Monday, May 20, 2013

Backyard Oasis

This is our backyard and what it looked like when we moved in 4 years ago. Tiny back porch that just was not going to do.
Our backyard is rather large which is one of the reasons why we liked the house so much.

Our backyard has always lacked any appeal. That tree over there was the only tree in our backyard.
This was its fate a few years back when it showed signs of dying. The electric company came out and took it down.
We had the patio extension done right after we moved in. It was a must in our book. This pic is actually from about three years ago. We had purchased some great patio furniture at steals. Hint: If you wait till the end of June most places start putting their patio stuff on clearance to get ready for back to school. The cushions just recently were thrown away as well as the umbrella. The space looks pretty sad and needs some attention. I will spare ya that picture!;)
Even the swing set we put up the fall after we moved in needs some love or to just be torn down.

All of these things got The Hubster and I talking. We started sharing our ideas of what we wanted our backyard to look like. An outdoor fireplace has always been top on my list. The boys a new swing set. The Hubster a t.v. under the covered patio. Maybe a pergola area with seating. Oh my what a difference even just a little landscaping would make.

Now that I am almost completed with our kitchen reno...I know, I know it is taking me forever but I promise I am almost done...we decided it was time to pay some attention to our backyard. After much brain storming and number crunching we finally came up with a design for our backyard oasis. We know we won't be able to have everything on our wish list but we took a deep breathe and decided to go full steam ahead with our backyard makeover! This Friday the craziness begins and I am going to take y'all along with us. I am nervous but excited at the same time. 

If you could change things up in your backyard what changes would be top on your list? If you already have a backyard oasis what could you never live without and what would you not do again if you had to do it all over again?

 Linking up to the following linky parties:
Inspire Me Tuesday

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25 comments:

  1. saushaMay 20, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins}May 20, 2013 at 4:40 PM

    We just installed an outdoor fireplace and i LOVE it!!! We spend lots of time in our backyard and i love looking at the fire and roasting marshmallows!! Cant wait to see what you do - youve got lots of space to do anything you want in!! :)

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  3. NMay 20, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    Backyard ideas:
    1. Afternoon shade
    2. Extra breeze if needed from outdoor safe ceiling fan
    3. Water: pool, fountain, fish pond?
    4. Hot & cold running water: outdoor shower, outdoor sink, whole outdoor kitchen, ice maker, place to bathe the dog?
    5. Plenty of electrical outlets.
    6. Low maintenance materials
    7. Barefoot friendly (not slippery, and not hot when the sun is shining)
    8. Flower beds, of course, with automatic watering system.
    9. Fireplaces are wonderful, especially if you live where nights are cool.
    10.Room for a big table that can seat a crowd.

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  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeMay 20, 2013 at 4:49 PM

    I love all of your wonderful inspirations pictures. You do have a fabulous backyard, plenty of room to do anyting you would like. The patio extension is a great size, can't wait to see what you do. Our last house had a fabulou backyard and definitely an oasis, I miss that the most of anything. I would definitely have a pool again, I lived in it. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  5. FABBY'S LIVINGMay 20, 2013 at 5:29 PM

    Well my friend, you have a fabulous back yard with lots of potential! You shared some great images, all you need now is to pick one, lol..
    FABBY

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  6. MandyMay 20, 2013 at 5:55 PM

    How exciting!!! I can't wait to see all the progress!!! How fun!!!

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  7. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMay 20, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    Oh, lucky you! I would love a pretty backyard. We used to have pretty grass and trees close to the deck. The trees were taken down when we added the sunroom and the grass has been taken over by weeds. We really need it done over, but hubby could care less. Be glad yours is on board.

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  8. EnchantedBellaMay 20, 2013 at 7:10 PM

    You have a beautiful back yard and I'm sure it will be wonderful when you are finished. We are slowley transforming our back yard into an oasis. It coasts alot of money so we are doing it one step at a time. We are lucky that we bought our home with a pool aready. Pool decking and a patio cover was the firs thing we did. The next step is paving most of the yard with a small grass area with swing set for the kids. Trees, flowers, a fire pitt and so many other ideas. Thanks for sharing.
    Rebecca

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  9. KarieMay 20, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    Wow! My back yard is just tiny. Yours is huge. Lovely. Karie

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  10. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsMay 20, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    How exciting! I had my dream back yard at our last home. A pergola, a fireplace, an amazing raised bed garden. Love all of it. So we are recreating that in our new house, only a smaller version of it.

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  11. AnneMay 20, 2013 at 7:46 PM

    Love your ideas Pamela.We have a large back yard and we have nothing there yet.Nadda zilch.Not sure what I want to do.I am thinking a screened in porch or screened in gazebo.I hate bugs but love the outdoors.We had a patio at our last home and we never used it.I would use a screened in area.Hoping in the next couple of years to finally do something.
    xx
    Anne

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  12. AnonymousMay 20, 2013 at 8:50 PM

    Your back yard looks so pretty and I really like it that you enlarged your patio. Lovely spot.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  13. PAINTORDIG.blogspot.comMay 20, 2013 at 9:15 PM

    It will be fun to follow this makeover. I love my pond and the sound of the waterfall. Also could not live without lots of wind chimes of various sizes-to make different sounds.

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  14. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsMay 20, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    Your backyard has so much potential and I am sure that you have such great plans judging by the inspiration pics....Our backyard has been the project "on the back burner" too...I would love to have a great fireplace and an English garden....Have fun planning!!

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  15. Susan - Uniquely Yours or MineMay 21, 2013 at 5:26 AM

    We moved into our house 4 years ago and the first thing we did was draw a landscape plan and install borders. We didn't plant everything year 1, we planted the trees buying smaller cheaper versions... They are huge now! Our borders are packed and we love our backyard now. My suggestion to you is buy smaller plants, which are easier to plant and cheaper, and patiently wait for them to grow... Have fun!

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  16. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMay 21, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    It sounds like you've got lots of great plans for your yard, Pamela. My daughter and son-in-law have lots of plans for theirs, too. I'm looking forward to seeing your transformation, as well as my daughter's. Just glad I don't have to do the work/maintenance anymore. My back can't handle it!

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  17. UnknownMay 21, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    Your yard is wonderful! It's like an open canvas with so much potential! Can't wait to see what you come up with! ~~Angela

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  18. Teresa@1800 Farmhouse RdMay 21, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    Oh, LOVE the first picture Pamela!! Hoping ya'll are not in the path of all of this horrible weather.

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  19. CynthiaMay 21, 2013 at 12:59 PM

    What great potential your backyard has, it is so large and nice and flat. I am sure you will come up with something gorgeous. Can't wait to see!

    Cynthia

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  20. Chubby ChiequeMay 21, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    Hi Pam,
    TY for the inspiration. Our backyard is almost like yours. I am so desperated looking at it but GH loves the green grass. HOwever, we have some flower beds around and garden w/ raspberries but I want a garden not a football ground §:-)

    GH saw the transformation of your backyard and he shoke his head and said, "much better with your done project".

    So, keep your fingers X for me.

    Happy mid-week.

    Greetings from D´BoX,
    /CC girl

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  21. Yvonne @ StoneGableMay 22, 2013 at 7:34 PM

    Your backyard is full if potential, Pam! Lots of room to spread out and make a real outdoor sanctuary!!! I'm so happy for you!

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  22. Liz @ Quirky VistasMay 22, 2013 at 7:34 PM

    SHade, color, green grass, cozy spot and a fireplace would be sweet! Loved the inspiration pics you showed. Looks like your backyard has plenty of room to make it all you want it to be, and we know you have the imagination!
    Liz

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  23. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...PernillaMay 23, 2013 at 12:38 AM

    What a lovely space - the sky is the limit (or the fence line lol) - to create a fab outdoor area! Hugs Pernilla

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  24. Kim @ French Country AntiquesMay 23, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    So nice that you will be able to create the backyard of your dreams. Outdoor fireplace definitely a must and of course an outdoor kitchen. I'm sure it will be a fun journey.

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  25. vignette designMay 25, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    You have a perfect clean slate in my opinion for the most wonderful backyard. Not sure where you live, but I rely on Pitosporum to provide privacy. I always plant a hedge along the fence and in 3 to 5 years, you have complete privacy. I can totally see a pergola connecting the patio from one side to the other. YOur furniture is great and there are many replacement cushion sites. I'm actually replacing mine as we speak! Good luck with your project. I will follow along! ~Delores

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