Landscaping

» Diane Laney Fitzpatrick - Small yard, everything's visible

Here in Lexington, Kentucky, our properties are very small; backyards are relatively tiny and since many housing developments are built on former horse farm land, there are no mature trees.
My husband and I are planting trees and shrubs as fast as we can...however, the more we plant, the more our yard shrinks.
We'd like a yard that's natural appearing, but still feels spacious, along with being a little private, but still neighborhood friendly. Does anyone have ideas for making our new yard look and feel like comfortable family space?

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» Georgene A. Bramlage - Small yard, everything's visible

In response to Small yard, everything's visible posted by DianeFitz:

Diane,

My husband and I were in slightly the same fix when we were unable to buy the house to the north of us and we could see into the new neighbor's backyard from our deck.

We put in a fence and planted a variety of small shrubs in front of the fence. Meanwhile, our neighbor began using living Christmas trees (spruces) and started planting them on his side of the fence. Perhaps, he did not like looking at us looking at him from our deck

Actually the situation has worked out very well...I can not give you an exact time frame or pictures because I am away from my home office. But will make your concern my top item when we return next week.

I really like fences because:

1- there are many styles to be had - some wood or bamboo/reed; others vinyl, which look like wood from a distance and require minimal upkeep;
2 - they impart a sense of enclosure and privacy which makes it much easier to landscape.

Meanwhile, here are links to older articles of mine about fences: Fences Build Good Neighbors: Part I and Fences: Part II.

Unfortunately, Fences: Part II is not as complete as it could be, but the tips are really quite good and need to be taken seriously.

I hope this helps you in your planning processes. I will get busy with those other articles as soon as I return home.

P.S. The photo I just put up as my topic picture shows two wicker chairs against an attractive board fence. It's a little hard to see because the topic photos can not be enlarged.

Georgene

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» Diane Laney Fitzpatrick - Small yard, everything's visible

In response to Small yard, everything's visible posted by Cercis:

Thank you SO much, Georgene!
I agree that a fence does so much. We actually have a fence, but it is a black wrought-iron type fence - looks great, but doesn't provide any privacy. We considered a wooden fence, but our yard is so small, we thought a solid fence would have made it seem even smaller.
Right now we're busy planting lots of things to create a natural fence, but it will take time. It's funny you should bring up your neighbors - my husband and I were just saying, "Wouldn't it be nice if our neighbors put up some evergreens and shrubs, too, so that some of the privacy screening was on them!"
Thanks again, Georgene!
Diane

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» Georgene A. Bramlage - Small yard, everything's visible

In response to Small yard, everything's visible posted by DianeFitz:

Diane,

Perhaps you could send the measurements of that portion of yard you are concerned with...just rough estiments will do well...and I can then compare them with what we've done, as well as what daughters #1 and #2 are doing.

If you like send measurements via private e-mail,

Georgene

Georgene

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