Question
QUESTION: We have a small (24' x 24'), private courtyard at the back of our townhouse.
We are
replacing the old deck with something. The question is what--the back of
the townhouse is
facing east and we get a lot of morning sun until around noon. The wood
deck was hot
enough last summer that I burned the bottom of my feet by going barefoot.
So, we're
wondering if having pavers instead of wood would stay cooler--plus we're
going to work on
providing more shade on the hot days. Any thoughts on this?

ANSWER: Hi Deanne,

I would be glad to help you with your questions. What zip code are you so I can locate you on a Plant Hardiness Zone map?

Namaste,
Kathy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kathy--we are in 63119--St. Louis, MO. We do have a small dogwood tree
already and we're keeping it. Unfortunately it doesn't help shade the area we'd
like shaded.

Deanne

ANSWER: Hi Deanne,

It just doesn't matter how pretty a backyard sitting area is if it doesn't provide shade. Here, in Virginia Beach it should be a requirement on all backyard decks - but, it's not, of course. Creating a structure for shade is also a great way to add style and beauty to your backyard.

It sounds as if you need a man made structure for shade as opposed to planting material.

First, my suggestions for paving. Like any surface exposed to direct sunlight pavers/tile will absorb some of the heat. The lighter colors will absorb less than the darker colors. Pavers and tile do not get any warmer than other decking materials. So, if you can afford it I would go with a very light colored textured, poured concrete. Nowadays, concrete surface can be made to resemble many materials - or you can just go smooth.

As for providing shade, a retractable patio awning would work nicely. This is not a DIY project and it also might be pricey. But, you may have the budget for an awning.

I really think pergolas look nice over a deck. These can be as basic or as ornate as you would like. They can be covered with deciduous vines for seasonal sunscreen and color or covered with a yearlong evergreen vine. Many vines are fast growing like Boston Ivy, Virginia Creeper, or English Ivy.

If you don't want the greenery (or are impatient, like me), you can put corrugated plastic on top of your pergola - I know, it sounds tacky, lol - but, if done, neatly it can be an attractive and excellent shade solution. It's also inexpensive, easy to swap out, and easy to install.
I do not endorse this company - nor am I familiar with them. I simply found this website with pergola plans and it seemed like something you may be interested in.
http://www.storageshed-plans.com/Pergolaplans/Pergolaplans.htm

Let me know if you have any questions on the above. Also, let me know what you decide as far as man made structures go. Once you do, I can help you with plant suggestions.

Namaste,
Kathy



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your comments. We are thinking either awning or pergola. We're
in a townhouse with strict HOA reguirements so have to get approval for
either choice. I hadn't thought of covering the top, but that's a good idea--
could also use a screening material for cover. As far as plants, the soil is
really awful so either needs major amending or raised beds or just lots of
pots. We're also going to do a small water feature. The soil is nasty clay--
amending is going to be a challenge.

Deanne  

Answer
Hi Deanne,

Our local Home Depot rents a medium tiller for $35/day and a sod cutter for about $56/4hours. These are reasonable prices considering the jobs they can do. My home is on heavy clay as well and drainage is so incredibly poor. Raised beds are a good solution, but, if you don't go in that direction amend the clay with soil conditioner and compost. Also, if you build raised beds, you have to buy alot of soil to fill them - money that could be spent on new plants.

Mark the areas where you want your beds. Pull up the grass/sod with a sod cutter. Then, till, till, till. Add in amendments and till again until the soil is almost fluffy (yes, I just said fluffy). Try to till the soil as deep as possible - even 8-10 inches is an improvement.

Potted plants always look great, but, the reality (and the downside, to me) is that in hot months they need lots of watering. Sometimes they need to be watered up to 3 times a day. So, unless you purchase a drip system for your potted plants (an excellent idea, anyway) you will find yourselves with the burden of continuous watching and watering.

Ideally, a combination of beds, raised beds and potted plants would look great. It would add relief to your otherwise level backyard.

When you complete your landscaping (shade cover, patio, and beds) get back to me and maybe I can help you with your plant choices.

Good luck and have fun!

Namaste,
Kathy