Garden of the Day: Skinny Space in the Slope

Got a garden space you want to share? Send us a note. And now, tales of the narrow: Our Park Slope backyard was a narrow 12 feet by 28 feet plot of dirt overgrown with weeds. An air conditioning unit and stairwell dominated the space. We wanted both beautiful plants as well as additional outdoor living space. The end result (thanks to the help of a great landscaper) is a city retreat which includes both an Ipe wood deck and a flagstone patio. The wood deck has a cut out for the air conditioning unit. Rose of sharon bushes were planted between the deck and back fence. The other plants represent a mix of succulents such as hens and chicks and classics like roses, honeysuckle and hydrangea. We couldn't be happier with the results.
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Comments

Interesting. Does that mean the ac unit is buried? Does it need to vent?
Love the flagstone.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at October 21, 2008 10:39 AM

I think the AC unit is still there behind the turquoise thing/dark blue planter, no?

Posted by: cobblehiller at October 21, 2008 10:57 AM

I see, cobblehiller, you are right. I was imaging a trap door in the deck in the second image. I have a great imagination I guess. I love the idea of burying it, though it's probably not feasible!

Posted by: Susan Elkins at October 21, 2008 11:12 AM

I am working on a similar project in my yard and was wondering about the wood. I am not sure what the Termite situation is aound your neck of the woods, but we have a literal metropolis of termites living throughout our blocks in the south slope. Even our treated wood barracade fence is starting to show termite damage after only 1 year.

Any ideas on how to prevent, circumvent this problem and still have decking? Did your contractor address this issue in doing your project?

Posted by: newsouthsloper at October 21, 2008 11:23 AM

Couldn't agree more Susan, burying them would be optimal! I thought it might be under the stairs at first.

Posted by: cobblehiller at October 21, 2008 11:40 AM

I'm no expert, but I have used wood in the tropics where the termites are powerful. Spanish Cedar, mahogany, teak and Ipe are all recommended since they are too hard for their little teeth or don't taste very good. They are also weather resistant.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at October 21, 2008 11:50 AM

Thanks for the comments. Our landscaper recommended Ipe because it is a durable hardwood that is resistant to termites. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to cover up the AC unit because it needs to "breathe". We are looking for more creative ways to conceal the unit...

Posted by: butterballbk at October 21, 2008 10:45 PM

Hi,
I'm looking for a good, reasonably priced source for Ipe. Can anyone suggest anyplace? Thanks, Melissa

Posted by: melissacesquire at October 28, 2008 1:26 PM

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October 21, 2008

Garden of the Day: Skinny Space in the Slope

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