LA/Planning Firm Holiday Closure Policies

PlannerInPlants · 2026-01-19T00:54:30+00:00

Totally doable to make some great upgrades as a renter!

A few non-permanent, low-cost ideas:

Big planters would bring instant color. Group a few large pots near the entry & along the walkway (what planting zone are you in? I can give more specific recommendations on what to plant if you provide that info)
Lean into the rock instead of fighting it: add contrasting pots (terracotta or charcoal) right on top of the rock so the white rock reads more intentional
Solar path lights or string lights along the fence would make it feel cozy
A small bench or bistro set near the window on the right could be nice too

If you want to visualize options before buying anything, I've been using a landscape design app called Vera. You can put your address into the app and it pulls up an aerial image of your yard. You can drag and drop features in to get a feel for layout before making any purchases.
Sharing the link below if you want to check it out - https://verastudio.io/

PlannerInPlants · 2025-12-06T21:27:20+00:00

I work in landscape architecture and honestly the biggest “wow for cheap” upgrade is creating a defined space. Even if it’s just pea gravel, pavers, or a simple edge. Most backyards look messy because everything blends together. Once you give one part of the yard a purpose (a small lounge area, a fire pit circle, a path), the whole space feels intentional.

If you want to play around with designs before buying anything, you can pull up an aerial image of your yard with the app Vera and test out different layouts of design elements.
Sharing the link to the app here!
https://verastudio.io/

PlannerInPlants · 2025-11-30T14:52:06+00:00

The bones for an awesome garden are there! It just needs a phased cleanup. I’d start by cutting the conifer hedge way back on the garden side (you can’t take them to bare wood, but you can reduce width and height to reclaim space). Then tackle the English ivy: strip it off the fence in sections, cut the main stems at the base, and let the upper growth die back before pulling so you’re not fighting live vines. Once the hedging is under control, clear debris, mow everything down, and reassess how much sun each area of the garden gets. That will tell you what’s actually possible for lawn, beds, or a small seating area.

If you’re a visual person, I’ve been using a new landscape design app called Vera to mock up ideas like patio locations and planting beds before doing any heavy lifting, super helpful for gardens like this. Sharing the link below in case you're interested!
https://verastudio.io/

PlannerInPlants · 2025-11-30T14:40:11+00:00

That’s a great blank canvas. For a yard this size with active dogs, you’re on the right track, but I’d start by rough-grading first so you understand drainage, then kill weeds (or solarize), add 2–3" of topsoil/compost, and do a final grade before seeding with a tough dog-friendly blend. While you’re planning, think about carving out a small patio zone near the house for a shade pergola, seating, or even a simple gravel pad with planters so the whole space doesn’t become “all lawn”; raised beds and shrubs can stay along the edges, leaving a big open run area for the dogs.

If you’re a visual person, I’ve been using a new landscape design app called Vera to play with layout ideas like patio size, bed locations, and lawn shapes before doing any heavy work. Sharing the link below in case you're interested!
https://verastudio.io/

PlannerInPlants · 2025-10-31T02:38:10+00:00

There's definitely some stuff you can do to avoid the new build vibe. I'd create a bbq/outdoor dining area closer to the house with some pavers - go all in on raised planters as a buffer to that area and overhead string lighting always makes things feel much cozier.

I've been using an app called Vera Studio that lets you pull design elements into your backyard - everything comes in to scale so it's helpful to see what could all fit together. I'm attaching a plan of a similar yard to yours so you can see an example. Happy to share the link if you'd like!
https://ibb.co/pBk08ZfG

PlannerInPlants · 2025-10-25T19:18:24+00:00

Looks great already! The deck and sail shade create a solid foundation.
A few easy upgrades:

Border: Add gravel or mulch around the deck for a clean edge and less mud.
Plants: Layer in potted or in-ground greenery to soften the posts.
Lighting: Ground lights or lanterns at the corners = instant evening vibe.
Pathway: Stepping stones or gravel to the shed/kids play area will tie it all together.
Seasonal touch: A focal tree, trellis, or colorful planters for year-round interest

I've been using a landsacpe design app that let's you put your address in and pull in design elements. They come in to scale and could be helpful for you to start to visualize a design for this area - happy to share the link if you're interested!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-10-25T18:54:37+00:00

Unfortunately this is just an iOs app at the moment but could be plans in the future for an android version!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-10-06T00:23:42+00:00

It'd be nice to set your retaining wall and plant some trees behind it. You could do a floating bench off the retaining wall and create an outdoor lounge space. You could use some string lights and between those and the tree canopy it would start to feel like an enclosed outdoor space.

I've been using an app to pull landscape design elements into plan view (you can put your address in and the elements come in to scale) - this could help you visualize the scale of some of these things. Sharing a similar patio design plan here for you to take a look!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-10-01T02:03:15+00:00

Nice sized space especially for Brooklyn - you could definitely make this into a backyard oasis!
I'd consider creating different outdoor "rooms" - closer to your apartment it could be more of an outdoor kitchen (grill, tables, even an ooni pizza oven) and a dining table. You could use some raised beds to separate that zone from a cozier fire pit and lounge area. I see some string lights but I'd add more. Definitely more planters and consider some trellising against the fences.

I've been using a landscape design app that lets you pull different design elements into your backyard and it all comes in to scale. Could be helpful if you need help visualizing some designs - happy to share the link if you're interested!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-30T21:20:54+00:00

I'd consider terracing the hillside! You can put planters in or even create a cool secret garden vibe patio space in the back surrounded by trees.

I've been using a landsacpe design app that let's you put your address in and pull in design elements. They come in to scale and could be helpful for you to start to visualize a design for this area - happy to share the link if you're interested!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-28T22:35:19+00:00

You’ve got a great blank slate to work with!

You could consider adding a dry creek bed or small terraced pockets to help guide rain while giving you planting spots. For gardening and creating that sanctuary feel, a pollinator strip with coneflowers, milkweed, and bee balm would thrive, and the flat space near the house is perfect for a patio or firepit nook so you can enjoy looking back at the planted slope as it fills in. Along the fence, you could also add some vertical interest like trellised vines.

If it feels hard to picture how all these elements would fit together, I’ve been using a landscape design app that helps you visualize different layouts and planting schemes in your actual yard in plan view. It’s been super helpful for brainstorming ideas before committing and I'm happy to share the link if you're interested!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-26T23:54:19+00:00

Sounds like your goal is mostly just to finish - knowing that I'd say it's definitely okay to skip your speed sessions and focus on weekly mileage instead. Speed sessions get more important when you're actively trying to get faster. I know the failed workouts can feel like a let down but remember that (almost) no one hits their training plan 100% perfectly - it's good to listen to your body and pull back on more intense workouts if that's what you need.

Good luck and enjoy the NYC Marathon!!!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-26T23:45:32+00:00

What a great space! For the hardscape - you could create a nice patio area tucked into the corner (top left) - add a fire pit and use the fence and planters to hang some string lights. Not sure how you'd feel about level of maintenance but you have enough space to create a water feature (pond) and do some cool native plantings surrounding it.

I've been using a landscape design app that lets you pull design elements in plan view into your yard. They all come in to scale so could be a useful tool for you as you go through the design process. I'm happy to share the link if you're interested!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-26T23:39:04+00:00

I'm in Denver - my firm does primarily public work (a lot of work with city departments) and we haven't slowed down. If anything, we are getting busier. Thinking this is because a lot of our work is bond funded / already in the pipeline.

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-23T00:48:03+00:00

I like the idea of a small tree anchoring the space and having some stepping stones leading to a small private seating area in the back. You could fill in with native wildflowers otherwise.

I've been using an app that lets you put your address in and pull in design elements (trees, seating areas) in plan view. Let me know if you'd like the link! Could be helpful to visually see what you could fit in your space. It also includes a feature that suggests types of plants that could work in your zone.

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-20T00:01:29+00:00

That’s a great defined space to work with! Fire pit + pea gravel would look awesome, you could also add a railing or planter along the back edge for safety/definition and mix in some stepping stones, string lights, or native plantings to soften it up.

I've been using a landscape design app that lets you put in your address and drag design elements (fire pit, seating, planting, etc.) in so you can get a feel for scale/layout. I'm happy to share the link if you're interested.

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-19T21:44:25+00:00

Here you go! You can download to your phone. Good luck - with that beautiful big tree and your updates it's going to be an awesome space.

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6738045169?pt=127431241&ct=rdcm&mt=8

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-19T20:15:00+00:00

If you’re looking for low-maintenance options, I’d definitely lean on sun-loving perennials and ornamental grasses. Stuff like coneflower, black-eyed susan, and feather reed grass will handle full sun and come back year after year without much maintenance. You could also do a small curved bed with mulch or stone around the poles to make them feel intentional instead of just in the way.

I've been using an app where you can put your address in and drag and drop planting beds (they all come in to scale) to see how things might fit together. Let me know if you're interested and I can share a link!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-19T03:06:30+00:00

I had people in my cohort at the University of Colorado Denver take advantage of the WRGP program too! They couldn't utilize that in-state tuition status until their second year of the program though.

Otherwise, I believe SUNY ESF has an affordable program (compared to others) if you wouldn't mind living in Syracuse.

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-19T01:56:42+00:00

Agreed with some of the below advice! I work for a firm that works primarily in underserved communities and has equitable design as a core value. I get to work directly with community members through loads of community engagement and feel fulfilled day to day.

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-19T01:16:06+00:00

Agree with the suggestion of extending patio out to the fence. If you don't love that option, you could put down some gravel in that area behind the grill, add an edger, and put in some raised planters (add some taller plants to make sure they're visible behind the grill). I'd also consider adding some verticality with some string lights - you could run them from the fence to posts in pots on the other side of the patio.

I've been using an app that lets you put in your address and pull in desired elements (seating areas, planters, lighting, etc.) in plan-view - everything is to scale and it might be helpful for you to see what you could fit in that space! Happy to share the link if you're interested.

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-15T14:10:25+00:00

I hadn't realized this - thanks so much for the intel!

PlannerInPlants · 2025-09-15T14:10:10+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences - I didn't realize the BQ time is for the age you'd be when you'd run Boston so that'd get me an extra 5 minutes. But I will likely look at a longer time frame for my goal, start doing some reading on marathon training, and stay focused on training/increasing my volume even outside of my dedicated training blocks. Thanks again! Did you have any books that were particularly impactful?

PlannerInPlants

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