Before (side yard and backyard)

We have to hire someone to grade and level our back and side yards so we can put in a fence. Here is what it originally looks like. I can't wait to get a backyard!!

Patio/Porch Set

We found a really screaming deal on this patio set. My husband is a great negotiator and we were able to get the last one (the floor model) for $60. I like how the colors coordinate with the house. Plus, I'm a huge fan of this red. Now we just need to adjust the sprinklers so they stop spraying them. Maybe then I'll put a cute little potted plant on the table.

Shrubs

I am not sure what most of our shrubs are called. But I like them. Some of them are kind of in a weird stage and I'll be glad when they start to take on the right shape.

I do know these green ones are Boxwoods. I love them.

More photos of trees

Trees

Our HOA required that we put in 6 trees. I never realized how difficult it was to pick out a tree. I had no idea there were so many varieties. We ended up with the following:

2 Spiral Junipers--I knew I wanted these babies all along, but was concerned about the high cost and the difficulty in finding ones I liked. We finally found these for only $35. I just hope they actually count as trees and not just shrubs.

3 Flowering Pears--in the parking strip. We were lucky and got them for a good price, but I can't remember how much exactly.

1 Japanese Maple--$25 from Walmart. We were worried about this little guy, but he is really recovering from a nasty snow storm and is looking quite nice. We were advised not to place him in the afternoon sun, but went with it anyway. We figured for $25 we could take the risk. Seems to be fine. We'll see what happens in the scorching heat of August.

Rose Bushes

I spent many hours of my adolescence pruning and caring for the many rose bushes we had in our yard. At first I hated it, but I eventually learned to love "my" rosebushes. My parents gave me three rose bushes for my birthday last week and I was very excited to add them to my landscape. I am really hoping they will hide some of the ugly utility boxes in that flowerbed.

What a great gift. Long-lasting, beautiful, and sentimental. And these red, long stem roses are gorgeous!