Every problem is an opportunity or so we've been told. Problems within your yard are no exception, and the saying "problems build character" is especially true when it comes to design. Whatever problem you have with your yard, whether it's steep, narrow, shady, or small, there are ways to turn your problem into an asset and create such a beautiful setting that others will wish for your problem. Opportunities happen when the problems in your yard are identified and creative solutions become the character of your landscape. Identifying the problems and finding creative solutions are the most critical parts of design. The difference between good design and no design is apparent when problems were never defined, or the solution did not solve the problem.

Identify Your Problems

Take a critical look, or have others help you, to identify problems. What do you see as you look around? Make a list of your landscape "opportunities". It is easy to get discouraged when you find problems, but the more you can identify, the better your finished product will be. Make sure to list the problems, even if you don't know if or how they can be resolved. Don't overlook common lakeshore landscape problems such as storage, drainage, privacy, views, maintenance, vehicle circulation and parking, and ailing plant materials. Whatever the problems, defining them is the most critical part.

Analyze Your Problems

Once you have a clear idea of what the problems are, analyze the flaws to figure out what is really important. Is it necessary to change the character of the yard to solve the problem, or can you find solutions that embrace the yard's character? For example, if shade trees prevent grass and other plant materials from flourishing, figure out what you treasure more, the tree or the sun-loving plant materials? Take time to evaluate each problem and focus on priorities. What really needs to be done? Some landscape problems are not easy or fun or inexpensive to tackle, but they are essential to do. For example, the nicest stone patio will not be usable unless there is good drainage to prevent puddles.

Create Your Options

Open your mind up to the possibilities and think outside the box. Focus on the positive aspects of your site and build (literally) on those. Some examples: a steeply-sloped yard will probably have a view, so open it up and plant shrubs to stabilize the soil and minimize maintenance. When you are really done trying to get grass to grow under the shade tree, create a shade garden and discover the many varieties of shade loving plants. If you are not a gardener, install a patio, add a table, chairs, and twinkle lights and enjoy sitting under your tree's canopy on summer evenings with friends. People are drawn to gather in small spaces; use this to your advantage and turn your small setting into an intimate outdoor room.

There is no simple answer that will fix every problem. Every yard is different and so are the people who use it, so your perfect landscape may not look exactly like everyone else's. Changing the way you think about problems will help you customize your landscape to fit the way you live. Every cloud has a golden lining and every landscape flaw has potential. Look for the potential and make the most of it.

Use these ideas and tricks of the trade to get you started in creating your own signature landscape.

Small Yards

• Create intimate settings for entertaining or relaxing
• Add features or a layout that prevents seeing the entire yard at once. The mystery of discovery will psychologically increase the size of the yard
• Choose small plants and small scale furniture to keep your garden in proportion
• Install narrow walkways and small pavers to play up the size of the yard
• Provide pathways to other areas; a hidden garden just out of view will create the illusion of an expanded yard

Large Yards

• Play up the estate setting with grand sidewalks and circular driveways, especially if your house is large and has a grand character, in keeping with sweeping lawns and vistas
• Large canopy trees, big bold plant materials, and plantings and furnishing work well to keep the setting in the proper scale
• Break the too big yard into smaller and more useable rooms; sometimes a grand yard can feel overwhelming and not a nice place to sit
• Spaces are more appealing if you can't see everything at once. Obscure the eye from seeing the entire site by adding several focal points
  

By Barb Cross