Summertime in South Florida equals BBQs with friends, enjoying a cold beverage in the yard when the sun and mosquitoes are not in full force. That’s all lovely but there was no way that was going to happen in this house unless we took on the beast that was our yard.
Let me take you back to when we first closed in late December of this past year. Our yard was looking pretty ragged. A trash pile would be the best description.
A dust bowl of dead, patchy grass and a whole mess of construction debris. Three dogs and a dust pit equals many messy paws and baths for dirty little mutts who enjoy bathing in the filth. Gotta love terriers.
Don’t forget the jungle of unruly plants and our built-in BBQ that had seen better days.
You know you are jealous. Doesn’t this look like the most inviting backyard to hang out in? The crazy thing is, we learned after we moved in that the whole yard had been “cleaned out” before the house was put on the market. They apparently cleaned out various dumpster worth of debris, trees and such. I don’t even want to know what it looked like then.
After a month in the house and too many dog baths to count, we decided to get some work done on the yard with the help of the mutts. We pulled out a crazy amount of overgrown plants, trimmed the trees, added a paver patio, some grass and cleaned up the BBQ area and ended up with something a bit more respectable.
It is hard to tell in the pictures above but we actually had three fences to deal with. The skeleton of the wooden fence on our property, a white picket fence made of solid concrete posts and our neighbors wooden fence. Over the last few months, we tore down the white picket one, patched up the neighbors where needed and brought back to life our fence with new posts and planks. Side note – our friend Sean helped us with the fence and did a great job throughout the property. If anyone needs a wooden fence in the South Florida area, let me know.
With the fence up and the grass starting to grow in, our yard looks nothing like it did before.
Now it is still not landscaped and I need to refinish our patio furniture but I have to say, I’m happy to report that it is a very enjoyable to sit in the yard with a cold gluten free beer and take in some sun. Anyone else work on their outside space this summer?
Linking up to my favorite parties all listed here: Link Events
And Metamorphosis Monday
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Having seen the “before” firsthand and experiencing the “after” a few months later, I can attest to it now being a great place for the girls to relax while the boys cook up dinner on the grill!!
The yard looks so good! Even without the landscaping, it looks TONS better. Good job!
I am amazed at how good it looks. I can’t wait to see it in person.
wow, that’s an amazing improvement! It gives me hope that one day my backyard can be pretty, too!
Visiting from the Mustard Ceiling party ~ superb transformation! Bet you and the mutts are lovin’ it. 🙂
Heidi @ Show Some Decor
Love it! I’d totally eat some barbeque back there. 😉
Found you from the mix & mingle party!
You are giving me strength to go on with my backyard project. Afters are so much better than the mess that is the before. If only it was an easier process right?
Hi – Really nice transition! I live in South Florida, too!
Love to see home redos – looking forward to seeing more of yours – stay inspired! And drink lots of water!
Am your Newest Follower visiting from the hop!
Thanks for sharing –
Happy Monday-
Linda
beachside cottage
Wow, this is gorgeous transformation! It turned out beautifully. This would make a great Metamorphosis Monday post…amazing Before and After! You guys did an amazing job! I can just imagine all the backyard BBQ parties. 🙂
Wow this must have been such a huge job. But I’m sure you’re enjoying it now.