DIY Network

Wire Willow Fencing, Path Outline Wire Willow Fencing, Path Outline From "Weekend Gardening" episode WKG-304

Don’t neglect your side yard! Turn that wasted space into a lush relaxation garden. In this episode of Weekend Gardening, host Maureen Gilmer shows how to create a green getaway that still allows easy access from the front, to the back of a home. See what plants bring a sense of peace, and how to plant them for extra privacy. Outdoor home life can be so much sweeter...on the side!

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

For many homeowners, the backyard is the domain of the kids...and pets. This usually leaves the masters of the home no outdoor space to relax in. If that’s your situation, we have a solution. It’s just around the corner...on the side of your house (figure A)!

In this episode, shade-loving plants that are well suited for the northwestern region of the United States will be used (figure B). These plants will create a beautiful, secret side garden. When Maureen is finished, the homeowners will have a space perfect for chilling out.

This project will take about 15 hours over the course of a weekend. It's rated a level 2, for intermediate gardeners.

The best place to start is with computer software that allows you to download a digital picture of the area, then click and drag images until you've created the perfect area -- before you even lift that first shovelful of dirt (figure C)! Be sure to get all of your supplies together in advance so you'll be ready to start work bright and early on Saturday morning.

Tools and Supplies
Plant material
Wire and wire cutters
Wattle and willow fence
Flagstones
Column
Large pot
Mulch
Outdoor furniture

Plant Material (Northwestern Region)
Tree fern
White and pink flowering maple
Azaleas
Dianella
Lily
Liriope
Impatiens

Steps

1. First, Maureen addresses the issue of the side yard being a transitional space, not a destination space. Whatever is created in this area, traffic must be able to move freely from the front of the house, to the back (figure D). This becomes the foundation on how everything is laid out.

2. The space must be cleared out to begin with a clean area (figure E).

Note: When you clear a site like this, make sure you locate underground utilities beforehand so you don’t damage them when you begin to dig.

3. Next, Maureen wants to cover the ugly chain length fence. It’s great for security, but not great to look at. She decides to use willow fencing at six feet high. After it is rolled out, the fencing can be wired to the chain fence for a tight fit (figure F).

4. She then spray paints where the walkway will go (figure G).

Expert Tip: (Kate Karam, garden designer) Landscaping spray paint is always handy to have when designing a garden. It’s non-toxic, and the most graphic way to show a lay out of where you want your garden’s plants and walkways to go.

Time Spent: 5 hours