Decatur, Ga. Photo: Robert Rausch for The New York Times
At the start of summer I shared my plan to divide our plain suburban backyard into distinct zones to guide a landscaping plan. Back then I had only begun planting in what will become a small secret garden for the girls, and I’d done a little work in the front yard. Now I’m finally turning my attention back to the backyard with a new, modest DIY project.
Working with a small budget and limited free time means the yard will evolve in stages. I prefer making steady, bite-sized progress rather than waiting for a big budget. This week a truckload of pea gravel is being delivered to form a new patio area for a DIY fire pit and a better spot for grilling. The gravel patio will create a relaxed gathering area for cool fall evenings and a defined, attractive space for barbecues with family and friends. Previously we used the existing bark dust to mark the area, but I wanted something more purposeful and finished-looking.
I’ve always loved the casual charm of pea gravel patios and walkways. They pair beautifully with classic fencing and lush plantings and can complement both informal and more formal landscapes. Gravel is inexpensive, durable, and provides a great foundation that we can enhance later with plants, garden boxes, or hardscape accents.
We’ll also add a pathway from the deck steps leading to a future dog area to keep the pups out of the mud and away from the garden beds during the rainy season. They love to dig when it rains, and muddy paws mean extra baths, so creating a low-maintenance route and play area will help cut down on the mess. Next year we plan to install raised garden boxes just beyond the gravel fire pit patio, so this will be an ongoing project that grows over time.
Today I’m sharing some backyard design inspiration that I love. It may take years for my yard to look this polished, but these images give me a clear starting point and plenty of ideas to dream about.
At the end of this post I’ve included a couple of photos of the current state of my yard so you can see the starting point and the challenge.
Brooke Giannetti
Image source: Cote de Texas
I’ll post an update once the gravel arrives and we begin work. I’m excited to see the first steps take shape. That blue Adirondack chair in the photo was a flea market find this summer for about $20 — I wish I had a few more of them!
Happy weekend! Don’t forget my Fall Nesting series starts Monday.
