay, and what needed to be changed.
Check back over the next few months to see how I solved these problems through landscape design. Have a COVID project that you need help with? Contact Bright Leaf Landscaping at 919.619.4460 or fill out our online contact form. Design and installation are our expertise, and we are always happy to meet with new clients to discuss potential projects!