Sunday, June 7, 2009

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.





15 comments:

Nichelle said...

her eyes are huge! i love them! she really looks so fun and happy. i'm positive she would make me giggle to tears if i were able to play with her:) i love your bougainvilleas. shelly says that lance's crazy mom's favorite word to say over and over is bougainvillea. love you three!

Amanda said...

I'm jealous of her eyes especially since we were really hoping that Ethan would have blue eyes. Ben has blue and I have greenish hazel and somehow they turned out darker than mine. No wonder I got a B in Biology. I don't get genetics.

Your yard looks great. I'm still impressed that you helped build that pergola!

Brittany Simmons said...

I was getting antsy to see your new yard! Sad that your girls will be gone- but fun for them. Seriously, Camryn is so cute! She really is so beautiful and happy!

nikki said...

The yard is gorgeous - we will totally come over and hang out in it. As long as you clean up Nugget poo.

We are enjoying your wife and baby. She makes the greatest happy faces! Sorry you're all alone...

Jenie said...

You're hilarious! I love reading your posts. Your yard looks beautiful...we did the same thing and broke down and got a gardener because our yard was much worse than your before pictures. It's amazing what a little water and know-how does. Juan works miracles. Love the pictures of Camryn...we're definitely going to have to see her (and you) again soon. Congratulations to Brenda...way to go on your graduation. What a fun weekend for you and your family and I love the picture with you all together. Also, Brittany's softball coach knows you from Del Webb...Ryan Purdy. He's such a nice guy and thinks you're great! Have a good week on your own...

Lauren said...

uhh me and WT self thought it looked pretty great to begin with, but I must say the end result blew me away- Nice work Juan. Where are your girls?

PS your KFC comment had me and Mike rolling- hilarious. Count us in for a PC hangout when you guys come into town. When are you coming out?

My Name is Mike said...

dude....you need to blog more often. it's hilarious.

Nikki, Cody, and Tessa said...

My favorites on this post are the pictures of Camryn....oh, and yes, I do like your new and improved backyard too. One of these days I'll get down there to enjoy it with you guys!

abbie said...

love those big blue eyes! glad you got your marshland taken care of... those struggling plants were too funny! landscaping is definitely for the pros! :)

Brenda said...

I have to agree with Nikki, the back yard is nice, but the real beauty is Camryn. Your posts: they always make me laugh.

Carrie said...

nice yard, but I thought it looked pretty good before too! It's fun to play with your girls, but we miss you! Your posts are funny, and you are funny in real life too! Cams is so cute! Love her!

lauren ann said...

Yes we would love to hang out. Are you guys talking about this Wed/Thur, or next week? Either way, we can do it either day, either week (yep, it's pretty pathetic how open our schedule is). Just let us know

Kathy said...

Your yard looks beautiful!

Erin said...

she has such gorgeous eyes! and your yard looks so pretty! I'm jealous! it's so great to have somewhere nice to spend early evenings, have bbq's and play with your little girl at!

cody said...

Nice job on the yard...I mean tell Jose he did a nice job. It looks great. See you this weekend.