Grass is a conventional ground cover that is becoming omnipresent in our landscapes for a reason — it’s a sensible, low-cost way to keep the site clean, green and dust-free. As a design element, bud presents a neutral backdrop for various improvements to your big backyard, without sacrificing its inherent advantages.
Big Possible
Massive yards could be intimidating for the homeowner contemplating the demands of maintenance and the potential for wasted space and resources. But for households with children and pets, a big, grassed yard offers an expanse of play area, with ample space for passive and active outdoor recreation to satisfy the personal preferences of everybody in the family. Take stock of the site and the needs of your family to ascertain the best use of this yard.
Play Field
A large backyard is ideal for small children learning the intricacies of baseball, soccer or other field sports. As they grow, the space could accommodate a water or trampoline slide to maintain them physically participated, and they can practice overnight camping trips a couple of feet away from the home. For grownups, a makeshift croquet court could offer a theme for a summer garden party. Grass is resilient and won’t be permanently damaged from the wear and tear of periodic traffic.
Partitioning the Space
Divide the yard into a series of outdoor rooms to maximize your comfort. Planting large trees in well-spaced clusters close to the borders of the site create a parklike effect, while bringing elements of vertical and overhead enclosure to balance the flat expanse of grass. Grass may be cut away to allow for a patio or deck, and tree and flower beds. Constructed elements are best located close to the home, for ease of accessibility.
Landscaping
Planting ornamental trees and shrubs bring color and texture to the landscape. Curved forms for tree beds are able to take advantage of this space — little spaces do not usually allow for generous curves — and are shown to full effect from the background of grass. Tie the landscape elements together with informal paths that allow the full site to be explored. Cluster the new developments to keep a number of this grassed area accessible and open for play.
