The handyman helped me clean the weeds, vines, tree sprouts and miscellaneous from the area under this deck yesterday. Now I want to do something with it. Planting in the ground is not an option due to a Tulip Tree (Liriodendron) that had grown too large next to the area and was cut down ... roots everywhere so digging in there is next to impossible.

The height under the deck is around 4'. The width is about 7.5' and the length is about 10' from the concrete block retaining wall to the front. I am planning to get some weedcloth and cover the area to end the need for weeding under there ... and then I would like to do something with the area other than just throw down some gravel or rocks.

So, my question is: what would you do?



This is the space in question. First picture is west side; second picture is facing north.




I jokingly call this small area in front of the space in question the "Fern Grotto". It isn't exactly a grotto and the floor is concrete. But it is shady. The ferns and other things in there are all in pots. I have thought about a waterfall/fountain set-up of some sort cascading down that back retaining wall.

The first thing that comes to my mind is I'd use it as a potting shed space. Looks like a great spot for propagating cuttings and tending ailing plants too. For me that translates to my own little private getaway, so I'd have to make it a pretty little outdoor room like you've done with your potted plants.

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm thinking of some steps for ease of access and, of course, the water feature of some type.

Playing with the water feature. You have what looks like a nice cool feeling space there. How about expanding the grotto. As it's very linear how about creating a focal point in the middle at the end. Then a narrow water trough from that focal point feeding your water feature which then cascades down the wall, or off of a lip. By cutting a hole in the center lattice panel your focal point could be a plant beyond. Some cascading potted plants on either side of the water feature reinforce it and allow access to beyond. You could substitute some river rock for the water in the trough. Voila! Fern Grotto/Zen Garden.

Great ideas. I can picture that quite clearly in my mind's eye. Are you talking about cutting a hole in the lattice panel on the far end or the one on the west side (house is on the east side)?

Oooohh, I like Evan's ideas too! It looks like such a good spot to cool off in summer, water would really make it inviting.

Tee, here's a sketch

Nice diagram. Thank you. Perfect ... with the exception of changing the "Optional" components to "Required".

LOL!