Backyard Landscaping Design: Part 2

Our backyard is our number one project right now, and I posted “Part 1” of our backyard last week. The backyard project is in full force, and I thought you might like to see the progress of the process. 🙂

A big project like this one takes the three P’s: PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE, and PERSEVERANCE. We have lived in our home for almost two years, and although I would have LOVED to have an instant backyard, it has been impossible until now. The process began with installing block-wall fences around the yard. Our South block wall was completed a short time after we moved in because our neighbor on that side was anxious to get the wall constructed. Of course we didn’t argue, and gladly paid our portion of the wall. Next came the wall across the back of our yard, and as you can see in this picture below, the one in the back of our home is GINORMOUS. It is necessary because the home behind ours sits on a higher lot. So, not only must the wall be that tall, it was necessary to install a retention wall along the bottom four feet of the wall. This meant reinforcing the wall with concrete. That way, the wall would be sturdy for many years to come. When we moved in, our backyard neighbors were renters, and soon the home was a foreclosure and sat vacant. This was so sad to us because we wanted to install a block wall, but the entire cost was not something that our budget could handle. So we had to have patience until someone purchased the home. We secretly hoped that the new owners would be willing to split the cost of the wall with us. We were extremely excited when the previous renters of the home (whom we loved) purchased the home and moved back in, and they agreed to split the cost of the “tower” as we call it. We then planted trees, but that was all we could afford to do last year.

As a result, our yard  remained a dirt/mud pit for awhile, but we persisted with the process. Of course the kids didn’t complain…they LOVED the dirt. 🙂 Me, on the other hand…wasn’t too keen on cleaning up dirt and mud clods on a daily basis. So, I’m probably the most enthusiastic one of the bunch for this process to be done.
Here is the official before pictures: (I love that my daughter Londyn is in this picture in her robe).

And the other “before” picture of the side yard.

The process has been quick, which is GREAT for me. We contracted with Stone Tree Landscaping here in St. George, UT, and the sprinkler system was started the next day. They have done a fantastic job, and I would recommend them to anyone in the area who is looking for a landscaper. I give them two HIGH thumbs up. Below is a picture of the sprinkler system installation.

Another angle of the sprinkler system pipes.

Next, the landscaper dug a hole for our trampoline. My husband Dan planned to install the tramp himself, but the hole needed to be dug and the fill dirt hauled away first.

After the sprinkler system was installed, the crew leveled the backyard to prepare the area for curbing and grass. Side note: Doesn’t my block wall painting look AWESOME!?!? It is the focal point of the backyard for sure!

Stay tuned for more pictures as we persevere until the project is complete!

Published on March 14, 2011

12 thoughts on “Backyard Landscaping Design: Part 2”

  1. Wow Brooke that is a lot of work! I have built retaining walls with my hubs in the past and they aren't easy. I remember when our yard was dirt like this. I was spreading manuer at 8 months pregnant lol. But like you I just wanted grass so the dirt wasn't coming in anymore! I can't wait to see it finished and your mural is awesome!

  2. Isn't it amazing how much prep work goes into landscaping? We're in the same boat! It can't happen quick enough!!!

  3. Hey Brooke! I just wanted to let you know I gave you a mention over on my latest post. You have really inspired and helped me with some practical tips on several projects so I wanted to give you props!!! Thanks so much!!! Good luck on your landscaping! Can't wait to see how it turns out!!!

  4. Dude. Your backyard is HUGE. I am so jealous as I have one of the typical st george backyards. YOu know like the strip of grass in the back. And we dont even have grass back there yet. (next week.) Hope everything is going well with your cute baby!

    love your guts
    mandi

  5. It is such a amazing and really very best to share with us. I really like it very much.
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