Yard Renovation Before and After

Even though our yard was 90% done for Dylan's party, I didn't want to do a "Before and After" until it was 100% done. Since those very small last remaining details are either 1) Not obvious in pictures or 2) Not going to be done immediately, I decided it was time for this. So, here goes.

When finding pictures for this post, I was floored. Even though I haven't forgotten what a hot mess our yard was before, seeing it in stark contrast to the beautiful landscape we have now is a bit of a shock! I often feel as though I should have had this documented on an HGTV show since the transformation is as extreme as any of theirs. It's still surreal to us how beautiful the yard is and we are really trying to enjoy it every moment we can.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, Before and After pictures..........

View From Back Deck Before

View From Back Deck After

Our Welcoming, Picket Fence

Before, a Hill Pretty Much Only Good for Rolling Down

Along with an Ugly, Decrepit Wall and LOTS of Weeds

After - Paved, Terraced Space with Lovely Plantings

Before - From the Top of the Ledge

Before - View from Top of the Ledge to the Side Yard

After, from the Top of the Ledge

Future Site of a Fire Pit

Behind it, Boulders Uncovered From the Yard and the Ledge

From the Top of the Ledge - Side Yard

Side Yard Before - Sloped and Unused

Side Yard After

Leveled, Fenced, Ready for Play

Front Yard Before - All Weeds

Front Yard After, Sod, Perennials and a Birch Tree

Front of the House

Potted Annuals

So, there you have it. Even though I played some part in the planning, I'm still amazed at how it turned out. I will admit, this is the very first house project that I relinquished some control of and left to the professionals. Admittedly, I know little about plants and landscaping so worked to find a quality company whose opinion and work I trusted. For a control freak like myself, it was scary and freeing, all at the same time, to let go of the reins a bit. In the end, I feel like the vision and execution of the yard was a beautiful collaboration and had a wonderful result.

Now, Mike and I are ramping up quickly to learn how to take care of (ie preserve) this gorgeous yard. If any of you want to volunteer your time to come over and weed on the weekends, our casa es su casa!