Question
I live in South Georgia in a 1917 Greek Revival home. The backyard really needs to be completely redone.  It is a small area mostly hardscaped with brink. A privacy fence surrounds the backyard.  There is about 4 feet of earth from the brick to the fence if looking out the french doors onto the backyard.  There is about 2 or 3 yards on each side of the patio. A long strip of space runs (again 2 or 3 yards) down the side of the yard which is cut off by the privacy fence before coming to the front yard.  On the other side is a space wide enough for a car with some extra space up against the house before the patio begins.  We have such a small back yard that I really want this to be a haven and right now it is anything but that. I do not know how to begin and what to begin with. Oh, there is a very small bed from the brink to the backside of the house.  The back area is quite shady with the larger side area a little more sunny.  Help please,,,Thank you Rebecca

Answer
Good morning, Rebecca -

Sounds like it has the potential to become a charming spot.  With the right elements to help give the space some "focus", I think that a shady area can become especially intimate and inviting.

If the brick is in good shape, 4 feet &  9-or so feet of planting area should be plenty of room to create something wonderful.  Fortunately, you have lots of options in your area, as far as plants go.  

Here are some quick links to help you get started.  

Landscape Design ideas:
http://landscaping.about.com/od/landscapedesignideas/Free_Landscape_Design_Ideas...

Georgia specific:
http://www.gardentimeonline.com/Georgia.html

Georgia Shade specific:
http://www.gardentimeonline.com/ShadeGardening.html

Enough to get you started, I hope.  Regards -Marc