Before and After

I know that now is not a good time to be investing in any improvements in your house, but let's face it--we are going to be here awhile so we might as well enjoy it.

When Erica and I moved in we had 4 months to get our backyard landscaping in--even though the people behind us forclosed and now a new family is in there two years later and still there is only dirt, a disgusting pop-up tent with some rusty patio furniture and a pitbull that I want injure badly.

That being said, we did just the bare minmum in regards to landscape. Shortly after my Dad and I built a pergola and I put in a fountain. I tried to plant some trees and plants, but our soil I liken unto concrete. It took me over an hour to dig one hole and then the plant died shortly there after. We have successfully grown, in abundance, every specie of weed--some very exotic. We had a leak in one of our sprinklers that we didn't know about until one day I went to the side of the house and saw a tropical rainforest and marshland that was once a desert. Needless to say I was sick of our white trash yard and called some real landscapers to show us how it was done.

Before:

Here is a picture of this jasmine bush I planted that started falling over so I tied it up. We also attempted to plant some ground cover between those stepping stones. It was like we planted them in acid--they dried up and withered instantly.

Here is another one of my favorites. We planted these California Peppers, this little ambitious guy grew top heavy and fell over. I tied him up as well, but apparently he got tired and decided to rest casually against the fence. I'm sure the neighbors loved it. (notice the lonely fountain)

Here is the rainforest. This was the second time we weeded so it isn't as lush and tropical. All plants you see are weeks--I grew to love them a little.

AFTER!!!

This is more like it--who doesn't want to relax out here? Notice the light under the tree, they light up at night, and bongos and tropical music start to play--not really, but in my mind it does.

Our little Jasmine bush is lonely no more! These two bottle trees provide some great shade and privacy--sorry neighbors no more sneak peeks into our bathroom. Couple more lights, some friendly little bushes and a rock bed to make it look all clean and nice

All these plants were intentionally planted. That is a fruit cocktail tree that grows lemons, limes and oranges. Pretty fancy--I might even start drinking it's so cool. We need to add some more color back there, but this is a good start.

Here is a current view of the back yard. We added some bougainvillea, which we love and some other little plants. There is always more we want to do, but this is a great start and we actually want to be outside. Now we just have to figure out what to do about the pop up tent and pitbull.

My wife and baby are gone for a week so I have to post a pic of Cam in one of her favorite spots, the bathroom sink and looking in the mirror. I love that face.

She is kind of making a bird face here, but I love these blue eyes. The left one (her right) is a little darker than the right, I hope they stay like that.