Dear Landscaper: My yard has been a real challenge. It is almost an acre and was heavily wooded when we bought the property. We have cut down many trees close to the house, but have discovered the unfavorable yellow clay. I would like a gravel bed off the back screen porch door with some low growing plants that will thrive in the deep shade. Please help! -- P.P., Durham

Dear Landscaper sought the help of landscape design student Katy Fox to address this yard's challenges, working under the guidance of Assistant Professor Patricia Lindsey.

Fox is an undergraduate student in the N.C. State Horticultural Science Department, Landscape Design Concentration. Working with instructors Will Hooker and Anne Spafford, students in the program are given the opportunity to gain theoretical and hands-on knowledge in the design and management of landscapes for small-scale residential, commercial and public properties.

Dear P.P.: You have a backyard that is very difficult to navigate because of the stumps from the small-time logging operation. Still, the space needs to remain a vital room for family gatherings. Consider a raised pavilion and raised planting beds around the structure.

A raised pavilion and raised beds will accomplish a few things. Elevating the plant beds will separate the plants from the space your dog uses -- ensuring healthier and longer lived plants. The raised planters will create a successful planting area in lieu of the yellow clay. It would be a daunting task to prepare beds in the original soil with so many tree roots present. In addition to that, excessive amounts of digging in the ground could damage the roots of the other trees and could eventually lead to the tree's instability and death.

Finally, adding a raised planting area at the screen porch will visually merge the landscape to the house, complementing the plantings of the new pavilion structure.

A raised pavilion will relieve the fishbowl feeling of sitting in an area lower than your home. A boardwalk connecting the pavilion to the the existing deck will provide visitors a direct route to the back entertainment area, keeping them from having to pass through your home. The other columns (that are not attached to the roof, providing support) reiterate the vertical strength of the pines, tying the structural elements of the landscape to the natural surroundings.

By installing a partial roof on the pavilion, areas of sun and shade are provided (see the plan), ensuring that your family and friends can use the structure year-round and in different weather conditions. Vines growing on the open roof will add a wonderful summer feature.

With these suggestions and the recommended plantings on my landscape plan, your family can soon enjoy a wonderful new outdoor entertaininment area.

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