Creating my Backyard Oasis.

by Jennifer Biemond
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

I have a large deck that leads from the garage to my kitchen. There are lilacs that are planted all around the deck.

The part of the deck closest to the garage is where we put the pool for the kids.

I have about 30 patio stones that can be used somewhere... I just want this to be a pretty place to hang out.

Since we spend more of our time outside watching the kids I wanted to surprise my husband and family with a pretty yard this year.

Any ideas that you could offer would be greatly appreciated. I have a limited budget, but I am willing to save to be able to afford a fabulous oasis.

Thanks so much for your time

Answer

Hi Jennifer

Landscaping around pools and wood decks need color and lots of it.

Start with staining your deck, this will give you a new fresh look.

Flower pots filled with bright colors and different sizes of plants and flowers is a low cost way to landscape.

For the flower pots, buy the plastic terracotta looking ones and paint them with Krylons fusion paint.

Place your patio stones around the pool and deck so that they are visible to you. Use these to place the pots on.

When the budget allows you might think about putting in a curved bed farther out away from the house and pool.

Plant some tall juniper shrubs for some height and smaller flowering shrubs or perennials for color. Add some ornamental grasses for winter interest.

I hoped this helps you. Send some finished pictures.

If anyone one else has any ideas for Jennifer, leave them in the comments.

Thanks for visiting backyard landscape ideas.
Frank