Backyard renovation ~

Just in time for summer fun, we have the backyard finally done! YAY~ So happy we can actually sit, play, grill and share our backyard with family, friends and guests.

We had a long wait for the landscapers to actually SHOW UP and do the job..finally they promised good quality work and some other free extra's due to the LONG wait. So...the long wait paid off!

When we moved in, it was landscaped..notice the first three photos, a small patch of grass, rocks, some bushes on the side and another raised area with a couple of trees and a couple of
rose bushes. It was nice but not enough grass for our little ones to run around in and we did not like all the rock.. not exactly kid friendly.

Then.. we got the puppies and they did their thing to the grass.. nice and yellow.. dead spots... and then they managed to destroy the side bushes, the roses bushes and the bark off one tree up top... OYE! PUPPIES and their chewing! However, we tolerated it due to the renovation coming up.

So, renovation started and due the extension of grass... we had to re-do the sprinkler system and drip system. That was fun! New sod came in.. we use Fescue, we love how it looks and feels, then they added some Lady Banks Rose Vines up top, a couple of rose bushes, other misc. colorful bloom shrubs, and some ground cover along the stone all around some mulch and the rock that we saved from the sides of the house. We also added another vine..Jasmine on the side of the house and we are thinking of adding another red blooming vine right behind the hammock.

Nathan layed the flagstone steps along the sides and he did a great job! He made the lattice on the side of the house and he helped with the side gate where the dog run is. The dog run.. unfortunately is on hold for completion until we know EXACTLY what we want to do back there. We are looking at the best options for the dogs.. we are thinking concrete slab from gate to gate or some type of stone patio setting. We shall see.

So, far this is our backyard, we love it..as it is not AS BIG as we would have liked..and like what some of our neighbors have but it's functional and cozy and it's OURS!

Enjoy the photos ~

Before and when we first moved in ~

(first three photos here )

(see.. not enough grass : ( )

What a mess! After the dogs got to it, we (Okay....we meaning NATHAN)

had removed the rock on sides and concrete border around grass.

side gate for dogs ~

BLAH.. except for the dog.. he's cute ~

Trenching for the new sprinkler lines.. the dogs are supervisors on the job!

Sprinkler lines done.. new dirt ~

Not so happy about the placement of these boxes... but whatever!

New plants.. but we have a problem... um.. no mulch.. no design of rock and mulch.

: (

Okay.. Phew.. all BETTER! Here is the top... complete with Hammock!

Grass on the sides.. BUT.. take NOTE of the swamp water

in the middle... YEP.. another problem... OYE!

They installed a box for the drainage of water.. but

you can't see it... however here you can see the flagstone steps.

Jasmine Vine ~

Pretty yellow flowers ~

Pretty pink rose ~

Awww.. patio furniture ... at LAST!

Relaxing and inviting we HOPE.. well for us it is! ~

He thinks so too! ~ The kiddos like playing in the back.

In fact, Cael crys when we come in.. aww...

I can't wait for the growth for the plants.. to spread out,

it will be really pretty ~

Here is the front patio, we added some potted flowers and

two new chairs. I had the table, but it was brown iron, so I just painted it black.

We are happy and enjoying our new yard ~ Come and see for yourself ~