New Garden Design

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Hi Brownstoners, We have a great opportunity to design a backyard garden from scratch! Previously the space was a sterile asphalt parking lot and we are eager to bring green living plants and trees to the lot. Unfortunately the budget is going to be very tight and it is looking more likely that the project will be DIY or possibly pro-bono for young up and coming landscape architects. However, I would welcome any suggestions, advice, guidance and lessons learned from members of the Brownstoner community on my endeavors! The garden space is located in Clinton Hill and its measurements are 25’ wide by 40’ deep. The long axis runs pretty much east-west and the end of the property line runs almost up to the neighbor’s extension. Looking at the picture, the white fence is south, the two story extension is west and the traffic cones are on the northern side. Of note, there is a tall building on the south side which shades ½ of the lot (the southern portion) for most of the day. Otherwise I would say the area gets direct sun. The “tree” in the southwest corner leaning precariously into the lot will be removed, as well as the vegetation on the northern wall. Ideally, we would be able to walk down from the rear deck to a grassy area. A stone walkway would lead to the elevated back terrace with a paved surface and a small water feature. The garden would be split level (western most 15 feet would be raised up by 2 or 3 feet) with raised planter beds running down the north and south sides. Can anyone recommend which type and how many trees to plant? Being a southern girl, the wife is longing for magnolia and dogwood trees. I would like to see cherry blossoms in the spring and vivid colors of a Japanese maple in the fall. Not sure of how many trees can be squeezed in, but both of us agree that we need 2 or three trees which can quickly grow to hide the western neighbor’s building and line of sight. Would river birch be a good choice?  Has anyone had good luck with shrubs or potted plants? I would imagine they can bring a lot of color and variety to the garden as well. Thanks in advance for your help and ideas!

TheBrooklynCarriage

in Garden Design and Maintenance 13 years and 1 month ago

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jesseBK | 13 years and 1 month ago

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Give  New Eco: Urban Landscape Design a call.  They will sell you the plants at discount so you can DIY.  646-770-3602

meme2 | 13 years and 1 month ago

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also if you make raised beds u can save a lot of back pain.  just need to crack the asphalt not take it way

meme2 | 13 years and 1 month ago

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First follow the sun see where u get the most sun just map it yourself. Nextall the trees need water lots and lots of water.  Then the trees you mentioned: Magnlia 30-40 feet high, Japanese maples same unless u get a bonsaiAND any maple is BAIT for the longhorn beatle. Birch grow to 100 ft high and quickly. Dogwoods are susptible to fungal disease.  ONE tree would do it.The following are trees that are smaller and fairly hardy; Golden redbud, grows 20 ft. Wayside garden has a pagola dogwood that is deisease resistant, and a myrtle. There are dwarf cherries I have one upstate it grows to 20ft and produces fruit.  BUT trees need care they need food and water and regular pruning. So many people pplant and they are crowded and and make horrible diseases, its just mean to do that to a tree. I have a great tree guy let me know . BUT READ THE LABELS they do grow to the height and spread and possibily more.  Get a pick and start breaking up the areas. say 8×10 and do one section at a time. My Mother in law who had the most beautiful gardens said a garden takes 20 years to mature. Get the bones the frame in ; trees and bushes. Give your self time to figure out the sun, where you want to have not only the stuff picnic tables etc, but also the views. I have been putting in my own gardens for 20+ years. Every year I pick one battle .I also wait till end of the summer to buy the big beautiful plants they go on sale.:) If you have access to another garden take plants from that garden and bring it down. Get plants from your friends.  The water fitures are very easy to make your self lots of articles on converting pots and stuff to make water fitures. Ponds are tons of work take years to naturalise and you need to have fish and snail to keep the mosquito population down. Bamboo and any grass also bring mosquitos. Let me know if you want any more iinfo. Just remember it takes time and dont be in a rush it will come together.

marie-helene | 13 years and 1 month ago

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I can meet with you and talk budget and design, and year-round enjoyment of your backyard.  I’m in Clinton Hill as well.  Dogwoods and ornamental cherry or maple trees are definitely options, as long as you have some sunlight. marieheleneEP at gmail