Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Backyard Patio Reveal...

DIY Day @ ASPTL


We have finally finished the back patio, and I wanted to share it with you. This has been another project that has seemed to drag on.and on. and on, BUT alas it is finished. If you remember, I started working on the patio in April. The patio part came together pretty quickly. Here is a before and after of that space in case you missed it.
With a little help from my father in law, my first tile project was pretty easy, but very messy.
Next I put in the flowerbed. I just put vinca vine and a few sweet potato plants there. They have gone crazy in the shade and I have to trim it back constantly.
I ended up having to paint the entire wall because there was just no way around it. After painting, I wanted to do something to "decorate" the wall and went back and forth on several ideas. Ultimately, I decided to go with what I had, and hang some of the old tools Papa (Lon's grandpa) had given me. He has since given me a couple more, but I don't want to make it too busy.

Before:
After:

As a surprise, Lon did the first set of pavers for me in May. I LOVED them, so we decided to extend the patio with the same pavers from Lowe's. While the pavers were a little pricey, the cost was still a fraction of what we would have paid to have someone else do it. The most difficult part was definitely leveling the sand. Lonnie is much more patient than I am. He is a true perfectionist, and you need to be for a project like this.
Last but not least, I added the plants. Plants add so much to a space. I am growing quite a green thumb. My Dad keeps a beautiful yard, but since I moved to SC I have had to depend more heavily on Lon's Mom and grandma to teach me what will grow here and what won't. I am finally finding my footing in this sandy SC soil.

This has become a space that we use on a daily basis. The boys play on thier trampoline and I am able to sit in the shade and watch them. The tile counter has also become my "potting shed". I do so much with the outdoor sink.
So there you have it. One more item checked off the to-do list that is my home. What do you think?

23 comments:

Kelli said...

I think you did a FABULOUS job. I love everything you did and your plants are just beautiful.

Carrie said...

Mandi, I need you to come over to my house and help me get some projects done!

Stacie said...

I think it looks great. Every time I see your vinca and sweet potato vines, I think I need to pot some myself, but I have terrible follow through with plants!

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a great job with the stones and bricks! What a difference~

Natalie Meester said...

love the pavers and the countertop! Great job. How useful this space will be and beautiful at the same time!

Angie Mae said...

Oh, so pretty. Good job!

Girl with the Curlz said...

I can't believe it. It looks fabulous! What a great job. Do you hire out your services (ha-ha)?

Monica said...

It looks great!!! I showed my husband and it has inspired him to start working on our patio area! Thanks!!!

Becky @ Our Sweet Peas said...

Looks amazing!

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

Girlfriend, you should be so proud. What a lot of hard work you guys put in. It is amazing! Your plants look great. High five chicka!!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Oh my gosh, what a great transformation! You must be loving it! :)
Carrie

Sara said...

So jealous!! You truly transformed that space. Can I camp in your backyard?

Maya@Completely Coastal said...

Very cool. I don't think I've seen anything like it before. And tools have decorative appeal too!

Linds said...

Love LOVE the turn out! Congrats on your new lil' area! I love DIY DAY!

Jill@Barnes Yard said...

Oh I am in love! I have the perfect area to do this in my backyard. Oh hubby...

Enchantresses Three said...

Wow!!! It looks amazing!!!!! Great job!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

This needs to be featured in a magazine! :) I saw your older post when you were still working on it, and I love the final product! Visiting from Kimba's party. :)

Ms. Tee said...

Your before and after is amazing! What a fun and cheerful space! :)

Unknown said...

Such a great space! Love the patio stone and the tile. Is your bbq nearby? That would be a great space to use for an outdoor bbq/get-together.

Unknown said...

That is just beautiful. I think my very favorite thing is the plants UNDER the counter. What a great job you did!

Anonymous said...

It looks gorgeous! Fabulous job!

laurmela said...

Great Job! Looks awesome. Have loads of fun out there.

Melissa said...

You are just amazing..you did such a great job, Mandi! I wanna come over!!

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