This is my first post to this forum, though I've been lurking for awhile and learning quite alot form you all. My fiance and I just purchased the home we've been renting and we've started designing our small woodland garden in the back. I'm utterly and completely hooked. This garden has become a healthy obsession!

I was hoping you might have some suggestions for us, as we're total newbies at gardening. The following pics show what we're starting with. I'll continue posting as we progress for those who are interested. I hope this works.

Thanks in advance! Happy gardening!

This is a view of our budding woodland from the back porch. As you can see, our first plan of action is to plant privacy screen among the pines.
[IMG]http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb23/Selkie3344/Backgardenfromporch4.jpg[/IMG]

Another view from the centre of the yard. We destroyed a playhouse and used some of the materials to build berms along the back fence. The large berm is hollowed out for a winter critter habitat (I'm afraid our possum might not have survived the winter).
[IMG]http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb23/Selkie3344/Backgardenfromcentre5.jpg[/IMG]

My neighbour's shed. Yuck. I'm thinking of planting clematis here (maybe Henryi).
[IMG]http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb23/Selkie3344/Southwestcornerwall.jpg[/IMG]

Otherwise, good luck and welcome! Look forward to seeing your progress over time. That's a great idea to put your shed next to the your neighbor's to block the view.

Twin pines on a hilltop in the moonlight speak of the north woods

My neighbors inherited an interesting structure. Prior owner constructed a simple arbor from the house to garage. Vertical posts lined the walk connected at the top by running horizontal boards in the direction of the walkway and a few cross pieces connecting right and left sides. The builder then attached a few old fan shaped trellises along each side. On this plain arbor are mature honeysuckle vines and wild grape. The birds adore it and sing their hearts out. There was very little construction. A bit of concrete in the footings. It looks charming and rustic

A similar arbor with a few old trellises would be an easy backdrop for a bench

You have a great yard to build upon