our own haven

Quite a few months ago now, we had our backyard re-landscaped.  Well, I should say it was just landscaped ... it was just a plot of weeds before.  We wanted a space for the kids to run around in and a space that we'd actually want to be in.  Our dining room is rather small inside, so we also wanted an area for a dining table and chairs to use during the summer months.  We are so very happy with the results!

Before:

After:

It was a really great process too.  Our landscapers were so kind and hardworking.  It took them 5 days to build everything.  We added a  deck, irrigation and drip system, sod and lots of beautiful plantings.  I found a great flower garden diagram of "Tough as Nails" plants from the Better Homes and Gardens website.  Since I have such a black thumb when it comes to keeping plants alive, I thought this would be a great way to still have flowers, but knowing I couldn't kill them as easily.  The whole family went to the nursery one Saturday and picked out the plants from that plan, as well as a few more that we just really liked.  We are so happy with the outcome!  It's gorgeous.  I would do everything the same all over again.  Now we just want to spruce up the front yard a bit more.  :)