Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Before and After

 Edited to add:  Of all the things we have done this year, this has been the bestest!  I know that is not a word.:") DH was so proud of his efforts and we have had many gatherings of friends and family over to enjoy.  Just goes to show not to give up and to persevere!  Of course the recent rains have made my shade garden a muddy mess, but after it finally clears up, will get some more awesome plants and rain gutters!



I know I have talked about this here and here.  But since we added new plants and I am so loving the side yard, I am posting again!  We live in So Cal in a typical tract house with a very small back yard.  Most of it is a large patio and we used to have grass on the side for the kids.  But they are now 21 and 17, and we wanted an area that was useful and that we could enjoy. 

Here is a before/after side by side comparison!




This is Before, taken in March




This is After taken this morning!  Love it!








This is before                                                        









 After taken today!




We have had fun growing veggies, more squash than we know what to do with.  Unfortunately some 4 legged creatures have been eating our peppers and eggplant, so only harvested a few of those.



This is a pic of the 2 wine bottle tiki torches I made.  I love how they light up the side at night!


Here is a pic looking from the gate, which is at the front, to the back.  Love how this turned out.  The plants on the left are up against the house and get more shade, while the veggies get sun all day. 


This just proves what a little hard work can do.  DH made the raised beds and we both worked 9-5 one day to put in the paver patio.  I really thought at one point it wouldn't get in.  I love that I can now say our yard is done!



Have a great week,

Laura


Posting to


Supporting Habitat for Humanity




12 comments:

Katie Olthoff said...

Wow! What a great improvement! I love how green and lush everything looks.

Bella @ Bella before and after said...

I really like the transformation, and love your wine bottle tiki torches, just how exactly did you do those? Everything looks wonderful, and since I just cleaned out my garden last week, I had to stop by and say good job, as I know how HARD it is to work out there. :)

laurmela said...

Bella,

I talked about it here.
http://laurmelashouse.blogspot.com/2010/05/recycling-all-those-wine-bottles.html

They were real easy and cheap!

Unknown said...

wow! it looks great! outdoor work is tough! we've done a lot of it at our house, but it's so worth it! great project...great job!

laurmela said...

Thanks Alicia, it is a lot of work, but we so love it! As I am sure you know when you own a house there is always something that needs to be done. But it is fun to make it yours!

Anonymous said...

Great before and after pictures! I love the idea of raised beds- So much easier to harvest all the goodies!

Katie Olthoff said...

I had a feeling I'd seen this before! I still love it! Came over from Lettered Cottage.

laurmela said...

Thanks Katie!

Anne said...

I just found this post -- wow! What a fantastic transformation. It looks gorgeous and must be so much fun to work in.

Emily {Frilly Details} said...

What a transformation!! You have created such a welcoming outdoor space. Wish I could relax in your garden with a good book!

Laura@JourneyChic said...

Visiting from Centsational Girl's party...love what you did with your side yard. I also have a side yard in dire need of sprucing, so you've given me some ideas!

Unknown said...

Wow, what a big difference. almost makes me want to garden. lol!
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