It's rough

that is, our backyard is one rough yard. The grass is growing in, kind of, it's having to fight the rocks and clover but it is mostly green back there. We are trying to put in a few plants but oh my, it's not really looking so great! Do you think these grasses are dead? We have 5 more around the house that look equally brown. They were free so it won't be a monetary loss if they're beyond help but we really do hope they make it!

The back of our house is flat and covered in gray siding. It's the back so no big deal. Except I like pretty things and it is not pretty. We figured we'd landscape and that would help and I know eventually it will but wow this is really not making things look better!

After taking inventory of the sorry state of affairs I sat down on the back stoop and made a plan. The girls and I talked through what we wanted. I drew it out and labeled the different areas, a pergola over the porch which extends out about 8 feet more into the grass. A swing hanging from the pergola, large enough for all 3 of us, of course. Flowers and plants all along both the north and south side of the fence, all the way to the back wall. Two trees! Three raised garden beds at the back of the lot. "A bigger and much more grown up swing set with our own flower garden, plus a big spot for the pool". An herb garden where our current veggie garden is now. A bed full of day lillies and climitus (Kyra and I just saw this combo in Columbia last weekend and it was so pretty) up against the house. Oh, we Baum girls know how to dream!

The pool! The yard may be less than beautiful but it doesn't stop the fun. We've always had a blow up pool but this is the king!

We are having some luck in the front yard! The pots are doing well and the sod is still green!