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!