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| We had a green yard with our first border collie, Lucy |
I was in the process of getting a puppy when we lost Lucy so I decided to get two Border Collie pups. (you know, get the puppy stage over with at once. heh) What with the drought, the trees maturing and creating lots of shade, plus two rambunctious puppies, we lost most of our grass a couple of years ago.
It was a little disheartening; the yard being all brown (i.e., dirt). On top of that, I put fencing up to protect my potted plants and flowerbeds (they thought everything was their chew toys). When it rained, we had a big muddy mess...yard and dogs. (We fixed that by putting hay down as mulch just washed away),
Don't get me wrong, I love my dogs! But it all added up to an ugly uninspiring backyard. *sigh*
I kept reminding myself and Bruce the dogs would grow up and eventually learn not to chew everything in sight. And guess what? They have (mostly)! Yay! Time to reclaim the backyard!
Since we had a break in the heat (90's versus 100+ degrees :-D), I got to work. Blocking off the end of the patio and adding the bench from the BBQ area,
Also, I pulled the rustic planters up on the porch,
Also, I pulled the rustic planters up on the porch,
Reset my stepping stones, laid landscape fabric and added pebbles,
Moved plants and the bird bath around then added in my old beat up wagon,
Placed my peacock chair in the flowerbed to hold a plant,
And got rid of the ugly but useful fencing. The BBQ area also got a few plants along the fence and side,
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| The area to the left used to be fenced off for my potted plants - yay, it's all opened up! Still need to set the brick edge. |
We still need grass but we are too hot and dry for that right now. Eventually, we'll plant some.
Ah, much better!
On a side note (pun intended), I found a small bistro set at Wal-Mart on sale. Score for the side deck!
I am really hoping the dogs won't think the plants are play toys. I think I'll spray them (plants not dogs) with a bitter spray just to be on the safe side. :o) I'm finally liking my backyard again!
Sharing here:
The Dedicated House Make It Pretty Monday
The Dedicated House Before and After Wednesday
Fluster Buster Creative Muster Party 137
The Dedicated House Make It Pretty Monday
The Dedicated House Before and After Wednesday
Fluster Buster Creative Muster Party 137
Lookin' good! I'm hoping it'll make you want to stay in the city more. jk
ReplyDeletehaha, no probably not but at least I'll enjoy being here when we are! :o)
DeleteWow, it is really coming along. Gorgeous dogs, too :)
ReplyDeleteWow Cecilia! You have been one busy lady! The back yard is looking really good! I love the old wagon in the flower bed/ The little bistro set and rug for the side yard are so sweet! Looks like Buddy and Herbie are enjoying the process too. I have never had a pretty, grassy yard. We are hoping to lay some sod eventually after we build the porch. Around here, there's always one project that has to be completed in order for another to be done! I guess it's that way for other folks too though. LOL! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWow you have really been doing a lot of work and it looks great! I am new to your blog and am glad to have discovered it!!
ReplyDeleteHi Alicia! I'm so glad to have you here! What with everything to do at the farm, I've kind of let things go in the city. Finally got tired of seeing the mess. Lol. And with below 100 degree weather, it seemed like a good time to do some sprucing up. Thanks for visiting. I'm off to visit you.
DeleteOh, you are showing up as a no reply blogger. Hope you see this!
Hi Cecilia! :)
ReplyDeleteYour yard looks really good!
I love your new bistro set, and your rug from World Market. Your wagon looks really good there.
It's nice to have a space to sit outside and relax, well except when it's 100 degrees ;)
Have a wonderful week!!
Cecilia!
ReplyDeleteYou know I live in Texas too... and it's just normal this time of year, to see dry brown, barren yards! I our back is always better this time of year than the front. I guess because of the road, the traffic and the heat combining. Its hard to keep the lawn -pretty.
For years I've wanted to do some Xero-scaping like you've done with the rock, and pavers. Just keep that foundation soaked. That's the last thin you need is a cracked foundation!
Another familiar site in Texas. :(
I like everything you've done to make it lovely again. Glad those pups are past their chewing stage.
I had to smile about the 90 degree heat. I guess everything is relative because that sounds oppressive to me! It's been pretty warm here these last few days so our yard has taken a back seat in our plans. I know how much work is involved with the things that you've done, and the fact that you did them in 90 plus heat leaves me bowing *I'm not worthy*!
ReplyDeletexxx
I love what you did with the rocks and the wagon! I've been slowly replacing the grass in our backyard with landscaping and just finished putting in a paving stone patio in July. I had intended to have it done before the end of May but we had so much rain until the end of June that I just couldn't get it done, plus with the awful heat I couldn't work full days. You are a brave lady to have 2 puppies at the same time! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a break in the temps (it has really been hot in the South this year!) to begin your yard work and love the way you have transformed the yard and patio area into a real beauty!...You really combined both beauty and function so well!!
ReplyDeleteIt has been extremely hot...first record amount of rain, then dry and hot! Amazing how going from 100 to the 90's feels cooler. :) thank you, I'm loving it!
DeleteThe back yard is already transformed for the better and it'll be paradiase once you have some grass again.
ReplyDeleteThat little bistro set is so cute! And I love your wagon. No worries about the yard....grass can always grow....but those dogs are ADORABLE!
ReplyDeleteHappy day friend!
karianne
I told Bruce it was a small price to pay for the dogs! They are so sweet (and I've told them it's a good thing they're that and cute!), I can't be mad at them. We'll have grass again so no worries on my part!
DeleteThat wagon used to be my son's - time has given it a great patina. I do have to stop Bruce from throwing everything away. He thinks it's junk (doesn't he know better after 33 years?) lol.
Cecilia, you have been one busy girl! Even a slight drop in temperature makes such a huge difference, doesn't it?! Everything looks great and I love the pretty little bistro!
ReplyDeleteLooking good Cecilia! I love all the interest you have in your yard with the wagon, chair, etc.
ReplyDeleteTania