Zero Budget Urban Garden
I hope I'm putting this in the right place. I live in a very dense neighborhood in northern Seattle, So I feel lucky to have scored a fairly large and private outdoor space, but I'm struggling figuring out how to actually make it more functional for humans.
We put netting all around the fenced patio to keep our three cats in, and keep birds out. We also have a pitbull, and they all spend a lot of time out there and use the right end of the patio for potty. My husband stores his escooter under the tarp. Otherwise it's just completely not used at all. It feels like a waste of a beautiful space.
I'm interested in trying to propagate plants that are good for the pets, and also look beautiful, as I work out a way to get or make furniture and an awning and all the other things I would like for the space.
I have a tiny budget but I have a lot of free time and I'm experienced and interested in all kinds of diy. I'm great at design and my husband is a skilled carpenter. So I have the kind of vague intention of sourcing some free wood and I guess building some simple couches and a table or something. I'm thinking also that we can create a nice pergola or similar. Ideally I'd have a pergola covered in vines and other foliage and some simple low couches and warm soft lighting.
We have already lived in this apartment for 5 years and expect to stay here many more years, so It's worth creating furniture just for the space. Thank you so much in advance for any advice You can offer. I've never tried to design for a space like this so I'm feeling a bit lost.