Landscaping!

[Krill]

The issue with a wood fire pit is that you have the additional hassle of having to keep wood about to burn, but if you already have that wood burning fireplace...meh, whatever. Definitely ditch the water feature though, those things get dirty. At least the fire pit is self cleaning most of the time. Might want to consider what happens with the smoke though, if the prevailing wind blows it over your neighbours land they might not like you and if it blows onto your house, well, best keep those windows shut.

[Asher]

[Hauldren Collider]

I thought you had to burn moose **** in canada?

[loinburger]

In my experience, smoke isn't a problem with a firepit so long as the fire is hot enough (which is important even without neighbors - it's no fun sitting around a fire with the wind blowing smoke in your face)

[Hauldren Collider]

Fires only smoke a ton when you throw grass or hay in there, then the smoke really stings

[Krill]

Considering I'm sitting next to a wood burning fire right now, I think I'll believe my own eyes telling me that at least some woods give off a ****load of black smoke.

[Hauldren Collider]

Ah. That's why I use starter logs

[loinburger]

Pine will smoke when you burn it unless you season it for a decade or two first

Hardwoods are better, but cost an arm and a leg

[regexcellent]

I like synthetic logs cause they are usually easy to start, especially if you have one of those cedar chip cakes. They're not ~special chemicals~ either afaik they're made from paper waste or pulp or something like that.

[Krill]

The wood I'm burning now is pine that has been seasoned for at least a year (up to about 5 years I think). And it still smokes. I don't really see Asher burning money for no reason though.

[Snotty]

The firepit adds an important focal feature in what would otherwise be a bland back garden. Everyone loves to sit around a roaring fire, taking turns in feeding it. However, as has been mentioned, the quality of the wood you burn is paramount, not just from smoke, but also having that smoke clinging to your guests clothes after they leave. Prevailing wind direction is a very important factor to consider here

I question the neccesity of having both a patio and a firepit. In theory they both serve the same purpose (to extend the outside space) yet the firepit and associated furniture does this job better. I would make sure that the patio is large enough to have another purpose, say a dining table and/or BBQ.

I think youre right to ditch the water feature, as it looks like a rock pool type of feature. They are hard to keep clean over time, and while the rushing water sound is soothing, you would be better suited with a modern 'still water feature' although I cant see this fitting in with the design of your garden, or your climate.

Im concerned about you front lawn. First impression are paramount, and its your front entrance that provides that impression. You need to carefully consider the direction of the sun, otherwise you will be left with a weak, inspid feature dominating your entranceway. If that lawn is majority shade the even the best gardener in the world couldnt make it look good

[Asher]

The firepit adds an important focal feature in what would otherwise be a bland back garden. Everyone loves to sit around a roaring fire, taking turns in feeding it. However, as has been mentioned, the quality of the wood you burn is paramount, not just from smoke, but also having that smoke clinging to your guests clothes after they leave. Prevailing wind direction is a very important factor to consider here

I question the neccesity of having both a patio and a firepit. In theory they both serve the same purpose (to extend the outside space) yet the firepit and associated furniture does this job better. I would make sure that the patio is large enough to have another purpose, say a dining table and/or BBQ.

Aye, the patio is mostly underneath the deck above it. It will have an outdoor table for meals.

I think youre right to ditch the water feature, as it looks like a rock pool type of feature. They are hard to keep clean over time, and while the rushing water sound is soothing, you would be better suited with a modern 'still water feature' although I cant see this fitting in with the design of your garden, or your climate.

Im concerned about you front lawn. First impression are paramount, and its your front entrance that provides that impression. You need to carefully consider the direction of the sun, otherwise you will be left with a weak, inspid feature dominating your entranceway. If that lawn is majority shade the even the best gardener in the world couldnt make it look good

That lawn is sun most of the day. I did ask them to change it up and add some details. Just a tree with turf was dull.

[Snotty]

So the top of the map is north? that would explain why that garden bed is there in the back garden.... Its gonna get no sun, but if you plant that twice a year with annual bedding plants (not a big chore) then at least you will have some colour there throughout the year.

Even with sunlight that grass in the front wont grow too well around the base of that tree, as its going to be competing for water.

I will take this to work tomorrow and see what those guys have to say

[Dinner]

Definitely stick with the firepit. It's a modular design and located adjacent to the lawn area, so it's easily converted to more turf should you start (or sell to) a family in a few years.

That's a really skinny lot; how much space between buildings?

That was something I noticed (and commented on) when Asher posted pictures of his place as it was being built. The lot was tiny even by my California standards and the houses were so close together it looked like someone could reach out and put a hand on his house and the one next to it at the same time. I mean, obviously, land is at a premium there but that's too close imho. Still, he wanted a new house built just for them and he got that.

[Dinner]

Aye, the patio is mostly underneath the deck above it. It will have an outdoor table for meals.


That lawn is sun most of the day. I did ask them to change it up and add some details. Just a tree with turf was dull.

Do a border of flowers between the turf and the trees then. It brightens the place up, gives the yard a sense of space, and it makes a great spot to put your mushroom log. Speaking of mushroom logs... I have a shiitake one under one of the fruit trees in my backyard and it's great to be able to clip fresh mushrooms right out of my yard. With my little herb boxes, the mushrooms, and what not I can make a mean Sunday morning omelet just using the stuff in my backyard along with eggs and cheese.