6/22/11

The Long-Awaited Patio-Major Transformation


 


Oh what a fun party!  If you don't already know about it, check it out .  I'm also linking to 

This is the Before & After of our backyard that was literally years in the creating, but well worth the wait.  Sadly, though, it is also the backyard we will soon be leaving as we prepare to move.  But I still wanted to participate in this party and share this major transformation.  We are proud of the work we did.

Embarrassing!  It was a desert wasteland! 



We enclosed the screened patio & turned it into a wonderful sunroom about two years ago.



The Man laid out stakes & created a plan for the landscapers to follow.  When I say he created a plan, I'm talking about a hand-drawn, detailed on graph paper layout.  The landscaper was thrilled -- he usually has to do that part of it & trying to capture someone's verbal description of their vision is not always easy.



It was such a happy day when this little Ditch Witch arrived on the scene.  


But now it's time to cut to the good stuff........!  It's impossible to get a picture of the entire space, so I'll just show it in sections.


The pergola (designed & built by The Man) has grapes growing up both sides.  This is our conversation area & also has a firepit.  The raised area to the right is for a "someday" outdoor kitchen.  The barbecue and a table for food prep reside there for now.


Yes, that would be me enjoy my morning brew & the newspaper.



That's a kumquat tree on the right & a fig in the back corner.


I change out this basket for each season.



The Man doing some cleanup.  We get lots of wind here, so this outdoor vacuum is perfect.  He really likes that this is pretty much the extent of his yard work!



We love the pavers.  They are easy to walk on and everything sits solid & doesn't wabble.



Looked for a long time for a fountain that met with our vision.  Just love the sound of it.  That is a cocktail peach tree on the left.  It has 4 different varieties of peaches that grow very well here in Yuma.  We had peaches the first year we planted it.



The garden shed was one of The Man's creations from start to finish.  It turned out exactly like we wanted & has become quite the conversation piece.  I love adding wreaths or swags to the doors that fit the current season.


Love this umbrella with the solar lights.


The tree to the right of the fountain is an Arizona Sweet -- good for juicing or just eating.


Abby would love to come out here and play, but she's been de-clawed so has to remain inside.  We allowed her out here once & she spent the whole time looking up at the top of the wall -- made me way too nervous.


Fall has arrived!


One last look at the over-all picture.


Hope you enjoyed the tour.  It was a lot of work, but worth the effort.  Besides, now we have lots of ideas of things to do (and not do) at the new house.

Happily linking to:






23 comments:

  1. Your transformation is just incredible!! What a beautiful space to relax and enjoy!! Gorgeous!

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  2. Hello Cas! I enjoyed the tour. Your place was so homey and relaxing. I love it. I hope you will be able to build a similar or better patio in the future.

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  3. It's beautiful! What a great place to sit and relax or to have friends over to visit! I hope you have something just as wonderful at your new house!

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  4. How wonderful Cas! What a great outdoor retreat there in YUMA! I love the solar umbrella too.

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  5. Looks so beautiful. And, when R U planning on moving? I imagine it is getting pretty HOT where U R. Thanks 4 sharing.

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  6. What a beautiful transformation! You can just see all of the labor that went into it and I am sure you will have the next one looking just as lovely.

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  7. Wow what a big difference. We have been working like crazy on our backyard. Here is the start of it http://the2seasons.com/2011/05/09/backyard-face-lift-part-1/

    Hoping to work on it some more this weekend.

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  8. What a beautiful transformation! I can see where that would be hard to leave ~ but what a selling point! You did a great job.

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  9. My gosh, what a BEAUTIFUL transformation. Lots of hard work, money, time is involved in something like this. Even tho you are moving, I know this oasis will be the selling point of your home.
    Beautiful...
    xo bj

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  10. Wow! Just gorgeous and looks so cool and shady! Your patio set is so nice and love the wreaths on the doors!

    Rondell

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  11. Such an amazing transformation! It's so gorgeous!

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  12. What a great transformation, CAS! I would hate to have to leave all that, too! I love that it looks quite shady which I'm sure is nice in your neck of the woods. Heck, it would be nice in my neck of the woods! Love that there are levels to the patio as well. I think it makes it more interesting.

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  13. Hi Cas,
    Wow, what a wonderful transformation and beautiful back yard.
    Bet it is hard to leave that!!
    Especially after all that sweat equity.
    Looks very relaxing and enjoyable.
    Thanks for sharing it with us,
    blessings, Nellie

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  14. You did an amazing job! Are you sure you want to move?!? ;)

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  15. I'm ready to come over for a party right now. You have done such a wonderful job and it looks awesome!

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  16. I love everything about your patio! Thanks for giving us a detailed tour. I'm trying to think which parts are my favorite but there are so many. So far, I love the fountain and your garden shed the most.

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  17. Beautiful and relaxing. Hope you have something as nice in your next home.

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  18. Cas,

    OMG .....Your patio is an amazing transformation! WOW! I love it.
    It's stunning!!!

    Dee

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  19. Wow - amazing transformation for you & not much weeding now (wink wink) Popping over to say hello for the "Blog Party"! i host a garden party on Thursday's & would love to have you come by to peek around or even link up?!? hope to see you sometime! xoox, tracie

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  20. Cas, Your outdoor area is gorgeous!! What an amazing transformation and I am sure this will get you a buyer for your home quickly.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  21. It's beautiful! I would love to have a nice area like that in place of my high desert weeds and dirt!!

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  22. You would not believe how behind I am on reading blogs! I have 1700 in queue. Ridiculous. But, work has to take priority. Anyway, so glad I stopped by! Loved getting the tour of the backyard. What a transformation!!! It looks awesome. Some lucky buyers will get to enjoy it. Hope the moving goes well.

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I truly love to hear from you and try to respond to each and everyone. If you have "no reply blogger," I will respond in my comments section and then visit your blog as soon as I can.

Make this a great day!
Carol