Other than the three large trees on site, there is little to attract the interest of the visitor. lower plants in front of the window well will allow light for the basement, yet an ornamental shrub can be positioned to hide a view to the well. View into Backyard
Existing (Figure 14-34, left) On entering the backyard, it is obvious that the neighbor’s two-story house is the most dominant visual element. Proposed (Figure 14-31, right) This sketch illustrates just how much room will be needed to add another car space. Proposed (Figure 14-30, right) In tight spaces like this, it is important to explore the walls as places for design change. A wall trellis with vines can be located between two of the windows. A line of ornamental trees is suggested near the property line to provide a better view as one enters the backyard. Proposed (Figure 14-33, right) The garage addition will take up more of this existing view and focus attention into a narrower area. The other length of wall between the existing and the new window can be used to position a hanging planter beneath a wall sculpture. The wall and window patterns of the house and the addition create odd areas of open wall space. This wall will seem even more blank when the garage addition increases by another 10 to 12 feet in length. Changing the fence to a solid one will decrease the views into the neighbors’ yard. The window well and minimal planting strip make for a difficult place to provide attractive planting arrangements and still provide light to the basement. Property-Line Buffer
Existing (Figure 14-32, left) This view from the back part of the driveway looking toward the front of the house shows nothing more than ground cover and a 3-foot chain — link fence. Garage Wall
Existing (Figure 14-35, left) The large blank wall of the garage contributes little or no interest to the character of the yard. Using a larger stone area at the side door along with an ornamental urn and vertical planting will accent this entry. A variety of plantings along the base of the garage will add color and character. Blinds and drapes are usually closed, for there isn’t anything to block views into the neighbor’s side yard and backyard. An ornamental tree can be added in the center of this view to screen additional views of the house. With the construction of the garage
Figure 14-32
Meleca residence property-line buffer. When faced with situations like this, it is suggested that these types of walls be designed with as much concern and creativity as interior walls. Removing the chain-link fence and constructing a taller wall or fence will certainly help with keeping views within the space. A grouping of ornamental trees deeper in the side yard can attract the visitor’s view into the yard. Using
Figure 14-31
Meleca residence garage. The garden will still be fenced, and access will still be provided through these gardens into the backyard. Proposed (Figure 14-34, right) Several things can be done to mediate the existing problems. A small hedge can be incorporated to establish a separation between the entertaining area and the backyard. Both its massiveness and its architectural character are like visual magnets. The existing door to the garage will also be relocated to the back edge of the garage. Views to the houses will be eliminated from this view, but will be more evident as one travels through the garden. The side entry is small and confined by the raised stone strips. In addition, there doesn’t seem to be anything that accents or highlights this entry. By positioning a large tree with a substantial crown of foliage in a strategic location, the view to the neighbor’s house can be greatly diminished. Views into the neighbors’ yard are wide open along the entire driveway. This will extend the garage further back into this space and reduce the amount of room for the vegetable and herb gardens behind the garage. This will help with additional light in the garage as well as help break up the larger wall into smaller lengths. This will also allow views above the ornamental trees into some of the existing vegetation beyond. Existing (Figure 14-30, left) This type of space can be a very difficult one to design.
