When planning a design for a backyard the first task is to evaluate what you have. Look at the size available for landscaping, quality of lighting such as quantity of sun and shade, the quality of the soil, the climate in your region, what uses will there be for your backyard space, how much time you have to tend to a garden and of course the budget available.
An Outdoor Room
The backyard can be viewed as an extension of one's home, adding an outdoor room or rooms, to one's living space. How this space will be used helps determine landscaping choices.
Some of the more common uses are entertaining area, vegetable gardening and children's play area. A backyard need not be confined to one use.