Below is what our backyard looked like before it was subjected to us (we moved in). We took these pictures during our home inspection. I know, most before/after pictures usually go from bad to great...but this is the opposite. Now wait, before you scroll down and frown at me, let me say that I hear that the previous owner had a lawn caring/landscaping brother...
Here is one side of the deck. The bush along the fence is no longer there because it was pretty dead (I think before us). The grass covering is gone too because I just didn't like it. Now there are day lillies, which now that I think about it...where are they in this picture? Maybe she trimmed them.
Here's the corner of our yard. This tree now gets these beetles that we've tried to treat. Now the grass under the tree is almost gone because the beetles lay eggs and then the grubbs (sp?) eat the grass. I think it's time to bring in a professional!
Here's the middle of our yard. So clean, so manicured.
Again, so well maintained...then we moved in. I hope she doesn't read this blog!
Behind our garage. Oh gosh, I'm starting to feel worse as I type. Now it is so overgrown and the grass is just not what it used to be. The sadness!
OK...here we go...THE PRESENT! Here is the side of the deck. See the day lillies (I love these). As you can see the soil needs some TLC, so that's why you see the bag of top soil. I put it down this evening and will mix it in more over the week. We've edged this bed around the deck and are in the middle of putting mulch down as well. Last night my mom and I edged and turned over the soil. There is hope yet.
Here's the corner behind the deck. This soil is REALLY dry and I added lots of top soil to it too tonight. I have to go out and buy more mulch this weekend.
This is right behind the deck. This is where I planted my Mexican Heather and new hosta. As you can see it needed another layer of mulch, which I also did this evening. I think they are beginning to feel the love.
My deck steps down to a patio and then to the yard. This is where people step and we added some pavers to save what is left of the grass. Poor yard...it didn't deserve us!So, as you can see we have a LOT of work to do (and I didn't even show you the entire yard!)...do you see why I take my mom up on all of her help. We still have a lot of edging to do, especially behind the garage. We also need to figure out what kind of grass growing/treatment system will work best...there are so many!
Pray for my poor yard...
14 comments:
I think it looks good...Now you should see our yard...I am scared to even post it! (eek) It's horrible, weeds everywhere, grassless patches all over...Mismatched pavers, oh goodness...But I do think your on the right track with the mulch and top soil!!
You're so funny! We only get the before you moved in pictures? It reminds me a Ruyard Kipling story about the jungle taking everything back.
It's difficult when the soil conditions don't allow for good growth. We have some much sand we had to haul in four dump truck loads of block dirt. No little bags of top soil for us!
Patience Kel. It'll get there. You're taking your time and doing it right. Personally, I think ALL your pics look great.
It doesn't look that bad of what I've seen so far! But what a fun post...our yard has changed dramatically in the almost 6 years we've lived here! when we moved in, it was a new house and the yard was nothing more than an empty field of dirt and sparce grass...Dan has worked hard on it every year to get it to where it is today...he loves it, though! You will bring it back to life, too...in your own time!
are the bugs japanese beetles? we have the same problem - they are literally killing our front yard grass. TOTALLY frustrating! we're trying this year yet ourselves... but next year it's the professionals (if what we're doing doesn't work). if THAT doesn't work... we're going to tear it all out and start over. hopefully, it won't come to that for you guys! i know you've been working super hard on this project.... just think how wonderful you'll feel sitting on your deck admiring your handiwork once you're done! :) keep it up sister!!
I heard you should divide your yard up into "rooms" and decide how you are going to use it that way... seating, cooking, etc.
You have so much space! I'm totally jealous!
Oh Kelli, it doesn't look that bad. I am not a very green thumb person, and I HATE weeding. I'm sure if you work on it a little at a time that you will feel better about it.
XOXO
Jen
Your yard doesn't look that bad. But I know how you feel about wanting it to look great. Keep up the good work and I will be praying for you as you weed the garden.
Have a great Monday!
Looks a lot better than my yard!
There always seems to be so many distractions that keep us from taking the time to give it the care it needs!
It's not bad at all! Really...just take your time, and you'll get where you want to be...mulch does wonders too!
Aww, it looks good, Kelli. I think you're doing fine - it all takes time and it's hard to get everything done, I know. :) It'll get there!!
Come save our yard when you're done with yours! We are just NOT landscaping people! Thankfully, we have an amazing tree guy/landscaper next door, so we rely heavily on his talent (he doesn't want to be embarrassed living next door to us, so he's good to help out!)
Hooray for your progress!
LOL! I really appreciate the encouraging words but, y'all really haven't seen the now pics...the yard is a shell of it's former self. Kelli, I'm glad you found the pic of behind the garage...now I remember what it should look like. As for the "beetle tree", hopefully (for me) another spray treatment & some Scotts Grub-ex will do the trick this year; otherwise Kelli will demand to cut it down. It's such a beautiful tree, before it gets eaten.
You can complain about backyards all you want to me. I hear you- you'll always have a sympathetic ear with me.
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