Have had this water garden feature for two years now, as well as all the landscaping that surrounds it. But there is a area to the right that seems to be lacking something...
possibly a tree for shade near the house as it faces west. Any suggestions would be welcomed...
Perhaps a tree...size your choice, but at least an 8 to 10 ft at the upper right corner where the lantern/vane is. You could add a weeping cherry, a dogwood, kwanzan cherry, japanese magnolia.....they wouldn't provide much in the way of shade, but would add some definition to that area.
Be careful what you choose for that area. Its full sun. Does it have a windbreak? Depending on what type of dogwood you are looking for, Kousa will take full sun but the other varieties would be happier in part shade or morning sun only.
Moonhowl has some good choices listed. Definitely needs an ornamental for that area. I love the patio! I'd love to do that in my backyard.
Look at what you need for the area and the surrounding yard. What do you want to use the area for(a sitting space, lawn games, dog spot, etc)? Do you need trees for shade, wind breaks, another sitting area, more provacy, or to block eye sore outside of your yard. Are you planning on putting in a garden? What seasons of the year you do you want/need any of the above. What are the views of that area like from the house windows. What kind of activities would you like to do in your yard and what have you not yet accounted for? If you can answer some of those questions then that will help you figure out what to put there.
I could see a number of things that could be done with the area including plantings of veggie/flower beds, trees, or hardscapes like a pergola over the patio or swing/hammock.
A small garden design is different from other garden designs. Space plays an important role in small garden design ideas. The garden should not seem very populated but at the same time it should provide a complete whole to the home.
I always think it is a better idea to go find a book on the subject you plan so you can get the benefit of all the pro's and con's for a largish project like yours, there are so many books available from the local library or book store on this very subject, you have to take into account the soil you have, the view you want to have or hide, the cables required IF you need electrics close to wet / damp or running water / lighting etc, you also need to do all the hard landscaping stuff that will set off the whole area and ofcource the cost of materials /plants/ trees etc.
You could always ask a professional to come by and give you some ideas and cost to give you a ball park figure to guide you on where you could cut corners to save some money when you do it yourself if thats your plant.
Even IF you want a pro in to help you out, the best results will be had IF your furnished with the right questions to ask because you have read up on the subject first.
Good luck hope this is of some help. WeeNel.
Just happened to run across this thread and was wondering if your home is on sewers or do you have a septic system. If you have a septic system that space you are planning for planting looks like a prime spot for it's location. Just saying.
