Around the Yard | Early Summer

I was so inspired by Ali Edward's blog post about her yard last week.  Inspired enough to grab my camera and take photos of my own yard.  Makes sense, since my husband and I spend so much time working on it and enjoying it.

We're coming up on our 10 year anniversary in this place.  We built here, so all of the landscaping--ALL of it--was done by us.   The first year, we did the front yard, putting the lawn and landscaping in.

It has gone through a few changes here and there, but for the most part, much of it is the same. 

I designed the beds after studing yards I liked, and reading online.  We had a lot of practice in our starter home, so I knew the plants/shrubs I liked.  It has filled in nicely, and the upkeep isn't too bad. 

Around the side of our garage area above.  Going to plant a tree here in the fall.  I am excited about the prospect of more privacy.


This is the view as you enter the back yard.

We have a 720 gallon pond in our backyard.  And I love it.  I had no idea what I was doing when we dug a hole.  But with research, a great local gardener who specializes in water features, and tenacity, it has worked out well for us.

I'm a freak over hydrangeas.  I have 14 of them in the yard--in 5 different varieties.  I cut flowers all summer long, and always have an arrangement in our house.  One of my favorite things about gardening, honestly.

We have a big paver patio.  And we literally LIVE here in the summer.  Normally there is a basketball hoop here, but we put it in the garage for my niece's party, and it has yet to make it back outside.  We eat dinner every evening, weather permitting, right here.

The back corner of our property, and my daughter's favorite place to hide away and read.

I grow a lot of lavender.  The smell in the yard right now is intoxicating.

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It is our haven, our oasis, gathering place. 

I plan to do another post in the early fall, showing the progression and growth as the seasons change.  Feel free to ask questions--I'll do my best to answer!

Enjoy your day!