Your Backyard

Your Backyard should provide stability to allow a garden to take shape, so with that in mind when choosing trees consider the size of your backyard.  Take into consideration the time you have to spend maintaining your yard and also the area you wish to set aside for your entertaining, barbeques etc.

Consideration for shade in your backyard would be ideal and an important decision during the development of your garden, also take a moment to think about trees that will give you efficient screening for your yard. We all like privacy when we are entertaining, so the first step to achieve this is to grow trees in order to block out visual buildings, backyard sheds or neighbours adjoining properties. A good selection of trees will do just that, just remember to keep the size of your yard in mind and choose wisely.

Trees with a thick canopy will not only give you privacy, they will give you shade and protection from the hot sun. Check out trees available from nurseries and also take notice of the trees growing around your area, this will steer you in the right direction.

I myself prefer evergreens in my backyard, the reason for this is primarily my age as I don't want a garden that is going to be alot of work, and evergreens do not drop their foliage which means no heavy maintenance, no racking and having to dispose of the fallen leaves. This is a real bonus as you get older or haven't the time for alot of ground maintenance. I too have arthritis so I don't want to spend time on the end of a rake.

Mind you there is nothing more beautiful than autumn foliage tho, if you don't mind raking up the leaves. The colours are brilliant and give added pleasure as they turn your backyard into a wondrous sight.

In the winter unless you do have some evergreens your backyard is quite stark, so think about what growing shrubs there are that will flower at that time. A few that do flower in the winter, are azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias (all colours) and the rose bush named Lorraine Lee Rose. Just a note to remember, this rose bush is pruned in the summer time, unlike other roses which are pruned after the frost season. This rose has a lovely perfume too.

A nice idea along with your alfresco and/or barbeque area would be a feature garden, one to be admired by your family and a talking point when entertaining your friends.

A weeping cherry with its dark green foliage and white blossom, surrounded with your favourite annuals or perennials will give year round interest. Surround it with a brick patterned path, maybe a garden seat or a bird bath if you have the area to do it.

It will be an absolute delight, a vision you will have created and you will admire for many years. The birds will love to come and visit your backyard, where it is beautiful, peaceful and a shaded place where they feel safe. I feel sure you will be happy with the result.