Finally think I’m going to tackle our front and back yard. Got about 2400 sq ft in the back, 1100 in the front. Previous owner tore everything up and put mulch and rocks/pebbles all over.
Put together a loose plan but would love some advice or tips. Quotes from gardeners/landscapers are anywhere from 8-23k (some higher). Needs to be kid/dog friendly. Leaning towards natural grass instead of turf but open to both as long as it’s safe. Put together some loose plans but open to adjusting. And if you’re in the area and want to send me a quote let me know.
by cincodemayo123
1 Comment
1. That’s a lot of DG it looks like you’re keeping in the backyard, and not a single large tree. I’d seriously switch the DG for a playground mulch and plan for a large native oak in the central area to provide shade.
2. I hope you’re not planning on doing any planting until the fall–getting plants in the ground between Halloween and Valentine’s Day will give you the best chance of establishment. Check out r/Ceanothus for CA native specific advice, and [Calscape.org](http://Calscape.org) for sample landscape designs using natives, maps of CA nurseries, and a database of plants.
3. It looks like you might have a backyard rain barrel in the second picture. I’d consider how you can run the downspout into a swale to create a native [rain garden](https://ucanr.edu/blog/water-supply-security-wss/article/rain-gardens-sustainable-solution-stormwater-management). Your kid(s) could enjoy having a native garden area to explore. Generally, you have a blank slate, so I’d incorporate as many [water captures strategies](https://greenportal.wca.ca.gov/strategies/water-capture) as you can.