Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Dec 28, 2009 12:08 pm Hi All, Hoping to get some help here. My backyard is due for a makeover. The question I have is, from a function and aesthetic point of view, should I excavate out the lawn area to bring the level of the backyard down to that of the house and surrounding pathways, or should I instead leave it as a step up area. See pictures for context. At the moment the raised area creates a kind of useless trench between house and lawn but does bring the backyard up to the level at the rear of block. If I excavate it out I will need to leave a retained perimeter at the appropriate height as the property backs onto a lane way, and perhaps have a step up to the rear gate. I'm not sure this is explained clearly enough, I hope someone can make sense of it. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: To excavate or not? 2Jan 04, 2010 9:04 pm Hi Speck! If I had excavating skills and your garden and lots of cash, I'd be inclined to push the retaining wall right back to create a raised border around the edge of the fence (about 600mm wide?) and put some nice plants in it, then turf and pave the lower area you've just created to use as an outdoor dining area! But that's just me. Oh, and I'd put in a spa! Yeah! Re: To excavate or not? 3Jan 06, 2010 9:06 am a 'landscaper' would probably tell you to rip it all out and start again. that's how they make a living. I would be more inclined to just push back the "useless trench" and make it a more friendly path, perhaps new paving, or rejuvinate that old concrete? then the step up could do with something new like a stone capping piece to modernise it somewhat. you coud still use your other suggestion by incorporating another planter box at the fence to make another level with even more planting to surround your garden. I think you should take advantage here and create levels as it has already been established. It creates more interest in your garden, and catches the eye. What is the main purpose of this garden area? Is it a play area? A formal area? Where do you see it from the inside of your house? Does it have a function, i.e. Is it a quiet zone? or an entertaining area? these are things to consider before doing major earthworks? and remember, dial before you dig? think about what's underground? do you need to run extra services? power, lighting, gas, water??? geez, i can go on... Re: To excavate or not? 4Jan 06, 2010 5:28 pm brobri We do not make a living by advising clients to undertake work that is not needed, most if not all landscapers listen to the clients brief and advise to suit there needs, taste and budget Landscapers not only provide a construction service but also a consult and design service, either of which would be employed by clients who do not have expertise in this field In future i would suggest to use a little more tact in your response Da Vinci Outdoor Living Architectural landscaping http://www.davincioutdoor.com Re: To excavate or not? 5Jan 07, 2010 11:52 am ..... davinci i did not intend to 'slag off' all landscapers. Myself, I am just a 'hack at home'. My intention was to merely give 'speck' some help as requested, and offer an opinion.... after all, isn't that the purpose of these forums? The HIA contract, in the term & conditions section states that "Commencment" is deemed when the drainage is started or the piers are dug or the slab is formed up (incase… 2 6175 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair But if it is a ground level open pit, then it is not a charged system. No surprises there. The pipes have obviously been altered and there would be a reason for this.… 3 31280 I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15265 |