Need Tips for Ugly Backyard

I would love some ideas on how to spruce up our backyard.  It is small (maybe 17’x25′) completely covered in old, grey concrete and the surrounding fence is splintered wood painted gray. There is no water source but we have spoken to our plumber and he will install a spigot for us soon. If I had the money, I would replace the fence, remove the concrete put in pavers and planting beds maybe add a small deck and lots of plants and maybe a tree or two. That is not going to happen at least not in the short-term unless I want to get a divorce. So, if this has to happen over several years, what should I do first?   Replace the fence?  Remove some of the concrete and create a small planting bed?  Should I paint the concrete? Paint the fence?  OR, should I just leave it alone and stick with container planters until we can afford to properly address the whole thing.    How should I balance what will improve the yard for our use with what might increase the value of the house?  It is easier for me to answer that question for indoor stuff but outdoor stuff I am not so sure. Thanks.

brooklynhome

in Garden 13 years and 2 months ago

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callalily | 13 years and 2 months ago

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Replace the fence and remove the concrete first. You might want to start composting. The reason I say replace the fence first is because if you plant anything on or near the fence, and then remove it later, your plants are likely to be destroyed. We need to replace our fence but I’m still ignorant of how much it costs and who does it (expensive, apparently). I have friends who hired a couple of day laborers to jack hammer their concrete. We had concrete paths, and we have hired a variety of folks, including some inexpensive day laborers, to dig it up and pile it in the front. We have also done some digging ourselves. You will likely have to pay to haul it away. Maybe you can get some free bluestone or bricks, as suggested. The deck will be expensive — why not wait on that? You can get basic plantings from the nursery for a few hundred a year, and seed is very low cost. We do not have a spigot in our yard, but we pull the hose up from the basement every summer. An irrigation system would be a smart move.

king | 13 years and 2 months ago

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On a non professional budget. My yard looks great.

king | 13 years and 2 months ago

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My wife and I just went to homedepot and did it ourselves with the help of some laborers we got from in front of Home depot for $100 a day. We got everything done so cheap and professionally

brooklynhouselove | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I hired an interior designer for this exact reason. I am decent at indoor design but I have no idea regarding my yard space. I am also in the Gowanus and I have an awkardly laid out backyard. She came over today for the consultation and she is excellent. I highly recommend her. This is her website http://www.claudiagiselle.com/

Rehab | 13 years and 2 months ago

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One thing you could do: Help yourself to this absolutely FREE little pile of bluestone in my front yard at 241 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill. More than enough for patio. Stones are mostly small and irregular, but there also are several 2×2-foot square pieces and some rectangles as well.

rebeccamills | 13 years and 2 months ago

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If you live near a local Home Depot, they are offering a lot of free classes this month on gardening and landscaping. They will help you come up with a basic plan and teach you the best and cheapest ways to enact it!

marie-helene | 13 years and 2 months ago

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That’s pretty much what I do: I help you come up with a plan to let you enjoy your backyard. Once the design, materials and plants are defined, the work can be done in phases. You have to then decide what you can handle on your own. Getting started might be cheaper than you think, if you’re thorough when you plan.