Happy 4th of July!
We don’t have huge plans for today — so instead of a normal post, I wanted to simply pop in to share a few pictures of our landscape today.
It’s been 5 years since we started our long landscape renovation journey — and aside from a few trees we’re going to plant later this fall, we’re pretty much “finished”. Yippee!
Of course, I say “finished” in quotation marks because there will ALWAYS be more to do — splitting perennials, rearranging shrubs, planting annuals, weeding, mowing, picking veggies, etc. etc. Thankfully, Dave and I both enjoy doing yard work, and we both have plenty of time in the summer to devote to this hobby.
It’s hard to see the details in this picture, but I planted red, white, and dark purple Petunias around the 3 ornamental pear trees for a big pop of color from the road. I LOVE seeing these from our front windows too!
I planted almost 700 annuals this year — yes, it took forever! Dave kept encouraging me by saying “you’ll be able to enjoy them for the next 5 months.” I know he’s right!
Here are a couple closer pictures of the front of the house — keep in mind most of our perennials aren’t blooming yet.
We have pretty good color in the spring, and then again mid summer through late fall… but there’s a little bit of a lull in color right now.
The roses are blooming well, and we have a handful of lilies, but other than that, the annuals are the only color — so yes, Dave, I’m glad I stuck with it and planted all 700 annuals!
And a couple of the back yard area…
We have a super small vegetable garden this year (with an even smaller herb garden to the side). Just a few cherry tomatoes, zucchini, spaghetti squash, and cucumbers. The straw makes it look larger — but that’s just to keep the weeds down!
I’m sure we’ll have a bigger garden again in future years, but this is better than not even planting a garden (which is what happened last year!)
Pictures truly don’t do justice to how fantastic our yard looks compared to just 5 years ago — of course, there’s always more we COULD do, but right now, Dave and I are super happy with how our landscaping efforts have paid off.
So today, we’re going to watch the kids play in the pool (it’s warming up again after a COLD week last week) and hopefully take it easy. Tomorrow, it’s back to yard work, house work, blog work, etc.
Kim says
It looks so nice! I love your style, both indoor and outdoor.
Jennifer says
You’re photos are beautiful!! But I must say, I am so jealous!! It’s been in the 90s and incredibly humid for the last month in NC, so I can barely stand to be outside, much less weed or plant – and thus, my yard shows it. Michigan looks like the perfect state. Thanks so much for sharing your yard beauty! And your kiddos are as adorable as ever.
Andrea says
haha — it’s in the 90’s and humid here too, but I just do yardwork early in the morning or late at night. Plus, we have a pool now so I can just jump in when I get too hot!
That said, I agree that MI is a perfect place to live 🙂
Bonnie'sMama says
Andrea, the yard looks gorgeous. I can’t imagine the hours and hours of work getting to this stage. It’s inspiring to me–we just bought a home with a big backyard. Thankfully, the place is pretty much a blank slate, with no bushes or trees to remove. We have five big, beautiful trees, a tree row in the back, and lots of grass.
At 34 weeks hugely pregnant, with 90-degree weather and 50% humidity, I’m not doing gardens and flowers at the moment. But maybe in a couple months I can start small.
Andrea says
Thanks so much! Definitely don’t be worrying about yard work right now — wait until next spring!
Sandy G says
LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY, HOUSE, LANDSCAPE, AND YOUR BLOG! You have been such an inspiration to me through the years! I have read your blog since Nora was born and she wouldn’t sleep.
God Bless You and Dave and keep in blogging!
Thank you for all you do for all of your readers…. you are a true blessing! Happy 4th
Andrea says
Thanks so much Sandy!
Annette Silveira says
Yard goals!
Deb says
Happy 4th of July! Small typo, it says FORTH at the top, instead of FOURTH! 😉
Andrea says
Oh good grief! Thanks for catching that early in the day!
Can you tell Dave and I are in “vacation mode”?!?!
Jody says
Beautiful yard. I love the pictures with the kids in their bikes. Clara aka Smiley is so darn adorable. I love this stage.
Andrea says
Thanks… she IS so smiley!