Backyard Makeover

It is no secret at all that our landscaping is a work in progress. Given that we have ten acres and no HOA rules to adhere to, we are taking our sweet time. It is so hard to believe that we have been in this house almost five years now and still have no front yard to speak of. Oh well. The backyard is coming along nicely. I posted pictures a while back of our raised beds and retaining walls as well as some before shots of our now fire pit area.

Raised Beds Late Spring

Before pic of the fire pit area - lovely, isn't it?

I have been very busy (with the help of my husband) working to get this project done so that we could be sure to enjoy the space during the summer weather.  We had a few obstacles along the way (what project doesn't, right), but we made it work and we are super happy with the outcome.

We used leftover pavers from the walkway for the actual fire pit...so the only $ that we spent was for the adhesive - only $5!  Of course, the chairs and gravel cost money too, but the gravel was $23 and the chairs were about $80.  So, the grand total for this project:  $105.  I think that is pretty great!

And of course I had to make new red throw pillows on the patio to match the new red chairs, because as many of you know, I am completely obsessed with throw pillows.

And here is the view from the other side of our patio.  Just some bark and a picnic table.  We were so fortunate - my father-in-law made us that table.  I just love it.  Now we have several areas in our backyard to use and we have seating for lots of guests.



I have also been working on transforming the inside as well.  Post and pics to come!

Gardening Update and Pictures

I just got back from a mini vacation (sort of).  And I was finally able to get some pics of my new garden area.  My husband and I put in two new retaining walls and built three raised beds this spring.  The drippers are in and the seeds are sprouting.  I am a virgin gardener, so I am beyond excited.

There are no before pictures included here.  But, picture a bunch of dirt and weeds.  There you go, that's what we had before this.  We are on 10 acres, therefore there are no restrictions on our landscaping (or lack thereof).  Therefore, we have taken our sweet time with everything.

Here is a list of the different things that I planted:

• Beets
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Green Peppers
• Snap Peas
• Green Onions
• Tomatoes (4 varieties)
• Potatoes - in ground (Blue and Yukon Gold)
• Zucchini - in ground
• Eggplant - in ground
• Herbs (in pots - not pictured) - dill, chives, rosemary, basil, and thyme

This is a before picture of my next project.  I am going to be building a fire pit in the lower area here.  The tricky part:  our septic tank is below this area, so the covering has to be somewhat easy to remove since it needs to be pumped every three years.  I have some ideas that I am looking into for that.

And yes, off to the left, that is one very dead tree.  The gophers are responsible for that.  Not happy since that was a very expensive tree.  Grrrr....

And below is a picture of our psychotic hummingbird.  He perches at the top of said dead tree where he has an excellent view of our hummingbird feeder.  Anytime another hummingbird thinks of taking a sip, he swoops down and threatens them and they inevitably fly away.

Have a great week!

Meal Plan 5/15 - 5/21 and Garden Update

Another gorgeous week here.  I have actually mowed my lawn twice already.  I have planted beets, carrots, potatoes (blue, yukon gold, and red norland) and spinach as well as dill, rosemary, and chives.  I am holding out until the weekend to plant the rest of my seeds and flowers.  I will probably wait until June 1st before I dare put in any tomatoes...but I'll just buy big plants that were raised in a greenhouse.  This is the first year that I have had a real garden (besides the odd flowers/veggies here or there), so I am really excited...and trying not to expect to much.

Before I can post any pictures of our progress with our retaining walls, raised beds, and fire pit area...I have to be able to get a truck in here to deliver gravel and bark.  However, our field was just plowed and getting a truck to the appropriate area will be a bit of a nightmare until the ground firms up.  I am dying to share though...but too embarrassed to post pics of dirt and weeds.

So, on with the meal plan.  A little shorter this week since we have a date night (sort of) planned and a restaurant night as well.

Meal #1:  Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese Toasts (we had a rainy and cold day that this was perfect for)
Meal #2:  Garlic Lemon Chicken Kebabs and Artichokes with Lemon Butter (1/2 stick of butter and juice of 1/2 large lemon)
Meal #3:  Chicken Paprikash with Tossed Salad (grrrr, I can't find the link)
Meal #4:  Pad Thai with Tofu and Cucumber Salad (1/2 c. white vinegar, 1/2 c. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt poured over sliced cucumbers)

Do you all have gardens started?  If so, what are you growing?  What is your most successful veg/fruit?

Dahlias!

As much grief as I give my husband about landscaping, he actually is a wealth of information.  And here is proof.  I plant dahlias every year - I love them.  This year, I planted them in a different spot and used some different soil.  The blooms were very drab, almost grayish looking.  So, after mentioning this to Jeremy, he did a little research and gave the plants an acidic fertilizer.  Twice.  Well, take a look at these gorgeous flowers!

What you can't tell from the picture is that this one flower is the size of a dinner plate.  It is humongous!  And look at that gorgeous color.  It's hard to believe it's the same plant.

I'm definitely going to be sad after the first frost.