Question
hi Jonathan,

a small dilemma with the rear of my house.  Outside my kitchen door, there is two steps down to an area that is currently slabbed with paving (about 40 sq. metres).  Beyond that there is a tarmac area that runs the full length of the house and about 4 metres out from the paving area.  Then we have grass (about 1/6 acre).  Both my wife and I now regret ever putting the tarmac here as the garden is too far away.  Any ideas what we could do?  There is the option of lifting the tarmac here and putting down grass, there is also the option of decking the whole area (including the paving area which looks terrible) but would this sound like way too much decking?  The back of the house is north facing, and we have a garage to the west of the house so there is the extra problem of shadow!!  Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Luke from Dublin, Ireland

Answer
Hi Luke

I think that a combination of all 3 of your current alternatives would be the wisest alternative.

Consider keeping your lawn areas to a minimum as these require masses of maintenance to keep them looking as they should (perfect!) Definitely avoid using too much timber decking as this also requires a complicated and time consuming maintenance program.

I would go for a small gravel area immediately after the gravel in an obtuse (circular/cloud) shape. This could then take you into a small lawn area, with a similar, natural shape. Take an area in a corner of the garden, from where the garden can be viewed easily, and make a small, raised decking area and maybe plant a weeping willow that hangs it's canopy over it - offering shade. This will enhance the slightly more contemporary feel of the decking, as it's really an 80's alternative for gardens.

Then consider making a wild flower area to surround the whole area with pathways cut into it... this will reduce your maintenance drastically and render the garden far more ecological and intriguing.

I could do a design for you if you can provide me a few photos and a scale plan of the area.

Good luck!

Jonathan  www.lifeinitaly.com/garden