Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Backyard Landscaping Update

While I may not have blogged in a while, this doesn't mean we haven't been busy. We installed crown molding in the living room, had HGTV over for filming, and have been busy on the backyard. While I'm sure you want to hear dirt about HGTV's visit, I'm going to cover our progress in the backyard. :-)

The last post of the yard show the space as being a lot better than before the concrete work, but it still looking prison-esque. It was 342% better than the untouched version, but I think the place is now approaching 514% better. Here is the space as you last saw it.

_MG_1671

The concrete work was done, but the gate and fence wasn't in and the planter bed is sufferring from a severe lack of dirt and plants. These problems have been remedied, and the Queen is now enjoying the space much better.

_MG_1291

The horizontal fencing and gate is in place. I am quite pleased. This Saturday was spent creating a drainage system in the planting bed, and Sunday hauling 4,000 lbs of dirt to fill the bed. The low voltage landscape lighting is showing off our walls and new tree, and looking swanky while doing so. We even managed to get our fancy new Forest Pansy Redbud over the 2' tall planting bed. I wasn't sure how to get the tree in the bed, but after building a ramp it wasn't too bad.

photo

The tree will have small pink flowers in the spring, with new leaves showing a purple color all through the season. I originally wanted a 'Bloodgood' Japanese Maple, but the redbud was only $115 and allowed instant coverage between our seating point at the table and our neighbor's back deck. The Japanese Maples were considerably more for the same initial size. Eventually the redbud will have a 18-20' diameter spread, which will help to canopy the area.

_MG_1297

I still need to hook up the plumbing for the spigot in the back and plant the boxwoods and other plants, but all that will come in due time. And by due time, I mean this weekend.

Keep on the lookout for a guest poster to cover the first two topics I mentioned early in the post. :-)

17 comments:

Momnipotent said...

Total amazing transformation! Lighting, plants, grillasaurus, and beautiful Leigh. I think I spot Wally in the photo too. Love it, party time again. The ramp makes me laugh! Who could the mysterious guest blogger be? Can't wait.

Jen said...

wow! I can't believe the transformation - although yes, I can since you guys are really just amazing! It is a work of art this house of yours! I'm totally jealous and wish I had such an amazing space!

Amoureuse Jonny said...

Awesome ! Good job ! What was the budget of the whole update ?

Jon said...

Looking good, guys! I love those horizontal lines!

Corey said...

Jonny - So far we have around $7000-$7500 into the project. For a 13'x35' space I think we are doing well. I still need to make hanging planters, get new outdoor furniture and finish off the planting but most of the heavy work is done.

Summer said...

Loving it!!!

Anthony said...

Looks awesome. What kind of low voltage lights did you use?

Corey said...

Anthony - They are from Home Depot. The transformer is a 300W plug in transformer ($60-80?), and the lights are 3-20w wall wash lights ($20 each), and one 50w light ($20?) on the tree. Total cost was less than $200. The price was right, but a word of warning that the transformer has a high pitched whine that I'm not a fan of.

Erin said...

It looks awesome! Love the look of the plants and lighting, horizontal wood and ginormous grill! You guys are going to have some fantastic cook outs in that space, great job!

the 'Rents said...

the 'rents said ...

It looks lovely! A real urban retreat in the heart of the city. Wally must be so happy to have a doggy play area is his very own backyard.

Newburgh Restoration said...

Huge improvement. I love it!

Joan said...

I have a beautiful Forest Pansy in my Baltimore city backyard. It seems very happy here and it is lovely in every season.
Your backyard looks amazing.

Jenny said...

What a great space! Great job on the two standing pots, the fencing, and lighting...well all of it. The tree will be great in a few years.

Unknown said...

Hi,

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http://www.oldhouseweb.com/blog/announcing-old-house-blogger-contest/

lauren said...

the cubs? cardinals all the way!!

Cecile said...

I love what you have done with your backyard. The space, though small, seems to have looked wider and it seems that you can do a lot of things. It's so relaxing and sure is a good place to grill some barbecue and rest, too.


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ketz said...

Great transformation! And I hope I can also do this at our home. We have a small backyard and I want to renovate it.

broomfield patios