A bare bones outdoor space can be exciting – so many possibilities! So much potential! But a blank canvas can also be overwhelming for homeowners, turning a “Can’t wait to dive in!” into a “Where do I even start?” Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind if you’re looking to turn a empty yard into an outdoor oasis.
Using the Space
First things first, how do you want to use the space? Is entertaining your main priority or is it vital to have a cozy space for lounging and reading? Do areas for gardening take precedent over areas for seating? Are you interested in having a garden for strolling and gazing at specimen plants rather than more active use? All of these questions can help you begin to divide your space into manageable sections fit to purpose, making sure to tie in your overall aesthetic into each space.
Site Challenges
So you know how you want to use your space, but is there anything getting in the way of your plans? Say for example, you’d like a space that feels intimate, but currently the neighbors look right into your yard. Maybe a fence or a hedge is in order to solve that particular problem. Or perhaps you have a sun-blasted backyard, great for the late fall and early spring when the weather is cool, but unbearable and unusable in the summer. A shade solution then is in the cards. Small space but you’d like to use it for many activities? Multifunctional or movable features and furniture can help you make that a reality. Take time to identify your site’s challenges so that you can address them and actually use your dream space.
Sun and Shade
No outdoor space is complete without a few plants, whether it’s a coterie of potted plants in your seating nook or a bevy of shade lovers along the perimeter of your yard. To ensure your space is not only usable but that the plants look good too, take note of how much sun you get overall, which objects in your environment cast shade, and where and when you have sun and shade. Right plant right place is a tried and true maxim for a reason. It may seem obvious but be sure to pick shade tolerant plants for shady spots and sun loving plants for full sun areas.
Budget
And last but certainly not least, budget. New hardscape, like pavers or pea gravel; new plants and plant beds; and the labor needed to install them both can add up fast. If you can, consider taking on some of the labor to cut down on cost, and be sure to compare materials to see which is cheaper but still achieves the look you want.
So how does this all work out on a real project? Read on for how Loam applied these principles to a bare bones concrete backyard in Bed-Stuy.
Adding Dimension and Shade to a Flat, Concrete Backyard
When Loam was called in for this Bed-Stuy project the owner knew they wanted a backyard that felt lush and had space for intimate seating as well as dinner parties. However, the current space had no dimension, was covered in concrete, and had zero shade, essentially making it unusable even in cooler weather.
The concrete was in great shape, so we decided that rather than excavate it, we would lay porcelain pavers supported by pedestals right on top – cutting down on potential labor and excavation costs. The owner was also able to lay the pavers themselves, further cutting down on labor costs. To create a lush space with shade, we hired a carpenter to build a pergola, raised beds, and a built-in bench. The pergola would provide shade, the raised beds were different heights to add dimension, and the bench could double as seating for small groups or work well alongside a dining table for larger parties. A cherry blossom tree would, as it grew, also provide shade for the yard.
Finally, we picked a mix of native and nonnative plants that could withstand the sun: Calamintha nepeta ‘Walkers Low,’ native white heath aster, native grasses (Panicum virgatum and Eragrostis spectabilis), and Phlox subulata ‘Snowflake’ to name a few. The end result, a wonderful backyard oasis. Click here to see more of this project.
Curious how Loam can help transform your outdoor space? Check out our services here or email us at hello@loambrooklyn.com.