Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Backyard Before and After Pics

I was poking around in my photo files and came across some photos of what our backyard looked like when we first bought our house 10 months ago. I thought I'd put together a quick post and show you the difference already. Thanks to Doug, here's what we enjoy now:


And here's what it looked like when we first got our keys! Can you even believe it?






A previous owner had installed screens around the patio - maybe a nice idea in the beginning, but by the time we took possession the screens were no more and it felt like we were standing in a cage every time we went out our backdoor. So Doug removed the screen frames early on, and we lived with it like this for a while:



Doug removed two overgrown oleander bushes, the rotting railroad ties around the perimeter and those brick pavers off the left side of the patio. He installed all of the sprinklers and drip system, and we had more cement poured to extend the patio slab as well as a sidewalk in front of the turtle habitat.



We added a corner flowerbed at the end of the patio, and our turtle pen got its own little wall. You can see the short turtle wall on the left in the photo above. We also had an extra row of block added to the top of our fence, and Doug painted the entire exterior of our house (+fence) which was a huge improvement as well. We've had three new trees planted, and plan to add raised garden beds on that far section of rock eventually.

One of the things we hated to leave behind at our last house was the pretty backyard. I can't believe how far this new one has come in such a short amount of time. I so appreciate all the hard work Doug has put into this space, and I'm so excited to see it continue to fill in and be a space that we enjoy so much.

Pretty cool, huh?

11 comments:

Patio Postcards said...

WOW when you show the before & after photo you can see all the work you have done (yeah Doug). Before the season is done, I am sure you will be quite settled into the new space. I know I would hate to leave my garden; you (we) tend to pour so much of yourself into the space. I always find it so interesting to watch new owners of neighbourhood homes redefine the outdoor space to making their mark.

alexa said...

It certainly is cool, and Doug has effected a great transformation in a short space of time. It already looks so settled ... I can see it's been carefully planned to meet all of your - and the turtles'- needs. I hope they realise how lucky they are!

debs14 said...

Wow! What a difference. I think Doug's earned a few weekends off enjoying some cold beers while enjoying looking at all his hard work!

Carole R said...

Looking good - what a difference!

Karen said...

What a transformation!

Barbara Eads said...

Your backyard already looks so inviting compared to when you moved in. I can't wait to see what you do next!

Beverly said...

Doug's sweat has paid off, it is really looking like ya'lls place.

Sian said...

Very cool! You have worked hard and it shows

Maria Ontiveros said...

Hi dear friend!
You know I follow you on facebook and instagram, but it's nice to read your posts from the last month. The yoga retreat does sound life-altering (so BRAVE to go into that bat cave!) and I am thrilled that you are moving away from your corporate job and toward the hospice work.
And to read that all is well with Doug and Carrie. . . so much goodness.
I'll try to be a better blog reader and commenter, but know that you are in my thoughts and in my heart even when I am not here.
Rinda

Susanne said...

Fabulous transformation - enjoy!

Ruth said...

What a transformation! How lucky you are to have a Doug on site, as it were!
And oh, that light ...

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