Today on Design Dilemma, our oracle of green (I’m running low on alternate titles Carson!), landscape designer and host of HGTV Canada’s Green Force, Carson Arthur, advises the owners of a large property by Mission Lake, Saskatchewan, on what to do with the side of their house. There are tall trees but no real landscaping, there is a shed but it’s not where they want it, and there’s a close walkway aborted by a small but fatal air conditioner. See what Carson has to say!
From Patty and Dennis L, of Mission Lake., Saskatchewan:
“We have a very large lot on the lake. The side of the house has no interest at all. We have a shed that I would like to move back towards the garage, turn and have the doors face the house. We also have a very narrow side walk that runs along the house & in one spot the air conditioner has taken over most of that walkway. I would love to put a side deck there, maybe just join a wood deck up to the sidewalk if possible. I'm not sure if we should keep all the evergreens. Some of them look thin and unhealthy. Do you have any suggestions?”
Carson Suggests: Patti, you have a genuine 'Diamond in the rough'! Your space has so much potential, I'm actually excited for you! Here's the problem as I see it;
- Your yard is sort of like the top tier of a wedding cake which is missing the middle levels. The evergreens are great and give the space character, but there is nothing between the grass and the spruces to create balance.
- You need some shrubs and perennials to create a medium high level and a lower level to put the rest of thee trees in proportion.
- As far as the shed, it is cute and turning it to face the house isn't a bad idea, but don't immediately move it too far away from being useful. You have this thing in Saskie called winter and with it comes snow. By putting the shed to the back, you might make it completely in-accessible for 5 months of the year. If it only houses gardening tools, no problem. It if holds the shovels or the snow blower then we have an issue.
- I personally wouldn't put the deck on the side of the house. I wouldn't want to sit there and listen to the hum of the air conditioner all summer long. Widen the path and plant some beds on the side away from the house. Make it a pleasant pass-through but nothing more.
-Carson
Would you put a deck there?
Got a question for Carson about your outdoor space? Take a photo and send it (in jpeg format) along with your question to stylesheet(@)hgtv(.)ca. And by the way, we take all kinds of Design Dilemmas, so please ask away!
Previously on Outdoor Design Dilemma: Landscaping around a car
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