Wightman Back Yard Metamorphosis - Part 1

We have wanted to redo our back yard for years.

And 2014 was the year!

In March we had Mackenzie (my very talented niece) draw up some plans.

 There were many opinions on how to get rid of an established lawn. 

 We chose the RoundUp route. So we sprayed the lawn
sometime in May because we had to wait until it was consistently warm.
Then we had to get bids on sprinkling systems.

 On May 17 we cut down our trees. There was a fish in our apple tree! 

 More cutting.

 And some very skilled wood carving!

 

 Why is it that when there are power tools around

everyone wants to get involved? 

 Paige wrestling her downed aspen.

  We took out all our rocks.

 It took brute strength!

 Seriously! 

 We removed all the ties and cement. 

  

 And piled it all on the patio.

 We also took out the big mugo pine in our front yard. 

 and on May 23rd hired someone to drill the stumps.

  

 It was money well spent.

 Then we bought some Dirt Bags!

 

 The day we planned to till the grass

 it rained, a lot

 

 and I was mad! So we tried tilling anyway.
It did not work, unless you like mud.

 Luckily it was Memorial Day weekend and we had Monday off

 and it didn't rain that day.

 

 We rented this 500 lb. monster tiller 

and Mark Hamilton came to help. 

Then we were left with this fluff.

 That needed to be raked up.

 

So on May 31st, Mark's birthday, my brother Tony came to help rake.

We had other helpers too.

We piled all the fluff into a big mountain on the patio.

Then the sprinkler work began.

What a mess.

Front and back.

But after living here for 25 years

dragging the hose around to water this vast expanse

it was well worth the pain and suffering.

 
Then we bought some spray paint and went to work

deciphering Mackenzie's vision and transferring it on to our dirt.

Mark is painting where we want the curbing and trees.

With the planning and preparation done

we were ready to start the real work!!!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Wightman Back Yard Metamorphosis

when it gets finished!!!

We can't wait!