I don't have a green thumb.

Last summer we planted, and of the 15 things we planted, we only managed to have 2 survive. Our goal this year is to keep things alive. I've come to the realization that I just don't have a green thumb, and probably never will. We planted hearty flowers that the woman at the nursery said will be good for our areas, that are in 100% direct sunlight all day! They aren't the prettiest flowers, but hopefully they will at least stay alive!

These planters are for herbs, probably.

Peppers for Chris, tomatoes for me.

The Side Yard - Soon to be Vineyard Patio

Now that the front yard has grass, we quickly moved on to finishing the side yard so that we can enjoy barbeques and evening fire pit relaxing all summer long. The area has been a grubby, overgrown space since we built the addition on the house, and Chris built a gate at the front of the house so it would be out of eye sight from the street. The fence we share with our neighbors is overflowing with red and green grape vines, making the area our little vineyard in the privacy of our own.

Our concrete guy Priscilliano Anaya was so great to work with on doing our city side walk, did such a great job, and has such a fabulous name, that we hired him to pave our side yard. We're very happy with how it turned out - stay tuned for the June construction of the pergola and large flower pot plantings!

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Grass, Finally

In the words of our mail lady, "You FINALLY landscaped your yard!" We started with dirt, overgrown weeds, severed and buried irrigation system, a huge stump with deep roots, and more dirt. We now have grass, and there will be more DIY landscaping to come in June! We're so pleased with how well it turned out, and had a great experience working with Jon Swenson from Renew 303 Landscaping. He gave us a great deal, and even better customer service. And, to boot, he must have some kind of connection with the rain Gods because we had several days of rain after the sod was laid. Perfection!

BEFORE (Weed landscaping)

(Stump that had to be removed)

DURING

AFTER