At about this time last year, and after neglecting my backyard for the longest time, I decided I had to do something to bring this space back to life.
The picture below shows you how it looked at the beginning of Spring last year. A small slanted backyard with a square leveled area on one side and a trampoline on the other side. No one was using this space, the trampoline had to go, and I had big plans for the patio area.
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Last Fall I decided to build a flower bed right there in the right corner behind the trampoline, alongside the fence.
I put on my big girl boots and began digging seven holes, two feet deep, to set the posts for the back of my garden bed wall. Like a retaining wall, I didn't want to put any stress on the fence.
My oh my, all that digging was exhausting! I took my time, but no matter what, I ended up with sore muscles every time I worked on this project.
Gravel was added at the bottom and around the 4 x 4 posts, ensuring the post was level.
A long piece of wood was the main tool to compact that gravel.
The front part was finished using concrete retaining wall blocks for a prettier look.
Once again some digging was needed to level the area for the blocks. Starting at the lowest part and working one layer at a time until reaching a full contiguous line.
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| | RYOBI 6-Tool combo kit | |
The posts were trimmed to size using a reciprocating saw.
Before finishing the retaining wall, I went ahead and filled the area with a good amount of soil.
And well, this picture above is how the garden bed looked during Spring this year.
The trampoline was removed and grass seeds were planted. I kept on watering them, but I came home from Summer vacation to a once again bald spot in the middle of the yard. :( Gotta do it all over again in a few weeks.
However, the garden is flourishing! :)
The leaves on the little tree are already changing color and last week I got some mums to add some vibrant color to this area.
It's so lovely to see how much those little plants have grown.
The temperatures have been so nice, and everything is thriving!
Especially those knock-out roses, they're continuously blooming. :)
I'm so glad to finally get to see the fruits of all that hard work!
For more DIY - Backyard projects check these out:
*Ryobi Tools were given to me to try out,
I love them so much so that they are the tools I use for my everyday projects.
All stated opinions are my own.*
Affiliate links were added for your convenience.
Looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks great! I wish we had better places to plant in our yard-one day when we build a house I will make sure I leave room in our yard for beds like this ;)
ReplyDeletexoxo, SS
Southern and Style
It looks great so far! I admire your handyman skills and proficient use of tools too!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Great idea with the retaining wall, turned out perfectly! Can you come and build me one? 😉
ReplyDeleteWow, I love a good garden makeover! It looks fantastic. Pop over when you have a few minutes and check out some of my garden makeovers. I'm glad I found your blog.
ReplyDeleteHow much space is between the fence and the 4x4 and boards? Did you put concrete on the bottom of the 4x4's to make it stay? Did you put the cinder blocks up against the fence so there is no gap there? I'd like to do something similar but would be on the outside of the fence where there is a lot of traffic. I'd like to keep a gap off the fence by building a barrier there but maybe the pavers could still go closer to the fence to hide the gap? Great job btw.
ReplyDelete