Rear Landscape

Fromdownwest

Hi all, looking to pick brains on the garden!

Main isuses with the current setup and new toddler in the house, is the sharp drops, slippy slate and no garden segretaion.

Playing with online design tools - we quite like the idea of replacing the slate central area with a closed off play area - with glass balustrades and gates at both sides. There is access from the patio and kitchen doors.

Main questions - do we raise the lower level of the slate to be in line with the perimiter path so a smooth flow into the house, or do we drop the path to match the lower level of the slate and have steps from the house down.

The decking is raised a foot off the solid base and this will be replaced with either - slab / resin or composite boards.

The lower area will be turfed so no cahnges there, greenhouse to remain, and ideally a BBQ station where the Red Gas canister is over looking the garden.

The other issues is the bottom left - that is the rear side access - but a very steep drop. Do we just get rid of that path entirely as we do not use that side of rear access much.

Apprecaite that is a lot to cover off, but welco

me all your thoughts and views on the proposed plans!

twopenny

Trouble is computer plans and AI make everything look wonderful. It doesn't take account of a lot of things.

Maybe as AI to age the decking etc. before you commit.

I'd definitely go for the second because it has credible access to all points.

The first is awkward and annoying to get to the greenhouse from the patio and the rear gate? Shed?

I get that the slate isn't toddler friendly. Needs the edges rounding at the steps, a rejuvenation, weed and paint to look like it originally did. After that, low maintenance.

All that decking though is going to be high maintenance. Less so with synthetic but still work.

Greenhouse on decking? Water run off will rot it so something to think about.

With the raised beds around the patio, plant something like the large English lavender or hedging cause sure as eggs is eggs children will use it as a tightrope and people chatting will step backwards over it. I've had to people proof my front steps because of this 😉

Fromdownwest

Apolgies the top section of the house has a rear door access directly onto the current wooden decking. This is the current layout.

Open to replace the decking with resin or new lighter colour stone with more grip.

The greenhouse is currently on decking that will definaltey go and not be replaced!

oldernonethewiser

For the left hand entrance how about a ramp instead of steps?

Not a fan of the BBQ in front of the greenhouse.

What is the purpose of the gate on the decking? Is there one at the other end of the upper level enclosing the whole area, in which cas I do understand what it is for.

Fromdownwest

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997142#Comment_81997142

Sorry for the confusion - thinking of the BBQ going at the red location. Enclosed area with house access as a secure play area for ther toddler and keeps the dog out of the play area - as he has a tendency to go to the toilet where he pleases!

Considering a cheaper optinos of plants / bushes and or wooden fence?

oldernonethewiser

Thanks for the clarification.

I wonder if there is a good reason for the two levels of slate? I'd raise the level so it was flat when you step out of the house.

I would make any beds around the edge of the lower level wider than you propose.

twopenny

The gate near the greenhouse needs to be opposite the patio doors. Probably just a moment of confusion 😉

If you have to open it for the dog then during rain it can stay open because the toddler won't be out there, in the fry you just need to get a routine. The dog will quickly learn where he/she is their area. Gives you two options.

Sapindus

There is something off about the last picture, two steps down from the patio on the left but seven on the right. think the whole garden slopes down from left to right which would account for this but then the raised bed doesn't reflect that so all looks a bit M C Escher. AI might be struggling with the real world.