Q. What can I do in this narrow outdoor space?
Sent by Heather B (Zone 8A)
Editor: Leave your suggestions for Heather in the comments -- thanks!
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A flat backed water feature and/or small flower boxes mounted to the fence for some vertical green space.
Herbs would be good, also boxwood or other small evergreen if you don't want to have to mess with it, you could also try a vine to climb up the fence.
1) Most important: How much sun does it get (in hours--and morning or afternoon?)
2) Are you interested in edibles or ornamentals--or both?
How does this space relate to other areas of your garden? What does the area to the right look like? Where are the views into this space?
Thanks for the suggestions so far @Younger Mrs. Snelson and @TheForce!
@Valhalla - It gets a decent amount of sun during the morning but not as much later as the rest of the yard does due to the house casting a shadow as the afternoon goes on. I'm interested in edibles and ornamentals.
@Lil Bluestem - Because of the way my yard is shaped and the fence, this portion is at the moment kind of odd and doesn't relate to the rest of the yard. It's in the upper left hand area of the yard. About 5 feet in front of this space, I have a 4x8 raised bed garden with vegetables planted. Most of the yard is currently St. Augustine grass and there is an existing crype myrtle and a small magnolia tree planted along the northen edge of the property. Because I recently bought the house, I haven't added or done much yet to the entire yard except for the raised bed and two rose bushes. Until the fence was recently replaced, this part of the yard seemed to get more weeds than anything.
The area next to it is my patio where I have the grill and some patio furniture (a chair and loveseat set with side tables). It's also where I currently have my various herbs in pots (on the side tables). Unfortunately, its also the space where all of garden tools and supplies are stashed.
I hope all of that makes sense!
Vertical Garden on the fence, for visual and good use. Then put some ground cover on the...well, ground. heck, take some fun paint to the fence there if you want!
How about a vine with edible fruit? I am in Australia so I don't know what will grow in your region. Passionfruit, maybe? Or you could espalier a couple of fruit trees along the fence.