Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Another Backyard Preview


The backyard project continues.  Today I finished the new bed under the orange tree, beside the kids' playhouse.

BEFORE

  

The Before photos don't really do it justice, but this area was absolutely filled with overgrown plants, weeds, and miscellaneous junk including a broken stepstool.  It was also extremely difficult to access the side garden where the grapes are growing.

Dev and I filled a dozen full-sized green waste containers clearing the area out.  In particular, our orange tree was so overgrown it didn't even look like a tree, but like a giant, half-dead shrub.  Significant pruning not only made it look far better, it made the tree much healthier and more productive.  I also removed the brick edging around the flower bed to soften the hard lines and make the space seem more visually connected to the rest of the yard.

Then I got down to the usual business of soil testing, tilling, and compost before planting.  This area is extremely shady all day long so I planted a variety of hostas, ferns, and mosses.  I also made a little secret shady side porch for the kids with a pathway to reach it.

AFTER
 


Of course it will take some time for the plants to spread out and cover the area, but already this small change makes the backyard feel much more spacious and open.

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