Landscaping Ideas!?!

Question

We bought our house last year, and it was horrible. Overgrown with weeds, 2 huge pine trees, and NO grass whatsoever. This summer we cut down the overgrown trees, ground down the stumps, and now we are left with just 1 big mess.

We are planning on painting the house the color of the "original" in the top left corner, but with a maroon trim (matching on all windows, for once, lol).

http://www.afrojet.com/images/house_colors.jpg

We need a fence, but really dont have a whole heap of a lot of money. We do not have a backyard, but we do have a dog and a 2 year old and 4 year old. We need something that would give us maximum room for the kids and dog, but still look nice.

My original idea was to build up the front to the point of almost level with landscaping bricks (so we would have the full use of the yard.) The bricks would curve from the sidewalk into the stairs, and curve at the corners.

We had talked about a rock/cement wall, or railway ties instead of landscaping bricks, but I am told those are very "dated".

Get rid of the ugly rock planter thingy, and put up a 3 foot wood fence. I think this may be a bit out of our price range though. Any ideas appreciated!!!

http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/reno701/IMG_3414.jpg

http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/reno701/IMG_3412.jpg

http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/reno701/IMG_3413.jpg

Answer 1

I agree using the pavers (landscaping bricks) to build a retaining wall will help add a lot of curb appeal.  You don't want to use RR ties mainly because they are treated with a creosote that is toxic, leaches into the soil and is unsafe for pets and children.  But I think changing the front entry and porch configuration will help a lot, too.  Tear out those dangerous steps, remove the dated wrought iron railing and move the steps to be right in front of the door so that you can use the space on the right of the door for a cute little bistro table, chairs or even a water feature and some plants.  The foundation would also benefit from some plants so that it grounds the house anchoring it to the landscaping.  I also think shutters and window boxes would help dress up the windows and integrate them better with the expanse of stucco across the front of the house.  And then finally another paint and trim color would update the home immensely.  One way to "finance" your landscaping project is to use the year of no interest, no finance charges and no minimum payment coupons at Lowes which will have all of the materials you will need.  That way you can budget and price your project, divide that amount over 11 months to avoid interest charges and pay it off in equal monthly installments without penalty but spreading it over time.  Moreover, they will deliver the heavy items, like the pavers, for a nominal fee (ours charges $35 includes loading, unloading and delivery).

Answer 2

If it were me, I would remove the rock planter. It doesn't appear to be all that steep so I think you could smooth it down and plant grass, then go with your 3 foot wood fence. The white picket would really look nice. Hope this helps. Good luck. Remodeling is fun.