Front Entry
The front porch as the house was built was somewhat closed, uninviting and unimaginative.

Front Entry
I had a new concrete step poured with matching brickwork. It makes a more welcoming entryway and space for more container gardens. My kids and I traditionally have a campfire here on Halloween and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Front Entry
My front walk is much more open with the removal of a large shrub and the addition of an overflow fountain. Find instructions to build your own overflow fountain on the How-To page.

Back Yard Play Area
This is where we started. The neighbor’s swing set is clearly visible, but our kids can’t play there all the time.

Back Yard Play Area
We made a nice backyard play area for the kids.

Back Yard Play Area
Now that the kids are grown, we took out the swing set and play house. In the spring, I set up these greenhouses to accommodate the growth of Patio Plants Unlimited.

Backyard Play Area
My custom built greenhouse with recycled windows and door as the glaze. Now MY play area!

Back Patio Area
With help, we added a flagstone patio area with a table and chairs as well as a swing. The added fence, trees and fountain make the area feel private from the neighbors and add to the enclosed garden feel.

Back Patio Area
After a few years, I decided I wanted comfy chairs instead of a table. We also added hidden outdoor speakers and a propane powered fire pit for summer garden parties.

Front Yard
Our front yard featured lots of grass. Since this neighborhood doesn’t have curb-and-gutter, this meant that people parking on the street were often on top of the grass.

Front Yard
We removed a large part of the turf grass and added xeriscaping elements that take less water and are more resilient to car tires. Of course, I also planted more flowers and added a walkway leading directly to the back yard.

Front Yard
Flowers and shrubs instead of turf grass.

Front Yard
Another angle of the flower bed in the front yard.

This birdbath didn’t hold water, so I made it into a flower planter.

Back Yard
It might seem odd to have a mailbox in the back yard, but it’s a good place to stash a couple of tools and a pair of garden gloves.

Irises blooming in the front yard.

I love the abundance of flowers on shrub roses.