Our home was built in the 1950's and in twelve years we have expanded the 3 bedroom 1 & 1/2 house into a completely different abode. It is now a 2,200 sq ft, 6 bedroom, 2 full bath & sunroom dream home. The lot is big and we still had plenty of room to landscape our favorite leisure activities into the backyard. We have an above ground pool (12 ft wide/24 ft long/ & a six foot deep end) with a semi-wrap-around deck, a firepit area that easily sits eight to ten people and a watergarden.
Neither my partner or myself had much knowledge of plants-so, it was live and learn. Our plant selection is eclectic. Trees were the first priority for us: In the backyard we planted two Lillac trees; two Dragonheart (habiscus family) trees; and two hybrid palms that did surprisingly well until a late hail storm last winter. We have nearly a dozen perennial bushes & shrubs that provide us with color for the three seasons and serve as natural borders to hide the shed & compost area. We incorporated river rock around our perennial plants so that the eye is drawn to the far end of the yard to the watergarden. Annuals are bought for flower pots, hanging baskets and window boxes. With a Kentucky bluegrass lawn (served us well for six kids, their friends, and daycare kids to use the yard w/o damaging it) the backyard is still big enough for a game of crochet, lawn darts or two dozen kids room to sunbathe.
Our rose garden is on the west side of the house with the dalhias. The front yard is more simple with deep red azeala bushes lining the walk, a Japaneese maple near the entrance and several calla lillies & hostas topped off with a Dogwood tree on the west corner near the roses. With dozens & dozens of plants-our yard is child friendly and when the toddlers pick me a handful of my own plants-I smile and line up the vases on the counter. Afterall, flowers are meant to be enjoyed for many reasons-the best reason is the one given with love & a hug.