Question
Hi Mark,
I was hoping you can give me some ideas of what to do with an area in my backyard. I just put up a stockade fence along my backyard, most of the landscaping along the fence has existing flower beds and a garden. There is one area, not very big, if I had to guess around 10ft by 20ft, that I like to do something different than a big flower bed. I was thinking maybe a sitting area with a bench and flagstones on the ground. The area slopes up to the fence a bit (a couple of feet), I was thinking about digging out the area, then building a retaining wall at the bottom of the fence to make it look nice, then lay the flagstones. Do you have any other ideas or suggestions? Do you know of any websites with pictures for me to get other ideas? Since I am digging out the area, can you give me any suggestions on how to do this? I was just planning on using a pick and shovel. Also, since do I need to grade the land a bit so water doesn't build up in the flagstones area? Thanks for your help, as you can see I'm open to any suggestions before I start this project.

Answer
Bob,

Sounds like you've got this project well in hand without my help.  It's good that you are able to picture the project in detail before you do it.  Helps prevent some problems.


When I'm digging out at area that I need to be a certain grade, like your flagstone area,
I'm partial to using what we call here a grub hoe (don't know if it's a regional name or not).  Here's a link to a site that lists them for sale, just so you can see what I mean
http://gallery.bcentral.com/GID4789397P2832370-Tools/Grub-Hoes/WWGH.aspx

With this, I'm able to start a level at one side an carry it across the area being worked, peeling the dirt off as I go.  Even though I say peeling, it often breaks apart, but I picture like I'm peeling away the unwanted stuff to reveal the intended level.

Hope this little bit helps.
Mark in Portland

P.s... I think you also might be happier not keeping all the plantings in rigid beds lining the fence.  Let some of the beds swing out into view so that  between the house and the sitting area you have some plants partially blocking the view.