What can be done if you want a natural look, but also need some cultivated areas for children to play? Can a yard be landscaped in such a way that both are achieved? The answer is yes. With some planning and effort, both cultivated and natural areas can be blended in one backyard.

This backyard, located just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, has both open cultivated areas as well as a substantial natural area. The lot, chosen for the mature trees, was left untouched beyond the areas where the house was built. Part of the yard, seen here in November, was not cleared at all, left as it was before the area was developed for housing.

The rest was cleared of undergrowth, but trees were left in abundance. In the natural area, perennials such as hostas and daylilies have been added. In front of the border, grass was planted -- fescue in the most shady areas and bermuda in the open areas.

In this view, a children's play fort is seen beyond the natural area. Placed here, it is secluded from the neighbors' view to a large degree. In the foreground, grass grows right up to the border that clearly identifies where cultivation ends and natural begins.