Monday, October 12, 2020

Backyard Renovation Reveal - Part 1

Well, it's about time, isn't it?! We started the renovation of our deck and backyard on May 11 and finished the demolition, re-grading and construction the last week of September. And we're not quite done — we still have the deck railing to install and landscaping to complete. But we're so pleased with how it's turned out so far that I couldn't wait to share it with you!

First, a bit of background. We built this house twenty-three years ago. At the time we convinced the builder to save most of the trees which were on the lot. We've enjoyed the shade they provided, but it meant that most of the sloping backyard was never graded. Over the years the trees had grown considerably taller and shaded more and more of the backyard. 
 
Shortly after we moved in we had two small stone retaining walls built to provide somewhat level areas. We had a large back deck off the kitchen/breakfast room and a medium-sized concrete patio outside the French doors on the lower terrace level. Seven years ago we added another stone wall and flagstone patio beside the deck. Although we had the flagstone patio installed on several inches of packed sand and gravel with pebbles between the flagstones, we had gotten to the point where we could no longer keep up with the weeds growing on the patio in the soil washed down from our neighbor's yard. In addition, the deck was now long past its expected replacement time frame.
 
So in the winter we began to plan the transformation, not expecting to live in a construction zone for so long! Juggling schedules of different contractors who had to proceed in a sequenced, coordinated manner while dodging the wettest spring and summer in a decade!

We'll begin where you enter the backyard through the gate off the driveway.



The top of the yard had nine huge Leyland cypresses which covered most of this area down to the stone wall. The cypresses were browning, succumbing to disease. This is the only part of the backyard which receives sun for more than two hours a day. We've replaced the cypresses with five arborvitae (which won't grow nearly as large) and a nice swath of grass that the furry ones are particularly pleased with!


To the left is the the flagstone patio which was dug out and then relaid on a concrete base. We extended the existing stone wall to meet the grill, but built lower so that it can provide additional seating. We also installed drains to take care of the runoff issues.


I've had this cast aluminum dining set at least thirty years. It was a lovely verdigris when I bought it. Greg and Miss J then painted the set a silvery gray/green about ten years ago. It was due for a refresh, so we had it powder coated a glossy black. Next year I'd like to replace the forest green umbrella and cushions with something else.


Between contractors, Greg painted the lanterns and chandelier. We haven't decided on the permanent placement for the chandelier.


Below the new deck where shrubs used to be is a great place for a bench and plant-filled containers. The deck extends two feet farther than before which allowed us to create a sitting area on one side and a small dining area for two on the other. We also relocated the stairs from the side to the back and made them wider. To the left is a matching enclosure to house garden tools, etc.


The deck furniture is six or seven years old, still with the original cushions. We leave the furniture and cushions out year round, covering them in the rain and during the winter.




I was relieved that the deck was the first to be completed so that we were able to spend evenings out here throughout the summer as we sheltered at home. During the time we've lived here, we had discussed adding a roof to the deck, but decided we no longer needed it for shade.




The opposite corner hosts the bistro table and chairs. You may remember them from Lunch on the New Bistro Table and Dining Alfresco with Lemon and Lime.


Somehow all the changes have made the upper yard seem bigger!


Oaks, maples, hickories, and dogwoods provide shade most of the day, which is definitely welcome as the backyard is on the western side of the house. Sadly we had two lovely copper beeches that didn't survive the encroaching shade from the larger trees.


From the patio, a path leads to the stream and bridge, which was also powder coated glossy black.


About fifteen years ago we had dug a pond next to the house with a stream to feed it. This year we re-oriented the stream closer to the fence and moved the pond as well. Our contractor reused the stones and rocks, many of which are covered in moss.


Crossing the bridge leads you to a comfortable bench. Which you will see in Part 2!


I can't wait to begin planting shrubs, perennials and bulbs! November through March are the best times to plant here, so they get a head start before the heat and humidity sets in.

Thanks for joining me on this tour!

   
   
   
    
    
   
   

   
      


30 comments:

  1. Beautiful and inspiring pictures!So inviting!Hugs!

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    1. Thanks, Maristella, it would be delightful to share in person!

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  2. Ohmygoodness, Sandra, this is fabulous. So much attention to detail and I love the different textures of stone and pavers. What a lovely place to relax with your family this year!

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    1. Thanks, Debra! We're lucky that we will be able to enjoy it throughout autumn and occasionally in the winter.

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  3. Beautiful! I love your color theme.

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    1. Thanks, Rebecca! I love it bright and cheerful

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  4. What a beautiful backyard! I love all those pops of bright blue everywhere too and that bridge is fantastic.

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    1. Thanks, Joanne! Blue is my happy color! I searched a long time for the right bench - sturdy, not too big, with a design that spoke to me.

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  5. Sandra, your garden is beautiful and I love your little bridge! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm--pinned!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia, and thanks for pinning! I love the design of the bridge, with the twining leaves and graceful scroll. Our dog uses the bridge rather than walking around the pond!

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  6. Thank you for your visit. Your garden looks lovely with all the out door settings for Fall. Love the Blue carpet.The small bridge make you feel romantic. Enjoy your season and lots of love.:)

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    1. Romantic! I like that! Thanks for visiting and have a great week.

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  7. Wow your yard looks fabulous. The blue striped cushions look like mine. Love those colors. The garden looks fabulous, especially the cute bridge. Thanks for sharing at Love Your Creativity.

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda! Bright blues outside make me smile. I love watching your yard and garden evolve.

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  8. Your backyard looks fabulous Sandra! I love your little bridge. Pinned. Thank you for sharing at Charming Homes and Gardens.

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    1. Thanks for the sweet comments and for pinning! I searched for quite some time for the perfect bridge that fit my garden and was durable for the dogs.

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  9. Your outdoor spaces are simply stunning. So many lovely places to relax and enjoy outdoors! Thanks for sharing at the Sundays on Silverado Link Party!

    -Niky @ The House on Silverado

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comments! We are so pleased with the way our yard is looking and have been really enjoying it.

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    1. Aww thanks, Amber! We are so relieved we've had it during this trying summer/fall.

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  11. What a lovely space you have created for yourselves! Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing at Embracing Home and Family!

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    1. Thank you, Jenn! We have been spending a lot of time relaxing outdoors,enjoying the fall weather!

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  12. WOW your yard looks amazing, so pretty!

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  13. What a delightful spot Sandra! Construction is not fun, but certainly worth it and now you have such a beautiful oasis to relax in and enjoy! All your furniture looks so comfy and inviting!
    Jenna

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    1. Thanks, Jenna! It was definitely worth the process but I have to admit my nerves were about frayed by the end, lol! It's just so calming to sit out there and feel the sun and the breeze, and listen to the birds.

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  14. I'm so jealous of your backyard! Mine still looks like an overgrown forest most of the time. Thank you for sharing your beautiful yard and inspiring me to work harder on mine. #HomeMattersParty

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    1. Thanks so much, Donna! Our backyard had really deteriorated in the past few years and it needed a planned approach to get it right.

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  15. We are going through getting someone to put in a patio for us on a sloped yard. We are having to deal with drainage coming down the back yard slanted towards drive. Several said a french drain around the back wall that has to be put in and take the water to the side of patio. I am not happy hearing about a french drain. I know they don't last or that is what I have heard. The guy coming out will be the fifth. I am going to read over your post again and show to my husband. I like your blog and glad I found it.

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    1. Thanks, Betsy, I'm glad you came by! Drainage problems and the possible resulting erosion issues are very frustrating. The wall around our patio helps divert the water and the patio itself is slightly sloped away from the house. We also buried two drainage systems - one above the patio, and another beside a smaller patio that I have not yet put on the blog. (The latter drain has been in about 6 years.) Both seem to be working and we don't have the usual gully forming when it rains. Depending on how your yard is done, you might consider a 1-2 foot high earth berm overplanted with shrubs or sturdy perennials to absorb and direct runoff.

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