*The Yard is Done!!*

I am thrilled to report that the yard is done!! We've been talking about getting this landscaping done since last summer. Unfortunately our Landscaper of choice (Green Acres Landscaping) was behind schedule last year so our fall 2007 start got pushed to spring 2008. They fell behind working on our yard thanks to many many days of rain, but they worked hard and now we are thrilled with the results.

First, some before pictures.

A view from the back corner of the yard shows our old deck, where the old garden was, the neighbours house.

This photo is taken from the back centre of the yard.

Taken from the other back corner of the yard and shows the other neighbours house.

This photo was taken from the corner near the old garden and shows where our swing was (and still is)
A photo from the deck showing the back centre of the yard. On the right of the photo you can see my dead lilac bush. To the left is our oak tree.

This is to the left of the last picture showing the oak tree and the shed.

This photo was taken from about where the lilac bush was in a previous photo, showing down towards the fence.

And finally, a before shot of the front yard.

Now for the after photos....
This is taken from the deck looking towards the shed. The shed was moved and is now right beside the new chain link fence on that side. The tree in this photo is a paper birch... they moved the oak to where the dead lilac was.

Taken from the one corner of the yard showing the view towards the neighbours including the new patio,n ew fence, new pathway, new planter and the improved deck.

Another shot from the back of the yard.

Taken from beside the shed showing the planter under the overhang (all strawberries) as well as our new firepit (an anniversary present).

From the same location but looking the other way. Shows the continuation of the pathway as well as the new privacy/wind screen on the deck.

My favourite picture that Bruce took.... shows the deck and planters in all their glory. The planters around the deck hold several different versions and colours of Peonies.

The view from my chaise on the patio looking to the swing. There are pavers under the swing.

Another shot of the back of the yard.

The shot looking down the side of the house... they created steps for us along that steep slope and we've added a gate on this side. There are rocks along both sides of the house with pavers to step on.

And finally, an after shot of the front yard.... they updated the bed around the tree and created a raised bed beside the steps. There are also stepping stones from the walkway to along the side of the house.

We still have a little work to do. My bed around the front tree needs some tlc after years of neglect and some rummaging through to update the bed. I'd also like to plant some annuals and perennials in the new beds to fill things in a little and provide more colour. The bushes that are planted will all take some time to mature to fill the spaces that they occupy.

So, there you have it.... a rather long tour of the new yard!