landscaping update: The backyard...

Now that you've seen the front and the side of the yard, let's take a trip around back. That's where things really get interesting....

This is what the deck looked like last year right after we stained it. 

And this is what it looks like now. 

Many of the plants and shrubs in the back were transplanted from the front, like the two that flank either side of the stairs. They were iffy after the transplant, but came back beautifully this year. 

In the spring, they blossom these pretty pink flowers, then the whole bush turns a maroon/plum color. Some of the other transplanted plants were a Rose of Sharon and some Black Eyed Susans. The Rose of Sharon is in the top right of the picture below and closest to the front are two huge Black Eyed Susan bushes that haven't bloomed yet. They have tripled in size from last year. They are almost too big for the space.

You can see the Rose of Sharon a little better in the photo below. The plant next to it, I originally thought, was a bunch of weeds. But I cut it back to the ground and this year it bloomed the most beautiful yellow flowers in the spring. It was such a nice pop of color. (That I forgot to take a picture of). 

One of our biggest concerns for our backyard was the lack of privacy. All of the yards were visible to one another. 

So our landscaper added the most beautiful island in the back with Arborvitaes, Maiden Grass and a Butterfly bush. This is how it looked early in the Spring.

So pretty and manicured and dainty. And here's what it looks like now...

The butterfly bush is so ginormous that you can barely see the bird feeder and it completely camouflages the the maiden grass between the left and center tree. The trees are going to have to step it up in the growth department to even think of competing with the butterfly bush. 

Needless to say, that puppy is getting cut back significantly before spring next year or our whole yard will be engulfed. But it does make for some nice privacy now. I can't wait to see it 5 years from now. 

And I would be remise if I didn't give some love to my roses. They make the best privacy screen of all. 

Even though they recently got nipped by some kind of bug, they are coming back strong. 

The way the whole yard turned out just makes me so happy. It feels complete and makes our house look so cozy. 

Home sweet home! 

Up next: Painting the shutters and trim!