This rectangle of dirt is in our North facing backyard, picture taken from back deck. Behind (to the left) is a creek, then on the other side of that a road that is getting busier (traffic noises getting more obvious).
We don’t use the yard much, and have the fake grass there due to muddy conditions in the winter, so it’s easier with the dog (we’re in the Pacific Northwest, BC). There had been a shed there that was taken down, so now what?
Easy shrubs (that the dog will pee on), water feature, greenhouse, tree, hedge? We have a raised bed and plants in the front South facing yard.
We do plan on moving probably in 5 years or so, so resale is a factor too. We have no idea and hope for some ideas here! Thank you for any suggestions!
by Silverybees
3 Comments
Seeing a big empty rectangle just begging for something is always a fun problem. I’d lean into a layered shrub bed with a mix of evergreens and something that flowers, it’ll soften the noise from the road and give the dog his own little boundary to patrol. A water feature sounds nice but the maintenance might turn off buyers in a few years, especially if they’re not into yard work.
Since you’re moving in about 5 years, skip the greenhouse or anything that feels too personal, buyers want to picture their own stuff there. A small ornamental tree in the center of that dirt patch would anchor the space without being a hassle, maybe underplanted with some low native ground cover that handles dog traffic. That fake grass will be a selling point for the next owner who’s tired of muddy paws so I’d keep that whole zone as the practical dog run.
Does the rectangle get any sun?
I’m on the Island and had a similar spot and planted a row of cedar hedge and mulched around them
https://preview.redd.it/63i2pu7lt3ih1.png?width=1448&format=png&auto=webp&s=c40281a7ccd65d1663ebe3a83c40b371ddaec99b
Keep it simple but make it lovely to look at!