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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

mini makeover lV - front yard

This is not the most amazing makeover but it is one step closer to getting our front yard in shape. Although it does not look like a lot of work it took us three weekends to get from from the overgrown yard to its current state. Still need to trim the cherry tree and the lilac on the left side of the house. Might have to research when the best time for this will be first, so it might not happen until the fall or even next spring. We decided to take out the bushes and the two arborvitae trees in front of the bay window because they were planted way to close to the house. The roots might damage the foundation of the house slowly but surely. First we cut down the big bush and one of the arborvitaes with a hand saw. This was a bit too labor intensive so we bought a reciprocating saw to help us cut the remaining trees/bushes. I have to admit I am in love with the new saw and besides using it on our garden project I already used it for another mini makeover in the house. In addition to the saw we also bought a weed whacker and all I can say is hurray for power tools! After taking down the bushes we tried digging up the roots, it worked for three of them but there are still four big clusters of roots left. Hopefully they will start to die off and rot so we can plant new flowers/bushes next year. Right now the house looks a little bit naked with all the plants gone.

Another big item on our to-do list for revamping our houses curb appeal is repainting the fence. After cutting out the too frilly for us ornamental pieces we had left the spots exposed to the elements which left us with rusty spots wherever something was cut out. Three weeks ago I finally started prepping the fence for a new coat of black paint. First I brushed off all the loose and chipping paint with a metal brush, as well as cleaning the rusty spots. Once I had the rust off the fence I gave those spots a quick coat of paint. Still need to give the driveway gate and the railing at the stairs the same treatment. Before giving everything the final coat of paint we need to scrub the rust spots off the concrete, which unfortunately formed after leaving the fence rusty for too long. Might need to rent a power washer for this...

The dead plant in the pot on top of the stairs was replaced with a big pot of colorful flowers. It is still far away from being finished but it looks a bit more maintained now. 

We have not made any decisions what we want to plant next year in front of the bay window and below the cherry tree. Underneath the tree currently is just a patch of dirt with weeds. Because we are a little bit challenged when it comes to plants and yard work any suggestions are greatly appreciated. 

Have you been cutting, digging or weeding in your yard lately? Are you enjoying the yard work or are you more like me who loves to hang out in a nice yard but does not really enjoy the work that comes with it?


16 comments:

  1. Oooo, it's definitely looking better already. I admire you for taking on yard work - that's probably my least favourite household chore

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    1. I am so with you with yard work being one of my least favorite chores, especially when it is hot outside. Hate the sweating while digging in dirt ;)

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  2. I don't think this is a MINI makeover anymore! Good work. How would you like to use your front yard? Do you ever hang out there or would you like to?

    If you would like to hang out there then you could use some shelter in form of bushes right behind the fence. If not then you can keep the view open. Have you considered perennials in front of the bay windows? Those do not have deep roots and you could also add gravel right next to the foundation.

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    1. We never really hang out in the front yard although when we dogsitted a couple of weekends ago we sat on the stairs and watched the dog running around. A bench underneath the cherry tree might be an idea. Definitely like the idea of perennials at the bay window. We want something low maintenance that looks good.

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  3. What a difference those small (and labor intensive!) changes make! The fence looks worlds different, and I love how "open" your front entryway looks now without the extra bushes on one side. I also love how much you love power tools! So awesome. You're clearly really good at using them, too.

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    1. Can you believe how overgrown the bushes/trees were? We were already joking that you needed a machete just to get to the front door ;) I already see many more power tools in my future. Currently scoping out a compressor and staple gun for my upholstery project...

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  4. It looks like a HUGE (great) difference to me (not mini-at all in my book esp when it took a few weekends). As for our yard - I sunbath sipping water with slices of lemon as hubby takes care of pruning/planting/digging - he actually LOVES doing it (think it's a good stress reliever for him besides hitting a punching bag at the gym). So, lucky for me (phew), I get to simply give my input on which flowers/plants to get (color scheme and all) .. like the pineapple plant I scored at TJ (www.adasinteriordesign.com/tiny-adorable-pineapple-plant-brought-home)

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    1. Lucky you! We both are not keen on yard work and both do it grudgingly. Love your pineapple plant! It's a great way to keep the Hawaiian vacation memories alive..

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  5. You're calling it "mini" but I know that job must have taken a lot of time and effort. And it makes quite the impact too! I especially like the potted plant at the entrance.

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    1. You're right there is nothing mini about it! It took quite some time and we're also not finished yet but at least this is a good start. Hope next year we get some planting under way...

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  6. i love your house nina. i love the brick building next to it and your orange door. it's such a lovely little street view. and look at all that work! pulling weeds is difficult i can't imagine pulling out entire trees.

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    1. Thank you Christine! Actually this is pretty much our whole block, there are only three houses :) I can't wait to get planting next year to make it look even nicer.

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  7. ha, I was thinking about you and your garden the other day so good that I checked out your post to get an update. How is the other side of the garden looking? LIke the pot of flowers!

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    1. The backyard still looks the same but hopefully we are getting all necessary paperwork soon to start the big makeover. Hope it happens soon and we will be able to enjoy the new backyard this summer or at least in the fall.

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  8. I'm actually staring at my horrible double glazed glass door with resentment now wishing it was as pretty as your beautiful orange one! Your house is fab and I really love the street you live on!

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    1. You could whip out some paint and paint your door too ;) I have to admit I am still smitten with our orange door. So glad we decided on that color.

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