Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Nov 04, 2014 7:05 am Hi all, So i'm looking at doing something with my back yard. As you can see it's ugly, steep and doesn't have much going for it at all. It's also very hard to access. (long by foot and hard to get materials in, or a vehicle, currently, is not an option) I have had one landscaper come out, and suggested replanting up the back fence line with decorative type trees, and stuff that will make good hedges. Effectively hiding the back fence, and the unsleepered dirt in the middle of the pic. Some steps were suggested on the left, to lead up to the top, and the flat surface there. I'm in Ipswich, which can get very hold, and quite cold (frosts) also. What kind of plants/medium trees would anyone recommend? Or what other options/ideas do people think? I'm open to all suggestions! Thanks Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Landscaping options with poor access. 2Nov 04, 2014 8:09 am How wide is access to the backyard? A small excavator can fit through a doorway, also a dingo can which will help moving topsoil, mulch etc. Looks like only a wire fence at the back. Will your neighbours give you access? Are you looking for low maintenance or are you a green thumb because that will ultimately determine the garden type. As far as trees, have you thought of fruit trees? Citrus will be green all year, or olive trees grow quite big and would love that site. An ornamental tree I love is the ornamental crab apple. A large upright deciduous tree that's nice and fast growing is Manchurian pear (it's not a fruit tree) That levelled area would make a nice BBQ area with a pergola over the top that you could put a nice flowering climber on or passion fruit and kiwi fruit. Hope that gives you a start anyway. Re: Landscaping options with poor access. 3Nov 04, 2014 6:41 pm Thanks for the input Crazyk, no, the neighbour at the back's access is no good either. Bush needs to be cleared from another direction to get some access, but it would have to come through another neighbour's yard. Who as yet is not playing ball :/ The access beside my house is very steep, a part that is at least 45degrees. (see pic) I've kinda given up on the access, ultimately planting a stack of trees would be cheaper than getting guys in to terrace and flatten it out. Fruit trees would definitely be something i would like, and definitely something that is quite low maintenance. I don't mind getting out and cleaning up/trimming etc. But i would not be tending them everyday, only watering the vege's. Access, walking is up and down the stair pictured, or with a small machine down the left of the fence, and that is where it gets steep. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Landscaping options with poor access. 4Nov 04, 2014 7:17 pm Those steps look like they need some TLC also. Anyway it does look steep but hard to actually tell from the photo. Go the fruit tree option, plant it out. You can also get these trucks that can blow mulch. That might be an option for you to mulch up there once everything is planted. The thing you need to stop is the water washing everything down the slope. Maybe just haul some sleepers up there and create many small terraces. Certainly a big job but I'm sure you'll get a lot of satisfaction once finished. Ha all, I am now about half way (maybe a bit more) through my build with Carlisle Homes - double-storey knockdown/rebuild project. So I am now doing my due diligence and… 0 3716 For reference, this is the Austlii reference. My take on this is, that they would be breaking the law denying access to a homeowner in Victoria, or their agent from having… 1 9082 |