I am SO excited that our backyard is coming right along. I have to warn you that some of the backyard before pictures you are about to see may scare the heebee jeebees out of you... yes, our yard was THAT bad!
Our neighbors' dog has chewed holes in our fence over the past two years and we have replaced and patched the darn thing so many times I can't even count. Along with that, our lawn has been struggling for a couple of years, and we lost one of our trees over a bad winter {which you can see that my hunky hubby had already chopped down before I took this picture}.
Finally, we had enough!! We have a small backyard as it is, and we just wanted a safe and fun place for our little Ella to play. We decided to replace the fence (reinforcing the neighbor's side so their dog can't eat it), regrade the yard and lay sod.
So here is the before pictures of this side of the yard:
{Notice the bag of compost covering the latest gaping hole}
This planter that you can see here had curbing around it and I actually had my garden boxes in there until the tree next door grew too big and created too much shade {All of that had ben removed before this picture}. So, we decided to make that nice big area all grass for the little one.
And here is the after. Oh, my heart skips a beat every time I look at it!
It is not completely finished in this picture, and we still need to stain the fence, but you get the idea. I have big plans for that space that is still dirt behind the patio. I will be building a planter box of some sort.
Here is the before picture of the other side of the yard:
and a picture of while they were laying sod:
(I have the greatest friends, brother, and hubby ever to lay all of this!)
This side of the house is where my new garden will be and we are in the process of building the new bed for it. I will show more pictures of it once we get it finished!
I am SO happy with the progress so far! And I think it looks so nice with the new exterior paint job as well. Here is a little before and after of that if you don't remember that post {see post here}.
Before:
and After:
It is coming right along...
Oh, and here is a shot of the cutest helper of all! Can you believe I haven't put her hair in pigtails before now!? I love them. Oh, she melts my heart. I hope she just loves her new backyard.
xoxo
Roxanne Reinhart
I think Ella will love her new back yard space! I have the worst back yard ever! But we are slowly starting to transform it. I hope to be able to share some photos later this summer. You have inspired me!
must love junk
That's a serious transformation! Your hard work has paid off! (and Ella is absolutely adorable!:)
Susan
Cozy Little House
I so wish I had someone around her who would build me some raised gardening beds so I could get back to gardening! Everything looks great!
Brenda
Tanya Runkle
Your little helper is soooo sweet! Yardwork and home improvements are a lot a work but so worth it. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
xo, Tanya
C. M. Designs
Kristen, Everything is beautiful----your new house paint color, your new fence, your new grass and especially little Miss Ella Claire. Her little pony tails are the "cats pajamas".. Really cute.
That doggie should have some teeth pulled so he can't chew your new fence. Just kidding but he certainly has been a nuisance.
Enjoy your yard and planting your flowers.. Will love to see more pictures.
Hugs,
Charlotte in Va.
Stephanie Ruby Feldman
Looks grand! Great start!
Laurel Stephens
It's so much work, but there's nothing like new grass, is there? I can just picture Ella's little bare toes playing on it.
Emily @ EAKaHouse
I love progress! We've been living with a sorry front yard for a while now and I am itching to get working! Great job!
Debra Oliver
everything looks wonderful, Kristen! I just read you're earlier post on your new paint for the house. just gorgeous, totally transforms your home!!
Jennifer Taylor
WOW! What a difference! And the new fence looks lovely too! I can't wait to see all your flower planting and your garden space! Give little Ella a smooch from her Auntie!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
It looks great, Kristen! Nice, new sod makes quite a difference. I'll bet she loves the feel of that grass on her feet!
20 North Ora
Kristen - What a wonderful back yard you have created for Ella Claire. There's nothing like green, soft grass under your feet. You'll have many precious, treasured memories out there I'm sure. Enjoy!
Judy
charlieandjo
Gosh lots of hard work. I love when I see a project that completely rethinks a space. Good job. Jo @ Let's Face the Music
Dawn
It's looking wonderful, can't wait to see more:)