Work is still moving steadily ahead on the backyard shenanigans I’ve been doing but we’ve been a bit delayed by a string of rainy and chilly days recently. I’m finishing up moving the last of the 16 tons of gravel into place. I’ve also started on a hand-poured cement border that will edge the gravel areas and walkways (you can see the start of it in the top “Progress” picture below). We have a team installing a privacy fence right now too. And construction has started on a deck for the pool. So lots of work happening and even more to be done.
Starting Point
To illustrate the ch-ch-changes, here’s a few pics of the yard when I bought my house last year.
Some Moody Progress Shots
And here are some progress shots (all taken with my Fuji X100F). Making progress but still have a lot of work ahead of us.
Fall To Do List
Here’s what I’d like to knock out this fall, before we get into the bitter cold of winter:
Finish all gravel work - the patio, the path around the perimeter of my house.
Finish the cement border - I’m about 30% done. The cement needs 24 hours to dry before it’s weatherproof, so I haven’t been able to work on this recently.
Complete privacy fence - will be finished this week
Install pool deck - will be finished this week
Build a fire pit - I have the design and materials; just need the gravel and deck completed before I can begin construction.
Get comfortable chairs for around the fire pit - Still on the lookout for chairs that are durable but you can snuggle into on a chilly night around the fire.
Get an outdoor dining set - Looking for a set that seats 8-10.
Clean out and organize the studio - install shelving to house pool supplies, toys, towels and make room for a kitchenette with prep space, a refrigerator and microwave. Make a defined changing room for quick changes into suits.
Build phase 1 of the outdoor kitchen - I have the plans and materials to build the bar-height counter with storage on the inside.
Spring To Do List
Here’s my goals for Spring 2020, before we open the pool for the season.
Landscaping - Planted medium-height decorative flowering plants around the perimeter of the pool. Fill in the gaps, plan and plant around the deck and the remainder of the yard.
Lighting - I have outdoor string lights, lanterns, path lights and spotlights to install after the winter months have ended.
Outdoors games - Cornhole and other games for the side yard.
Paint - Paint the exterior of the studio apartment behind my house and the Studio/storage building between the two. I’ve chosen appropriately beach-inspired colors to bring the space together.
Build phase 2 of the outdoor kitchen
Add a second side to the bar built in phase 1 so that the grill is surrounded.
Add bar stools for seating. Build an awning over the kitchen.
Mount a Smart TV to the studio wall behind the kitchen.
Longterm Goals
Build a custom shed behind the studio apartment - room for storing all of the yard equipment, pool supplies, pool toys and Christmas decorations.
Renovate the studio
Complete overhaul that relocates the stacked washer and dryer
Add a bathroom with a shower
Update kitchenette
New flooring and paint
New insulation
Replace door with large French doors
Lots of concealed storage
Complete with sofa bed, TV and other furnishings to make it into a guest space and pool house.
Solar cover for the pool, so that we can enjoy it year round.
Outdoor sound system - install a permanent outdoor sound system.
Finish it all just in time to sell the house and start over. LOLJKJKJKJKJK
You guys should see my Pinterest lately; it’s overflowing with ideas for the yard, the pool, games, seating and everything in between. We love swimming, spending time outdoors and entertaining our friends and family. I think that’s why I’ve been so excited about this project; it’s creating a space that’s all about community and making memories. It’s also given me a chance to put in a ton (or 16) of sweat equity and to learn new skills along the way.
We have a lot of projects wrapping up in the next couple of weeks. I’ll share some pictures of the finished fence and deck before we wrap everything up for the season.