Home Is Where My Story Begins

Come On Over! I’ll Be Out Back.



Do you open your doors and have a backyard party at the drop of a hat? Are you the first person to invite friends over for a Bar-B-Que when the weather warms up? I love to watch shows like Landscape Smart and Landscapers Challenge. As the designers ask questions, the homeowners usually say things like, “Well, we love to entertain.” Do they really like to entertain? Or do they just like the idea of entertaining?

I really do love to entertain, but I will admit that it causes panic attacks and crabby mom syndrome in the days leading up to a party. I find that I hold off on inviting people over because my house or my yard isn’t “done”. Well, NEWS FLASH… it will probably never be “done”. There will always be something more I’d like to do or a messy project I’m right in the middle of.

So, here’s my yard. I’m throwing open my doors and inviting you to my backyard party. (If you all lived closer, I’d invite you over for real.) I didn’t mow the lawn for you. Heck, I didn’t even sweep off the deck.

Here’s the view as you come in the house. I love my little benches out front. I made the pillows this year, out of Sunbrella outdoor fabric. My hydrangeas are finally in bloom. I just added some True Blue to the soil, which will turn these into… well, true blue.

We spend quite a bit of time out on our deck. We bought the outdoor set at Target, a few years back. Our deck is fairly shady, so it makes a nice place to take a break on a hot summer day.

Our deck extends down the length of the backside of the house. Ahhh, this is one of my favorite spots to sit and watch the kids play in the yard.

Here’s the view from the deck.


When we moved in, this area inside the brick retaining wall was empty. I had no idea what to put in this large space. After living with the empty space for a year, we decided this would be the perfect spot for a vegetable garden. We built a path out of rocks that were already in the yard. This space sits empty for a good portion of the year, but it makes us so happy in the summer. The kids loved digging the potatoes.

The flowers are starting to bloom around the yard.



These little guys are just about done.

So, remember how I said that I hesitate entertaining because things aren’t “done” quite yet? Well, this is one of those projects. We’ve come a long way, but still have so far to go. Please ignore the pile of dirt and the horrible dirt patches where grass should be. Remember… work in progress.

Here’s where we were a few weeks ago:

Here’s the inspiration from Country Gardens:

And, again, here we are with our work in progress:

Thanks for hanging out in the backyard with me. Stop by anytime. If I don’t answer the door, you know where to find me. I’m probably out back.



Here are a few linky parties I like to participate in:
https://homeiswheremystorybegins.net/linky-parties-i-like-to-participate-in/
I’m also linking up to Outdoor Day at Soft Place to Land.

Leave a Comment

The Comments

  • Madigan at madiganmade
    July 20, 2010

    I LOVE your yard! The red Adirondack chairs are so charming. Everything looks so lush (our yard is burnt to a crisp).
    I'll be right over! 🙂

  • Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
    July 21, 2010

    your yard is utterly amazing! i am in awe! mine is less than half the sixe and i still have a really hard time keeping up with it.
    and the shed looks fantastic! i love it in red!

  • Kelli
    July 21, 2010

    You yard is beautiful and I love all of the red…thanks for having me over. I have a few work in progress areas too.

  • Allison
    July 21, 2010

    You have a beautiful yard. And Love the shed! Lots of fabulous progress made there!

  • Leanne
    July 21, 2010

    Becca, I would love to come over. Your yard is beautiful. I've been such a slacker in the yardwork area this Summer.

  • Astrid @ The Lopsided House
    July 21, 2010

    Oh my! You have a GORGEOUS backyard! Love that shed too….wish we had one! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  • sewingseeds4U
    July 21, 2010

    You are so right…invite people over because it will never be done. Isn't the planning half the fun anyway. Your yard is absolutely beautiful and still kid friendly. I want a red shed, too!

  • gena
    July 21, 2010

    What a beautiful, beautiful space ! If that's "not done" I shudder to think of what my yard qualifies as – lol !

    The red shed is charming and I'll bet you'll have it landscaped like your inspiration picture in no time !

    thanks for sharing,
    gena
    http://www.thehouseonlavenderhill.blogspot.com

  • Life in Rehab
    July 21, 2010

    I'll be over in a half hour with lemonade. All kidding aside, I totally heart your yard.

  • Tru@TRU TALES FEATS
    July 21, 2010

    You have a beautiful yard and gardens!

  • Ticking and Toile
    July 21, 2010

    Wow!! Lovely gardens! Everything is just beautiful! You are on your way to look just like that magazine ~ I have that same pic in my idea file….just love it!

    xo,
    Shellagh

  • Joy Beadworks
    July 22, 2010

    I'm a new follower…glad I found You.

    http://www.joybeadworks@blogspot.com

  • HoosierHomemade
    July 23, 2010

    Your yard is just fabulous! Love your little wagon, reminds me of mine 🙂
    Thanks for sharing!
    ~Liz

  • Helena
    July 23, 2010

    Wow, your yard is so pretty. I always think "I love to entertain" but since I've never actually hosted a party, I wonder if it's just the idea that appeals to me…?

    Thank you for participating in the Therapy Session with Life in the Pitts!

  • Nancy
    July 24, 2010

    Your yard is just dreamy gorgeous! It should be featured in a landscaping magazine or book. Love all you've done!

    Nancy

  • maria
    July 24, 2010

    Nancy is right, your yard should be featured in a garden magazine. Just beautiful.

  • Gretchen Seefried
    July 28, 2010

    gorgeous and inspiring! lots of ideas…thanks for sharing-those last minute invites are the best.