Immersive Backyard Ecosystem
Orlando, Florida
The overall goal was to create an immersive experience and update the backyard area to match the family’s needs and style.
On the patio we have proposed a corner TV and gathering area that is oriented out towards the freshly planted forests. This allows for great circulation in the patio and great connections out to the yard.
We have proposed the fire pit area in the back right corner of the yard. The patio should feature a decorative firepit, our recommendation is a corten or copper wood burning fire bowl. Modern Adirondack chairs and crushed coquina or gravel complete the space. The fire pit is tucked near the feature corner tree.
For the forest we have proposed cypress and slash pine along the eastern property line. The understory features lots of grasses and Florida natives, such as Silver Saw Palmetto and Beautyberry, that complement the look. A variety of sizes should be planted to have a more natural look. As the trees mature it will appear as a naturalized forest.
Along the back fence / southern edge, we have proposed a mixture of accent trees and a continuation of a bit of the cypress and pine forest. This leads to the feature accent tree, a Shumard Oak in the southwest corner. We recommend a Shumard Oak because they provide excellent shade and seasonal color in the fall. The Shumard growth habit is more appropriate for this placement than a Live Oak which would quickly overtake all of the other forests.
Along the eastern edge we have proposed to keep the existing Crape Myrtles. They are mature, provide nice height, and as a bonus provide summer color. Tulip Poplar and Red Maple are proposed in this mixed forest. Both of these trees maintain a more columnar and upright habit which will not compete with the existing Crapes.
For the driveway and garden area we have proposed a horizontal wood slatted screen fence to hide the utility area. The fence also serves as the base for a contemporary cantilever arbor that will indicate the entry to the backyard in a more intentional way. We have planned to remove the parking bump-out and replace the parking area with 36” square salt-rock concrete pads with 6” strip of grass between. This will also function as the walkway into the backyard and patio.
This design will require yearly maintenance but no more than that of similar residences in the area. The plant palette features all Florida Native or Florida Friendly plants that are suitable for our local climate. Irrigation is recommended for the first three growing seasons but the plant palette is considered drought tolerant.
