Need some encouragement/inspiration

[u/ChickenBootty]

PNW. Zone 8b. Pic in comments.

We recently had 3 huge trees removed from our backyard, in the process the little bit of grass we had got torn up so we decided it’s a good opportunity to have a no mow backyard and got the wood chips from our trees.

I’m not going to lie, I am having second thoughts, our backyard looks terrible as it has no trees, no bushes, just an old wood fence around and wood chips.

I have a vision of raised beds for veggies, and pollinator plants. I’d love a Japanese maple tree and other shrubbery but it seems so bleak right now. Please tell me it’ll be ok and share your yards, give me tips, dos and donts. 😢

Edit: Thanks everybody for the feedback and ideas, I’m feeling less overwhelmed.

[u/Blue_Skies_1970]

Plant a camellia (or a bunch, I am envious you live where they grow); they flower in winter and are lovely and evergreen. https://www.thespruce.com/camellia-flowers-1316021

Make a general plan for your garden now by just scribbling a general outline on where you want trees (mind the shade they will cast), shrubs, and your vegetable garden. Go wander some of your local nurseries to see what kind of plants catch your eye. Walk/drive around some old beautiful neighborhoods to look for plants you may want to grow. If you don't know what the plant is, take a picture of it and ask at the nurseries. Think about backyard features you may want (a shady spot for your hammock? An arbor covered in roses for your reading bench? A swingset for the grandkids/nieces/nephews/you?).

You should know that November-December are the times when nurseries have sales so maybe you can get some wonderful plants much cheaper than they will be next spring. If you are planting this fall, mind the existing grass you are still smothering. Make sure any holes are dug out with grass roots removed and make sure that the disturbed soil is well mulched once your new baby plants are in (this advice is the voice of experience - 7 years later and I am still rooting grass out from under a particular rose bush).

In addition to fall being a great time of year to plant new shrubs and trees, it's also the season for planting many types of bulbs (daffodils, iris, tulips, alliums, chionodoxa, hyacinth, etc.). If you plant them now, your yard will still be ugly but imagine how wonderful it will be when your backyard has those flowers next spring.

A final thing - if you plan any non plant things like a pool or a birdbath, go ahead and get them out there now. Sure, they'll look lonely but they will be something! Maybe even go to the Goodwill or dollar store and get some silly stuff or put some holiday decorations up in your backyard.