i think i am going to take over my backyard...ideas please

[greenacres]

To give you some background, we live on 1 acre. 2/3 of it is barn and pasture and goats. 1/3 of it is our house in the middle. So the yard is evenly split. Currently there are 3 pear treas and lots of weeds, etc. I am thinking of taking over it and making a garden and what not. I am thinking some raised beds. Maybe one for vegetables and another for herbs or something like that. I was thinking of also making a lean-to type greenhouse on the east side of the house. Something small though. I hope to wrap step stones and what not around the back of the house and create a patio on the west side of the house. So, are there any suggestions on bed size or what to plant? Would you do small beds or a couple of long ones? I hope to make it a sanctuary for myself. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Make a map of your area, to scale. Draw out several plans.

If you do raised beds, make them 4 ft x 8 ft, with 4 ft in between on every side.

Read about lasagne gardening.

After you get your design done, only start one element of the project at a time. That way, you get a feeling of accomplishment after each element is finished, and you aren't overwhelmed.

[Maura]

Agree with Rose on everything. Start small. When you draw your plan, make note of the compass points, and how much sun/shade you get in each area. The pear trees sound nice. You could start there, clear what is under the trees, put down some plants that stay low and like shade, and put a bench in the shade.

[Callieslamb]

I make the garden beds fit the location. I like mine about 4ft wide. You might put some tape on the floor of your living room to test for width. How tall and how limber you are will make a difference in how wide you want your beds. The length of the bed is just your preference - or make them to fit the location. 1 long bed would use less material for the edges than the same sq footage using shorter beds because there would be less sides to do.

[moldy]

Agree with Rose - I want my yard to look like the one on pathtofreedom.com.

[uncle Will in In.]

Keep in mind that the raised beds should be in full sun, so your trees will predict where you should locate those.

[YounGrey]

Tough call, story of my luck. Let us know what you end up doing!

[woodsrunner]

WOW!

You don't know what we could do with an acre!

Check out DW's and my blogs and see what we do with 35x90 feet!

http://thirtyfivebyninety.blogspot.com/