Discover the Evolution of Our Backyard
Backyard Transformations Over Time
Join us on a journey through the years as we unveil the remarkable transformation of our backyard. From a simple plot to a lush oasis, explore how each change has added charm and character to our outdoor space.
2009-2026
We moved to this location in 2009. The backyard had an above ground pool, which we did not want. The seller said he had a buyer for it, so when we moved in, it was gone.
This left a large area of muddy, gravely ground. I tilled the area for several days, using an old, borrowed John Deere tiller (made in the '60's). There was a lot of gravel to rake up.
A block retaining wall needed repair, and after much preparation, the area was ready for plants and a bench.
The results are below, with photos showing the changes over the years as the trees we planted grew and shaded this part of the yard.
Date unknown aerial view of our house when the above ground pool was present (left-center with black dot), probably in late summer and a year or two before we moved in May, 2009.
2009
May, 2009 - View from the deck showing location where above-ground pool was.
June or July, 2009 - Back yard showing location where above-ground pool was
September, 2009 - After some landscaping and the planting of an Autumn Blaze hybrid maple tree.
September, 2009 - After some landscaping and the planting of an Autumn Blaze hybrid maple tree.
September, 2009 - Lilac in lower right died, was replaced.
September, 2009 - newly planted Dwarf Burning Bush in foreground
2010
2010
2010 - Autumn
2011
2011
Lattice is to protect Japanese maple sapling from afternoon sun
Water feature on left. Cats liked to lick the water flowing down the side. Volunteer maple growing by side of shed.
Vegetable garden.
Vegetable garden, with straw mulch.
Small area above wall. Lots of sun for flowers.
2011
Autumn Blaze Maple in center
2012
2012 - Dwarf Burning Bush in foreground
2012
2013
2013
2013 - Cats were not staged!
2014
2014
2014
2015
2015
2015
2016
2016
2016 autumn
2017
2017
2017
2018
2018
2018
2019
2019
2019 - Replaced pea gravel with 12" blocks
2020 - No Photos
2021
2021
2021 - Sun Coleus
2022
Replaced sedum with coral bells on the right and Ajuga (Bugle Weed ) on the left
2022
5 varities of coral bells
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022 - view from deck
Ajuga (Bugleweed) ground cover
2023 - No Photos
2024
Korean Lilac
Coral Bells
2024 - ornamental grasses don't get enough sun to grow properly
2024
Raised beds for tomatoes, bell peppers, bush beans. Only area left where there was enough sun.
Replaced lawn with mulch due to poor soil for grass
Back of shed, mulch needs replaced, shed needs new roof
Fence extension on left to accommodate growth of maple tree
Too shady for vegetable garden, needs re-mulched. Taller plants in center are peppermint.
Added raised bed for ferns
2025
Bloomerang Lilacs, which bloom three times a season
Cleomes, left, Dragon Wing Begonias, right
Area needs some help
Persian Shield. Had to add plastic fencing to keep squirrels from digging
Coleus
Raised bed for ferns
2026
View from deck
View from deck. New cedar mulch.
Bloomerang Lilacs
Bloomerang Lilacs, blooming a second time - 2026
2026
Barlett Pear, Locust, River Birch
2026
2026
Ajuga (Bugle Weed) ground cover, foreground, getting a good hold and spreading well.
2026
Korean Lilac
2026
Expanded mulch area, goes around the Japanese maple
Expanded mulch area by Coral Bells and lilac bush. Green area is mostly Creeping Charlie, this area will be cleared and planted with sun / shade grass.
This area will be cleared and planted with sun / shade grass.
Raised fern bed contains an Australian Sword Fern
This area will be cleared and planted with sun / shade grass. Creeping Charlie already invading mulched area.
Area being de-weeded of Creeping Charlie and wild violets. Will be prepared and seeded with sun / shade grass.
2026 - ornamental grasses only about half as high as normal, due to lack of adequate sunlight.
Small area just in front of block wall was seeded with sun / shade grass.
Replaced landscape timbers and gravel along walk with bricks. Lawn soil was applied along the right side and seeded with sun / shade grass. Remaining area will be weeded and over-seeded.
2026
2026
Persian Shield
Coleus
Australian Sword Fern
Closeup of Australian Sword Fern
2026
2026
2026
Fence extension to accommodate maple tree growth. Tree grew from a seed in 2010.
Entire area (except under deck) was grass when we moved in. The two pine trees and the hackberry tree off the deck blocked so much sun thatb the grass wouldn't grow well.
Area to be re-seeded. Will be working good lawn soil in the area, as soil in backyard is not very good quality for grass. Fine for weeds!
We don't use chemicals, so manual weeding is done.
Another view of Ajuga ground cover
Another view of Ajuga. This area was a vegetable garden, until the trees grew and shaded the area too much. Looking for shade-tolerant plants.
This entire area used to be grass. Poor soil and shade necessitated mulching.
2026