So, I'm contemplating renting a small house (which is way expensive and a completely different topic) but the last renter was not much of a gardener. In fact, I'm not so sure I am either, but part of me is so sick of living in someone else's space, and, after facing the fact that it is almost impossible to live out here comfortably without also having a roomie, I'm kinda wanting to jump on this possiblity.

The front yard isn't really even a yard...its a bunch of trees and overgrown weeds and shrubbery. I've been told that I can take down anything as long as it isn't larger than 3 inches in diameter. That leaves a lot of clearing of the little stuff, but it won't open up the yard at all b/c larger trees are right at the woodline. Its like a mini forest.

The backyard is also not much of a yard, but I figure defining the woodline will be easier.

My question to you all is how can I "pretty" up the yard and work with the minimal space I've got as inexpensively as possible? I'll already be forking over 730/month, so I don't want to throw a lot of money away into a rental...but at the same time, I think it will be both safer and more pleasing to the eye if I clean up the lot a bit.

Here is the backyard:

Here is the side of the house with the driveway (note: the part closest to the viewer and the house is the septic field...I can't park my car there, unfortunately):

Here is the "front" of the house:

Here is another shot of the "yard" and the driveway:

And here is the first part of the "yard":

[Edited on November 29, 2005 at 10:12 AM. Reason : pics]

11/29/2005 10:10:51 AM

yikes! it looks like no matter what you do, you'll want to use a tiller (like the Mantis one you see on TV...seriously, the thing works!) so you can actually successfully plant stuff.

i suggest that you put some sort of walkway leading from the front steps to the "driveway" area, then working from there. the owner may be willing to pay for some of the materials if you do a good enough job you can line that with foliage and work from there.

[Edited on November 29, 2005 at 10:24 AM. Reason : .]

11/29/2005 10:22:07 AM

I'm not really all that landscaping/gardening literate...would I till the back and just pull up the weeds in the front? or till everything?

Also, I don't think I'm in a flood zone, but being that I live at the beach, I'm a little wary with doing TOO much in case of hurricanes. Any nice plants that are hardy enough to survive out here (that are also attractive)?

I really like the walkway idea too...I think it would add a more "finished" touch...ooh I adore stone! I think that might be expensive though...what about mulch?

11/29/2005 10:42:17 AM

11/29/2005 10:43:58 AM

I would only till wherever you plan on putting in additional plants - unless you want a backyard that looks like a mudpile after each bout of wet weather pulling the remainder of the weeds by hand is fine, but throw down some grass seed when the time is right (see http://www.backyardgardener.com/lawn/ for some more info...there are more sites out there, I just came across that one first. google is my friend!)

honestly, in terms of the stones, it depends on what you're looking to do - if you want to do something ornate with a bunch of stone tiles, then yeah, it's going to be a bit pricey. otherwise, you can just buy some larger stones/bricks to line the walkway, then fill it in with a big bag of smaller smooth stones (just make sure you don't track them indoors if there are any wood floors - that'll ruin them). If you don't want the gravelly feeling walkway, you may be able to buy some paver and stepping stones in bulk from a home store (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.). I guess you may want to specify a price range that you're looking to spend on this project


[Edited on November 29, 2005 at 11:04 AM. Reason : .]

11/29/2005 10:58:35 AM

the entire inside is wood flooring...not a carpet in sight...I guess if I did the stones I'd have to do the whole "shoes off at the door" thing

11/29/2005 11:22:02 AM

^that's essentially what my parents do. When they majorly downsized and purchased a cottage, the whole damn house has hardwood floors (and they have a gravel driveway). The first thing I typically hear when I come over to visit is, "Shoes off!" so I can relate. Just a habit thing, not a big deal.

The backyard of their cottage is an English garden with a huge list of various plants (as in multiple columns needed to fit them all on a single page). If you have any specific questions regarding a particular plant/type of plant, I'm sure they have it (or something like it) and would be more than willing to lend some advice. I'll post a pic of the backyard sometime after I get home this evening - it may give you an idea of what you like (or don't like for that matter).

11/29/2005 11:30:30 AM

that house isnt for rent.

i already rented it.

11/29/2005 11:36:43 AM

thanks so much...I appreciate it!!!

11/29/2005 11:36:52 AM

bttt

11/29/2005 1:02:36 PM

Don't till areas you don't intend to plant. This will just invite weed growth and make a mess.

11/29/2005 1:59:45 PM

Want me to ask my dad for advice? You've seen his handywork before.

11/29/2005 2:01:09 PM

sure tom...any advice is welcome!!

and on a side note...I just found out I can't get a dog if I move in to this house booo!

11/29/2005 2:11:55 PM

Would you go fishing with a lawnmower?

11/29/2005 2:13:54 PM

bttt, again

ooh, if you want to come out to the beach to HELP make this place look nice, that'd be ok too

11/29/2005 4:59:55 PM

the first thing you need to do is figure out you budget. it looks like any major improvements are gonna cost alot, it would cost quite a bit just to resow with grass if you want good results.

unless you got real creative and did something kinda "sureal," like some sort of mix/ contrast of lush ornamentals set in a baron landscape, if that makes any sense.

do you plan to do most of the work yourself or hire a landscaper/contractor/etc...

where is the site?

11/29/2005 6:56:48 PM

well I really don't have much money to work with...so I'd probably do it myself

its in Dare County...and I'm not sure I'm talented enough to accomplish a complicated sounding surreal look

11/29/2005 7:09:00 PM

even as a landscape architect, residential work really isnt my thing, i like to work on larger scale projects, but i have got a couple of cool ideas in my head.

11/29/2005 7:19:56 PM

well I'd love to hear them...but keep in mind I dont have much money to spend on anything too exciting

11/29/2005 7:22:33 PM

some of these ideas may be alittle extreme:

1. something japanese rock garden-esque--lots of pea gravel, some biger rip-rap type rocks, minimal sporatic planting, little turf

2. use different types of rocks and gravel to make some sort of pattern or design. could be little to know turf, could uses turf as an additional contrasting elemate, you could have alternating bands of gravel, grass, mulch, etc... could be free form or parallel.

3. could have some some sort of baron minamilistic desert like landscape. lots of exposed dirt areas, contrasted with planting.

could cimbine these in any number of ways.


these ideas are a little out there, i am not that good with pricing materials, but i dont really for see these ideas totally breaking the bank, but i could be wrong. is there something that you already have in mind that you might be going for? the more info i get from you about what you want the more i may be able to help you.

11/29/2005 7:40:34 PM

well...honestly the only thing I had in mind was to get the excess stuff cleared up...to define the woodlines and take down the overhanging branches. The front really is a mess, and I'm VERY limited b/c I can't cut any trees that are larger than 3 inches in diameter. I had tossed throwing a layer of mulch down around the front, but I have 2 cars, and since the driveway is VERY narrow, 1 car will be parked in front of the house and 1 will be parked next to the house (but before the septic field).

ps I like your ideas

[Edited on November 29, 2005 at 7:55 PM. Reason : ]

11/29/2005 7:54:50 PM

yeah i guess that would work to but what fun would that be.

that would be a good start and would help alot. i guess i went a little overboard with my ideas. thats one of my biggests faults as a designer, i am always looking to make big bold statements, that tend to be unlrealistic for the project at hand. i neeed to learn that simple can be good too.

11/29/2005 8:23:22 PM

well...I'd love to do what your talking about, but I'm limited by my funds and by the owners of the house, lol

11/29/2005 8:27:02 PM

true.

let me know if i can help in any way. ill keep thinking about your situation to see if i camn come up with better ideas.

11/29/2005 8:30:29 PM

thanks so much!

11/29/2005 8:30:46 PM

Forgive me for being so blunt......




but why would you do any sort of landscaping for a place you're only renting?

11/29/2005 11:00:30 PM

Quote :

"3. could have some some sort of baron minamilistic desert like landscape. lots of exposed dirt areas, contrasted with planting."

Barren. The word you're looking for is barren. A Baron is a minor noble, such as Baron Mannfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron).

11/30/2005 12:18:20 AM

Strata knows his landscaping. And I'd be glad to come help you out one weekend darlin

11/30/2005 12:53:37 AM

thanks noen!!!

and kiljadn, I don't think the owners are planning on doing anything with it...its too "messy" for me as it is, and I'd feel better if I cleared out some of the stuff in the front (it'd be a little safer at night when I'm going to and from the house)

11/30/2005 7:55:46 AM

hey man, the house has lots of potential but if your renting you might not want to get into it too hardcore unless maybe you could get a stipend from the owner? Anyways forget having grass, looks shady, rhododendrons azaleas, gardenia and the like will work for you. But first, you need to kill all that IVY or whatever vine is in the back... do this either by cutting it at the base of the tree (later you can pull the dead from the trees or just let it rot) then you'll need to diligently spray round-up or some other herbicide next spring/summer fall to the stuff is dead... i mean spray everything that comes up like every other week!!! Once its dead you can start developing it next fall (best time to plant w/o irrigation). It will seriously take all summer to make sure that garbage is dead. If your planning on making beds go ahead and make them and follow the same procedure of killing weeds next summer till fall, will pretty much be ready to plant.

11/30/2005 11:12:28 AM

definitely ask for some compensation from the landlord, or ask for rent reduction in exchange. You can get the plans from strata to show them, and if they aren't complete idiots they will usually go for it.

I got my rent reduced for 6 months by agreeing to perform MUCH needed lawn maintenance when I moved into my current residence.

11/30/2005 1:25:55 PM

well I first asked the leasing agency if the homeowner would at least attempt to tidy up the yard...the lady was like "um, I don't think so"...

see, you have to remember that most of the people out here are money hungry brats, so they don't really care about anything so long as they get their money (and lots of it). I doubt they'd actually do WORK as well as cutting down some of the rent...heaven forbid they help me out.

11/30/2005 6:14:20 PM

i ::heart:: the plants that grow near the coast... it looks so lush and crap... i suppose its not a "maritime forest" or anything... but looks awesome! not many trees where I'm at

-ZiP!-

11/30/2005 9:34:28 PM

You pay $750 in Rent??

Spend a few extra bucks and:

BUY, BUY, BUY!!!!

You will be much more independent and have a much better tax return.

12/1/2005 4:51:48 PM

this is the easiest way to get what you are looking for.

12/1/2005 5:07:18 PM

well, i guess i have to respond too, but i'm too tired to offer any great insight. i will agree that a walkway or some sort of hardscape would help define the front a little more, if you want it to feel formal and orderly. but the place has a rustic woodsy thing going for it as is...i'd probably dress up the backyard before doing anything with the front.... hey maybe plant a wall of bamboo along the edge of the backyard, and stick a bench under it.

Quote :

"use different types of rocks and gravel to make some sort of pattern or design. could be little to know turf, could uses turf as an additional contrasting elemate, you could have alternating bands of gravel, grass, mulch, etc... could be free form or parallel. ...i guess i went a little overboard... "

haha sounds like every project you did in school

12/1/2005 9:22:12 PM

^^^it is very expensive out here...but if I buy, my mortgage will still be 800-1200 (at LEAST), depending on how nice of a place I want. There are $200,000 trailers out there that aren't necessarily in the best of shape...and $4,000,000 places that are beautiful but a LITTLE out of my price range

12/2/2005 10:55:01 AM

JSnail,

Sorry about suggesting you buy, I thought you were in the triangle. I bought my first house in Holly Springs for 150,00 and paid 1029 a month.

Enjoy where your at and seriously, sit in your space and think of would like, see if your landlord will pay for it or at least half if you agree to be a long term resident...

I just bought a new house for 360 and am renting my old house and give them pretty much free range as far as the yard, if they let me know ahead of time as far as hardscape or construction go. Plantings, as long as they are not vines against the house go are pretty much what ever they desire.

Talk to your landlord, you'd be surprised to what they may let you do, my main goal is to let the tenent enjoy the house, live within the HOA rules and allow me to pay the mortage down alot faster then I was living there, so I can sell it when I reach my goal or give it to a family member if they need it.

You just never know.

Enjoy your house and make it YOUR SPACE.

12/3/2005 1:53:48 PM

yeah youre not gonna grow much grass out there, even if it is shade tolerant. id suggest the pea pebbles/gravel idea, its very low maintenance. you should probably get a soil test report, look at the results, and that will tell you if you need lime, and what types of plants are suitable for an area. you cant just throw shit into the ground and expect it to grow.

12/3/2005 2:45:02 PM

^^its ok, I don't think I ever actually said where I was

thanks again everyone for the ideas!

12/3/2005 4:25:19 PM

It really depends what you want to do. if you still want some space in the back yard, id maybe consider putting a row of knockout roses along the back edge with maybe two or three cypress type trees mixed in. knockout roses can handle the beach weather and are low mantainence (plus you get some State color in there). I'd definatley get a few stones to make a path to the stairs. Maybe some mulch beds around the house with assorted flowers (someone suggested gardinias, thats a good choice).

you dont want to crowed too much because you are very limited in your space. I'd try and see if you could get some grass growing in the back too. Thats pretty simple and wouldn't cost you too much. since you cant cut the big trees, you'll have to try to use them somehow. If you remove the vines, it'll look much better.

12/3/2005 9:48:49 PM

Looks like you got Kudzu... don't even bother with landscaping. It ain't going anywhere.

12/4/2005 8:08:14 PM