I think I have mentioned it before that our backyard is more like a concrete jungle than a place you want to spent your time. The name says it
all, 99.9% of the backyard is covered in concrete. And if that is not already
bad enough it is not one consistent slab but instead various slabs, with
different heights, that have been poured over the course of decades. Big
tripping hazard! The oldest parts have cracks through which the only green in
our yard started to sprout. Even nature agrees with us that this
yard needs to be greener!
There is also a small deck, right when you step out of the
kitchen. The location would make it a great spot for al fresco dining but the
size is way too small for that, even with just the two of us. Overall we never
hang out in our concrete jungle and we would love to transform it into a lush green
back yard with a nice sized deck so we can chill out after work or have friends
over for bbq’s etc.
The plan is to get rid of all the concrete in the driveway
and yard and replace it with simple pavers that lead from the
driveway to a new larger wood deck, that is much closer to the ground or a paved patio and have
the yard fenced in with a new wooden fence to give us more privacy. Around the
perimeter of the yard we would like to plant flowers and maybe even a small
vegetable garden.
I have been pinning away inspirational photos on Pinterest, here is my garden inspiration board, for a while now. There are almost 150 pictures on that board so I made a collage with some of my favorites.
What would be your perfect backyard oasis?
*If anybody knows the source of the photo please let me know. Tried to find it to no avail. I like to give credit where credit is due.
Ach herrlich! Ich träume einfach mal mit dir mit! Dein inspiration board sieht toll aus, tolle Ideen!
ReplyDeleteWir haben zwar zwei Balkons (Balkone?), aber ich beneide dich um die Möglichkeiten eures concrete jungles...
Traeumen macht Spass! Hoffe wir koennen unsere Traeume spaetestens im naechsten Jahr in die Realitaet umsetzen. Euren alten Balkon hattest Du so schoen bepflanzt. Leider habe ich keinen gruenen Daumen, aber daran kann ich ja noch arbeiten ;)
DeleteGorgeous, Nina! I love them all! Neel has spent the last two summers really tightening up our backyard. He pours concrete pavers himself (2X2) every weekend and we're almost done! I love everything you've pinned here. The Jenna Lyons pavers look most like ours (except we're more grid-like, I guess), but oh, love a good welcoming and lush back yard. I hope we'll get to follow along!
ReplyDeleteOh wow he is pouring pavers himself! I never thought about that. Love your yard Lauren! We are planning to do as much on our own as possible but have to find out where our limits are. I will definitely keep you guys updated and show our progress...
DeleteHey! I just saw this. The pavers are super easy, so if you're interested, let me know. We got the idea from another blog even. I guess I should do a post before he's finished. Or check and see if I already did!
DeleteHa! Funny timing, my post today is about something extremely similar! I love Jenna Lyons' backyard, that is like the ultimate urban-outdoor inspiration for me. Her home is an inspiration, actually. I love the idea of adding pavers and a lower deck to your space. This will definitely be a project that will take a long time but will be totally worth it in the end! I can't wait to see what you end up doing and following along :)
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! I feel the same about Jenna Lyons' home, it inspires me too. I should have snapped it up when it came on the market ;) Have to check out your post now, I am sure I will pick up more inspiration. Will share any progress with you on the blog...
DeleteOne with a pool please! And an outdoor grilling area. And a fireplace. Okay, I could go on and on and never stop. Oh and a guesthouse :)
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes and yes!!! I need a bigger yard ;)
DeleteMy dream backyard...oh who are we kidding? I live in an apartment and would probably be happy with a little piece of the concrete jungle? Although, a pool and outdoor shower would also be amazing.
ReplyDeleteA balcony counts too! Oh, yes an outdoor shower is sublime especially with the accompanying pool...
DeleteNOOOO!! Not the number five, that is so 80'! :) we have that allover the place here in Finland. Atleast don't use that in the seating area. The legs of the chairs can never all hit on the hard surface but some will end up on the grass and sink.
ReplyDeleteAnyway all other pics I like a lot and like other commenters I love the number six!
My dream backyard would have seating area, a fire place but most importantly a good area for vegetable garden. Oh and a japanize garden area of course. So either a very big garden or a very packed one :D
I love the 80s ;) No. 5 would be something for the driveway, totally agree that it wouldn't work as a surface to sit on...Love the different levels of No.6. I wish I could incorporate all ideas but we only have a small backyard.
DeleteThat sounds like a great plan. I love your inspirational photos. Be thankful you don't have to mow though, lol. I don't miss those days. I would like a backyard for the pup though. Sometimes I really miss it.
ReplyDeleteHe, he we make the joke about being happy not to have to mow all the time ;) I love the smell of fresh cut grass though.
DeleteYikes! Getting rid of concrete sounds like a daunting process but if anyone can make it look fabulous, it's you guys! I laughed out loud at onshore's comment above because I really like no.5! The split levels in no. 1 is my favourite!
ReplyDeleteAt first I was so excited about the idea to rent jackhammers to break up the concrete ourselves. Who doesn't want to try out a jackhammer? But it's too much work and we want to do the fun stuff like planting the garden etc. Love the split level too!
DeletePhotos made your concrete jungle looks quite cool actually! But I agree - little oasis would be a blessing. In our old place we had small yard which we used to call "outdoor room" small but perfect sun trap. We used sand stone from the basement to pave it and create little jungle. With small spaces you just so much more creative because every inch counts.Love all your pins, especially 1st and no 8 - zones and levels - cool grey and wild green. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I like the photos on how some weeds tried to take over the concrete too ;) Your little oasis sounds lovely!
Delete"concrete jungle" ... hahaha. Whaa an exciting project! I'm always fascicated when I see plants (weeds) growing out of concrete (I find it beautiful seeing the power of nature!). My fave photo is #9 .. the more greenery the better for me.
ReplyDeleteLove how the weeds creep up through the cracks of the concrete too. Lots of green is great, we'll see how much greenery we'll add...
DeleteYou've got some great photos here for inspiration. I see Jenna Lyons' backyard made the list. (Woot!) We currently have a backyard that consists of a concrete area, a covered patio area, and a grassy, garden area. We don't use it nearly as much as we should, which I realize is a shame. Hope you get to turn your concrete jungle into a garden oasis soon.
ReplyDeleteHow can I not include Jenna's backyard? It's perfect. Your backyard sounds great too. Nothing beats being able to hang out in your own space...
DeleteIch fände so einen halbverwilderten französischen Garten toll. Ein Blumenmeer in hohem Gras, mit duftendem Lavendel und Mohn... und mittendrin eine Hängematte. *träum*
ReplyDeleteOh, ja das hoert sich auch toll an. Ich liebe den Duft von Lavendel! Und Haengematten sind eh klasse...
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