We currently have zero backyard. Zero. As in, the back of the house literally abuts the commercial building behind us. And we have a 10×7 patch of grass in the front of our home…
Our new house design boasts the smallest backyard space EVER at 50×10 and it will basically be in shade most of the day except for high noon thanks to the gigantic 2 story building mentioned previously behind us to the North and the neighboring houses on the East and West. Not the ideal scenario when you have 2 kids who love to be outdoors. Yes, I can, and I do take them to neighborhood parks or scooter down to the beach, but let’s be honest. Some days, I just don’t have it in me. In the future, I want to simply say, “Go out in the backyard and get your wiggles out!” But I can’t possibly see them doing anything worthwhile in our proposed backyard which is basically just a minimum rear setback. It’s a cold bowling alley of a space. Heck, it’s only there to satisfy the building code. I didn’t even plan for any legit planting back there because nothing will grow in a neglected void.
That’s why we have a roof deck on our 3rd floor mezzanine. It’s not huge, but there’s a view of the ocean and coveted sunlight. There will be a roof garden in this space. Yea, the kind with real plants growing in it. We made sure the structural engineer accounted for the extra weight this patch of greenery will produce. There are three important considerations when planning a roof garden. The weight, the waterproofing and the drainage. I don’t necessarily have a green thumb so this may end up being a failed experiment, but I’m imagining drought tolerant plants and maybe some herbs for good measure. I’ll let you know later down the line if we end up with a rock garden instead…
-K
