Hi everyone. I am new this forum. I just purchased a house that has an ugly blank slate backyard. I would like to make my backyard inviting. I have no idea how to design/layout the space and would welcome suggestions so thank you for any responses. I figured out photobucket and think I have added the link to some photos so you should be able to access it below.The first picture is of my back yard which is approximately 73 ft long x35 ft wide, give or take a few feet at the very back which is narrower. I plan on adding a deck like the one in the picture below so it will reduce my yard size to about 57 ft x 28 ft. The second photo is the diagram I drew.I also suck at using any of the online landcape programs so please excuse the mess in my diagram - I really wish I could use those programs and would love to see my diagram done correctly lol. My house is located on the North side of the city and from the front to back runs north as well. The sun comes up on the back of my house about 5:30 a.m. and sets on the front of my house about 9 p.m. I live in Newfoundland and think my Zone is 4b. Winter is very unpredictable. Sometimes we have 15 ft of snow and other years none. There may be a snowcover before heavy frost but often not. There will often be mild periods during the winter which lead to freezing and thawing. Spring is a time of indecision; in fact, there is no spring as we go right from winter to summer weather.Summer is fairly cool with warm days and cool nights. The temperatures are low usually with a high being around 20 to 25 degrees C and there is a constant wind. Autumn is often wet. Plants need to be hardy that's for sure. I also live by the ocean if that maters. I have no idea about soil ph but most of the island has soil which is quite shallow, stony, and acidic. The land running along the fence in my back yard is usually wet as it seems like a drain ditch. The soil closest to the back of the house is rocky. I would love to see a seating area, fire pit, arbour and a water feature in my back yard as well as a stone path. I have a grandchild so I would also like to be sure he is safe and has a little room for playing. I hope this is enough information. As you can see I really need help.
https://s1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc368/margielewis1/