When we moved into this house there was a GIANT pond with two waterfalls coming into it (we wound up having hundreds of goldfish in it, literally hundreds-but that is a different post). We drained and filled it in dubbing it a huge drowning hazard with all the kids around. We also had a "putting green", which was astro-turf with little holes and flags. Although this didn't need mowing or water it did need to be vacuumed of leaves and dirt (yes vacuumed) and you couldn't really sit on it, the 'grass' was scratchy and hard. Not to mention totally weird. So last summer we (I say we, but really I mean Daddy-O) started the transformation.
The pond was filled in, a retaining wall and small 'upper patio' were installed. An addition to the existing patio was poured and sod was layed. Daddy-O also built two veg garden boxes, he says there are more to come but they take time to build and fill so maybe not this summer. This year we have broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, basil, chives, garlic, and onions (I am sure I am forgetting something) all growing out there. I love being able to walk out and pick part of my dinner from the yard!
We found a nice table and chair set on Craig's List. It was a little rough around the edges but just need to be sanded and re-sealed. I made cushions for the seats and now we have a nice little dining area out back. We also ordered couches from Overstock.com, they are perfect for lounging in or napping in if you have the time and two weekends ago Daddy-O finished installing the shade-sails for much needed shade this summer.
The backyard really is turning into an oasis- now if it would just stop raining... oh well, the rainbow sure are pretty!
(do you see the bird flying towards the rainbow??)
enjoy.
Oh and don't forget- to swing on over to Jane's blog for the complete list of all the Corner Viewers!
The sound of rain!
ReplyDeleteand when the sun comes out -wow- it's a great place to have a glass of wine.
Mmm, a glass of wine on your patio.. ! Have a great day !
ReplyDeleteA glass of wine is the right way to enjoy both your oasis and your rainbow!
ReplyDeletelove the lanterns and the wine - looks like you have a great backyard!
ReplyDeleteYour yard is so pretty. It's a lot of work to get a yard together! We have done a lot but it's still a work in progress! Nice video. I love those shade sails too.
ReplyDeleteI especially loved the video with the wonderful rain (it's been a tad dry here...). I love seeing your space!
ReplyDeletewow--good work, Daddy-O! thanks for the corner view --
ReplyDeleteyou have a lovely garden. i´d never go inside...not even when it was raining... :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's my computer, but I couldn't get the video to come up on the screen. It's just a white box.. but I can imagine the rain since we have been having the exact same thing here! It's been almost two weeks now.
ReplyDeleteIn other news.. Daddy O should win an award. It's all absolutely beautiful!
I can't read the label on that wine bottle. Please tell me what it was.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteAnd that man of yours....what a gem! He made it into a wonderful little paradis.
The vacuuming part....hilarious!
Have a great day, hopefully without any rain.
Oh, yes... I could spend lot's of evenings around your table! Beautiful space back there!! You guys did a great job!
ReplyDeleteI want a yard.. I mean I want *YOUR* yard! :) The sounds of the rain is sooo good! Last 2 weeks have been raining dogs and cats here in Miami.. crazy!
ReplyDeleteit really looks a great place to drink some!!!
ReplyDeleteHa, your original yard sounds interesting! I love how it is layered now and the seating area looks so nice! Thanks for the added bonus video.. love the soothing sound of rain. :)
ReplyDeletelove the bonus video footage !! and your yard is wonderful !! picking dinner from the backyard ... yes, a thousand times yes !! and that bottle of wine on your sanded and re-sealed table ... what time will i be there ?!?! :) really enjoyed this post and the before/after descriptions !!
ReplyDelete