the yard: before and after

It all started when Wes/I were in the yard with my mom, Jose & Jose's crew while our palm trees were being trimmed and shaved.

This palm tree is SOOOO high up in the air - it scared me to death to watch him up there!


We started talking about having the yard be our first big project in this house to give it time to grow. Since my mom loves working in her yard, I asked her if she wanted to be my "landscape architect" for our big project. With a tiny baby and a crazy toddler, it wasn't going to happen without her help. She was thrilled I asked - she loves projects like this. I pretty much let her take charge - she came over a lot with her drawings, etc. We had fun together including many trips to the nursery and hours and hours in the yard. She definitely knows what will grow and what won't in this desert of ours.

This photo was taken during hour 11 in the yard one Saturday. Of course she still has lipstick on!


I don't have any photos of the yard before all of the work began - but here are a few taken during the process.

BEFORE







It went like this . . .

. palm trees were trimmed
. plants, rocks, bushes, vines, etc. were removed.
. raked rocks.
. updated and re-painted entire surrounding wall.
. raked rocks.
. installed a child safe pool fence.
. raked rocks.
. poured landscaping curbing for some planters.
. raked more rocks.
. worked 12 hours one saturday to remove raked rock and plant everything.
. raked remaining rocks.
. put down the sod.
. planted remaining flowers & a few finishing touches

AFTER



Lots of flowers throughout the yard. I am especially excited about the lime tree, lemon tree & pomegranate bush!



view from the master balcony.


I am ready to swim in that pool!


the courtyard by the front door.


back patio table


We couldn't have done it without these two, that's for sure!


I'm excited to watch everything grow!