A Yard Makeover

So it's been a couple of years since we moved to this house where we slowly have been making it a home of our own. We wanted a single family home (I was done with apartment living) with a back yard so we could adopt a dog. It was very hard to find the right house where a dog was allowed and it fit into our budget. I was losing hope.  But, I found it. A good one with the best landlord I've ever had. I've always been lucky when it came to finding a place to live. And this time is no exception.  It's actually the best. It just took longer than usual. It's not perfect. It's not in the neighborhood where we always wanted to live.  But, it's okay. I went for the house, not the location. And you know what, the location is not bad. Not bad at all. I admit that it is not fancy. It's right on the border of a "hood" and a middle class suburbian-like neighborhood. Yeah, it is totally working class with a funky mix of people.  And I like it. Anyways, our landlord love us. And we love them. They are the funniest couple I've ever known. So they gave us a big present a few weeks ago. They wanted to make the yard nicer. The backyard was a disaster when we moved in. Neglected with the three foot tall weeds on the sandy soil. The boy and I tried to make it look decent. We put the sod ourselves so Little Dash could enjoy it.  But, shame on us. We failed to maintain it. So the lawn turned brown, was invaded by a numbers of moles and gophers, and once again the three foot tall weeds were back.  So we were so excited to hear the good news. 

We started to work again as the weather was getting nicer (we are having amazingly sunny June this year).  This was before the good news was delivered...

Neighbors' overgrown trees and vines were trimmed.  The sprinkler system was installed and the ground was prepared for the sod...

Tada...well, i'm not liking the awkward space where they ran out the bricks on the left hand side.  We are all on a budget so I have to go find free bricks off Craigslist again.  Around the lawn was left for my own flower/vegetable garden.  The landlord even permits us to have chickens if we decide...

Dash and I have been on alert for some landscape inspirations in the neighborhood, and this house has the best curb appeal in my opinion.  It is well manicured in the taste I love, and it goes well with the house...

I wanted my front yard look like this...

Succulents reuire low maintenace...

Echeverias...so pretty...

A partial view of their front yard...it makes me want to meet the owner of the house and see the inside the home and back yard too.  They must be cool people...

The weather was nice yesterday so we went to buy some plants.  I bought them just because I love them.  I have no idea how I should plant them...

It took me quite a long time to admit that i don't really have a green thumb, but this time will be different...I am determined...

My herb garden...thinking about building a raised vegetable bed (to keep the dog out), but for now they live in the containers...

Basil and tyme in the basket (plastic bag lined).  Cilantro in a thrifted angel cake mold.  Rosemary in a little pail...

Yay, we love it!  Thank you, Tommy and Willie!