Hey everyone! I'm in Florida and trying to make the most out of my small backyard, which slopes down towards a seawall. I've started a few improvements, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything else going on. The yard is mainly hardscape, and there's a concrete walkway that divides it, leading to the seawall steps. The slope on either side of the walkway is about 2 feet.
I'm interested in leveling out the left side of the yard to create a little playground area for my kid, but I'm worried about grading and drainage, plus I don't want to put too much stress on the seawall. So, I'm looking for advice: what's the best way to flatten part of my sloped yard for a play space? And how can I make it a cozy hangout spot?
I've got a 4-inch drainage pipe already, but I think it might need some upgrades. I've attached a few pictures of the current setup and a rough sketch of my ideas, but I'm totally open to suggestions!
1 Answer
I feel you on the overwhelm! Since you have drainage issues, consider creating a rain garden or a dry creek bed along the slope to manage water runoff. It can also look really nice! For the play area, soft grass or rubber mulch is perfect for safety, and you might want to include some portable play equipment that you can easily change as your kid grows. Keep the design flexible!
I love the rain garden idea! It could attract some butterflies too, making it an enjoyable place for your kid.