Our New Backyard

So after several years of looking at a dirt field (thanks to the dogs), we finally decided to do something about it. Our construction "Stage I" was the pool remodel. That has now been completed. The pool was re-plastered and we added a water feature which includes a rock slide and waterfall. We also added a "rock" around the pool equipment. A new shade canopy was erected which provides a shaded seating area and casts a shadow on parts of the pool from about 4pm on. We also added a new fence and some desert plants and rocks. Many thanks to Jenny Robinson who assisted us in the overall design and the plants. The pool has now once again become useable and is getting swimmers in it from far and wide several times a day.

Stage II was the backyard. That stage is also now nearly complete. We've added sprinklers, grass, concrete curbing, gravel borders and trees. We also painted the fence. Next to the pool we put up a gazebo and made the fence so it can open between the gazebo and the pool area. It makes it nice to sit in while people are swimming and it's become a great place to eat dinner when we want a change. This weekend I added controls for all the lights, pumps, etc. to the gazebo. The only part left now is the BBQ. It will probably be finished in the next few weeks and I'll post more about it then. Suffice it to say that it will be my outdoor cooking paradise.

We have now embarked upon Stage III which is the addition of an attached garage and office area. It's been many years in the making. Our plans were finally approved by the city a couple of weeks ago so we're off and going. This weekend we built and put up a 30 foot long rolling gate across the back fence and took down one section of the fence that it covers. Bonnie shot some video of us as we moved the giant (heavy) gate from the front yard to the back and put it up. I'll post more on Stage III as it progresses.

So stay tuned. Stage IV is the conversion of the old garage into an extended family room (you know, for all the grandkids that will be coming over), and Stage V is the kitchen. Although the first two stages moved quickly the remaining ones will no doubt require a lot more time to complete. In the meantime we do have a nice back yard now to relax in. Now if the weather would just cool down a little...