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fbmbirds here are the After pics i did really quick

fbmbirds Here is one with Hedges. and a few ideas for step downs coming off the from under the house.

the first would be just normal 2-3 steps coming down into the back yard.

the second is like a built in firepit with steps leading into the back yard.

Thoughts please.

stylepink195 Great job on the photoshopping. You have some great ideas. The steps is a great idea cause of how ur land is. Some privacy trees would help to give it a more decorative look on the sides. You should plant grass the whole way back. The trees you have in the one pic looks really good without the pots though maybe put some colorful flowers in between them or in front of them. The firepit with some chairs would do a lot for your back yard. Maybe add some colorful flowers and flower bed items.

Here is a link for some back yard ideas as you see grass does a lot and it does look like it would look better to level it out. The wall u want to build is a great idea. I'm no good at photoshopping but u have some great ideas started.

http://www.houzz.com/back-yard-ideas/p/16

fbmbirds Thanks,
Yea ive tried really quick to redo the image with photoshop to give people the idea im trying to do.

Just need some other ideas.

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design stylepink195 - I like your style! - great ideas 'can be' inspired form other houzz photos! You are on right track - I personally liked your fire pit idea fbmbirds - maybe a bubbler feature - pathways -

fbmbirds Well its just going to be some work leveling out my yard. as you can see in the pictures half the yard is one height the other another.

I plan on building up the small retaining wall back to the right corner of my house then extending it outward.

Once that is done i will figure out where to go from there.

Sharon Hi, what do you want to do in your yard? Do you have kids/pets? I'm picturing a raised flower bed around that tree, using maybe decking as the wall and a garden seat. You don't have to level the whole yard, I really like different heights & areas within a garden. You could level off some areas at different heights for different uses, eg a seated platform area around a lit fountain to have a glass of wine under the stars at night, an outdoor lounge for a morning cuppa...

angelml Sorry to comment in here. I'm trying to add a discussion and its not happening. Does anyone else have that problem

fbmbirds lol im not sure.

Twisted Minds Custom Designs I'm partial to using real stone as a retaing wall as opposed to the man made blocks, depending on your location you could visit a local quarry or landscape center and pick out a stone that would blend in naturally to your surroundings. You could pour a stamped concrete patio, and incorporate a waterfall feature coming down from the high spot in your yard by the trees into a small pond, or a pondless waterfall if you don't like the idea of open water. If you do alot of entertaining add a conversational firepit in center as per your picture, or set a pit in corner of retaing wall for a more intimate setting, just be careful of placement with trees overhead. You could also do a fire/barbecue pit, outdoor oven for dual purpose fixture. Of course everything is dictated by budget, the sky is the limit.

AllBackyardFun.com love the idea of the fire pit as a middle piece. One thing to consider is if you want a permanent fire pit or if you'd like something you could take with you if you'd move. Fire tables are a great option if you would ever have a chance of moving and you'd like to take it with. but a permanent fire pit could add to the value of your home as well

Brown Bros. Masonry Keeping levels in your yard will add much depth. I, too, agree a firepit or fireplace would be great, maybe on a deck or patio with pavers of some kind. Perhaps a walkway, stairs, entrance to your yard....planter around your tree. An in-ground firepit (protecting shrubbery, trees...etc. from the fire warmth and heat ) and perhaps small retaining wall or incorporating planter box for seating around fire.