Terrace Space Planning

Today I will show the class how I designed my little pocket terrace, and transformed a sad small space into a cozy retreat for doing

 nothin'.

When I first bought my condo, this is what the terrace looked like.....

This is the view from the master bedroom, before I changed the sliding door to a window.

I pulled out all the existing shrubbery and replaced it with greenery that would do a better job of defining and screening the space.

Now that I've replanted, I can't see the houses behind me.

I can pretend I live all alone

 on a

 secluded estate!!!!!

True to form.....

I had a better before shot, which I can't find.....

Here's a shot I just tried to take out my bedroom window from the same angle and location.....

 I know, I know....

What amazing camera work.

Look!!!!!

Betsy doesn't wash her windows!!!!!!!!!

So, I pulled out everything except the Japanese maple in the corner.

Then I fixed the traffic flow problems.

With 2 sliding doors opening onto the little space, 

furniture arrangement was problematic.

Yeah, Yeah, I know.....

 most folks love the idea of doors opening from the master bedroom onto a terrace.

However.....

I want my home invaders to have to work a little harder to get at me.

Now

they need to climb up and over the window sill.

I lined the space with emerald arborvitae. 

They make a terrific hedge material.

They have a compact growth structure, 

so are less apt to be damaged by snow.

They don't need a lot of pruning, just once every year or so.

In the picture below, you can see how they looked the first year I had them planted.

They have now grown together to form a solid wall of green.

This is a really good screening material you guys.

Before my folks bought the unit next to mine, I had the sofa set with its back to the fence.

Here's a picture shot through the screen door.

I was too lazy to get up and open the door.

You should just be happy that I have the energy to tap my dainty fingers on these here computer keys.....

Then my folks moved in, and I had a gate cut into the fence separating the two terraces.

SO I HAD TO MOVE MY FURNITURE FOR MY FAMILY!!!!!

When I bought the place, the bluestones covered more of the area, leaving smaller flower beds and more hard surface.

so I had the foundation beds and the perimeter planting beds enlarged to 5 feet deep.

I also had the bed cut into the terrace for my black iron dog.

Bringing more green scape into the space makes a big difference.

If you have too much hard surface, it acts as a heat sink, and creates a very warm and uncomfortable space in the summer.

By enlarging the flower beds, I was able to plant my peonies and day lilies.

I chose ones that have a simple blossom, not a multi-petal rain catcher that causes the blossoms to collapse over after a shower.

Look at how the arborvitae have grown up and together, completely blocking the view of my neighbors.

 Look at how the arborvitae have grown together,

completely blocking a view of my parents!!!!!

I love my arborvitae.

They are my friends.

They love me too.

Latah, Gatah