Backyard Makeover

What a difference two weeks can make! (and a tax return).

For the whole story, check out the slideshow. There are some similar shots but it shows you all the stages as I didn't always take a picture of every step from every angle.

So, here's what we did. The ($) means we paid other people to do it, not because we couldn't (at least, in some cases) but because we were realistic about what we could accomplish. Eric doesn't have the time around his work schedule and I don't have the energy after taking care of the kids, so it was totally worth the money. If you want to know what certain things cost, you can ask us and I'll tell you, I'm just not going to post it all here.

From start:

1. Cleared out weeds ($)
2. Removed the palm trees that grew after falling from our neighbor's giant palm ($)
3. Hauled off and dumped nearly 10 tons of debris ($)
4. Extended the pipes from the spigot in front around to the back ($)
5. Trenched out sprinkler system and drip line for the entire back yard, laid piping and connected wiring for an electronic timer box in the garage ($)
6. Leveled area for sod, brought in topsoil and prepared dirt ($)
7. Designed and laid decorative concrete border ($)
8. Laid sod (all a labor of love!)
9. Bought and planted 2 hibiscus (love!)
10. Pruned lemon and tangelo tree (love! well, all Eric, while I supervised with a cold drink on the patio)

To Finish!

Now it's just making sure the timer is set right to keep the sod properly watered, and buying a few more plants and connected them to the drip system. It's paradise here, people, so come visit!