Hello beautiful friends! I’m back today sharing a front yard landscaping update! I spent most of last week outside working to get it ready for spring.
I headed up to the Home Depot and had them load up my hubby’s new work truck with a pallet of mulch while it was on sale:
I pulled any weeds that I could find and sharpened all the edges of the beds:
Then I trimmed all the bushes, planted flowers in my planters, and basically just freshened everything up!
Last year, I shared the progression from when we first purchased our home to the first phase makeover, and I also shared some updates I made last year.
I’m going to add to that post to share how everything looks this year! I always enjoy seeing how much everything is growing, and I know some of you enjoy seeing it too!
Front Yard Landscaping Update
2017
Here is how our home looked when we moved in back in August of 2017:
Can you believe it’s been almost five years??
Our home had been a rental for many years, and so the landscaping had become extremely unkempt and overgrown.
My husband did not want to buy this house because it wasn’t well cared for at all. For what we were spending, he wanted a home in pristine condition. I get that, but it’s a good thing I can see past all the neglect, because underneath, it was amazing! And y’all know I do not mind putting the work in!
I also knew that at least that allowed us to redo it completely with our own vision in mind!
2018
In 2018, we pulled everything out except for the Japanese maple on the right corner and started fresh:
You can see more of that transformation as well as what we planted HERE.
It definitely looked a little naked after, but still SO much better! That was mid to late summer and we had an unusually dry spring the following year, so it seemed that the growth of just about everything was really stunted.
In 2019 though, things started to finally take off.
We didn’t do much with it that year or in 2020, other than freshen up the mulch. Then last year, I finally got out there and made some adjustments!
2021
And here is how it looked after:
It had so much more life to it!
If you’ve seen our old home’s landscaping, you know that we had more of a garden, which we planted from scratch, and I absolutely adored. It suited that unique home perfectly.
For this home, however, I wanted more of a structured landscape that was easier to maintain.
2022
And here is how this view looks this year:
This view didn’t change too much, other than things have grown a bit more, and instead of using brown mulch this year, we opted for black mulch.
The Front Entry
2017
This was the welcoming front entry when we first bought our home in 2017, complete with blinds dangling by a thread from the arched window up top:
It doesn’t exactly scream House for Sale, right? More like Stay away…stay far far away!
2018
And here is what it looked like after the initial Phase One redo:
It really did look so naked compared to the before but so much cleaner and much more welcoming!
2021
And here is last year’s update:
Much more welcoming than where is started for sure!
2022
This year, I swapped out the planters and replaced our flag, but that is about it…
I love the contrast of the black mulch against the green! This is the mulch I used here. (No affiliation.)
And my spring hydrangea wreath is the same one I’ve used for Spring since I made it in 2019:
The Porch View
It wasn’t easy to see past all the overgrown everything when we were house hunting, but one thing that really stood out was the porch. I loved this porch, especially the large space on the side!
2017
Here is the view of the right side of our porch when we bought it:
2018
Here it is after the first makeover:
Plant babies!
2021
And this is what this side looked like last year:
I shared a closer look at our porch last year in this post if you want to see more!
2022
And here it is today:
Look at my privet tree! It grew a lot in just one year! That’s a Japanese Waxleaf Privet, and it is often used for privacy hedges, but I love them shaped into small trees! My bushes have also really grown on this side.
The spiky perennials I planted last year got way too tall, so I pulled those out at the end of the summer last year. I have yet to replace them with anything.
The walkway
2018
I didn’t have an original 2017 photo of this walkway view, but here it is after the first makeover:
I had opted to use the same chestnut mulch as we used at our last house, but I didn’t love it at this house at all.
2021
Last year, I chose a darker brown which I did like better…
2022
But I am loving the black this year!
It just makes the green pop! ( Can you tell I really love the black mulch??)
Under the dining room window
2017
The area below our dining room window started out like this:
2018
And after removing and replacing what was there…
So naked ha ha! I love the look of knock out roses, but I do not love pruning them, so they had do go!
2021
And last year…
2022
And here is this view now:
You can see my privet tree and bushes have really grown on this side too. Look how much closer my little tree is to the dining room window!
Our newest landscaping project
Our main project last year was to add another bed with a tree to the left side of our yard.
2021
Here is the before from that corner:
And the progress I shared:
If you compare the last two photos, you can see I moved some things around and replaced the four foundation shrubs beneath the windows on the left side there with new boxwoods. The old holly bushes were moved to the back yard. They were not doing well in that spot at all. I also brought the red fringe shrub to the left corner (from the other side of the house) to balance out the Japanese maple a bit.
And here is how this view looked when I was done:
2022
This bed has done really well!
Here is how it looks now:
Do I need to say it? (I do! black mulch)
My daylillies came in really strong this year, and the Crape Myrtle tree we planted has really grown too!
The front yard is all me, and my hubby has the entire back yard to do with as he pleases. However, my hubby is in charge of the grass. He refuses to hire anyone to come treat it for us, and he has been working hard for the last five years to turn it around. It was all weeds when we moved in. All his hard work is finally paying off!
Under the Garage Windows
This bed isn’t my favorite as I’m still trying to find what works here, but the red fringe bush I moved to the end spot over there has loved its new home! The four boxwoods I added along the wall last year are doing really well. Once they grow in more, I think I’ll be happier with this bed.
I filled in the gaps, left by some Azaleas that hated this area, with some purple Petunias for a little more color over here.
The Front view
2018
Here is the front view of our home after the first phase:
2021
And last year:
2022
And here is how it looks today:
Pay no attention to the yard debris I didn’t realize was there while I was taking pictures lol.
Instead, check out how much that tree near our curb has grown! That is the most it’s grown since we’ve lived here! Crazy!
I am so happy with how our landscape is evolving!
My window box planters that I found on Amazon HERE are still one of my favorite additions to our outdoor space! These are the 36″ ones.
They add SO much charm!
That’s last year’s photo since I forgot to get a close up for today. I was vigilant about watering them last year and enjoyed them all the way into the fall. It was so sad to finally let them go!
I hope you enjoyed seeing the progression of our front yard landscaping today. A year makes a big difference in a landscape!
You can visit my final garden tour of our old home also if you like. It was even worse!
See what we did with it here!
I’ll be back with this bunch of yard sale pieces I rescued from my own yard sale and redid:
UPDATE: No need to come back! See them all HERE now!
Have an amazing weekend!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, everything looks so amazing! I can’t believe how much everything has grown. I love how beautiful it all looks. I wish my neighbors took care of their yards like you and your hubby! Beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! Our landscaping really had a rough start, so I am so thrilled to see it doing well a few years later! We have amazing neighbors except the ones directly to the left of us, who are renters who just do not care at all. A little effort goes a long way for sure! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Tonna Chavez-Ott says
Hi Christy…your yard looks beautiful, I love the look of the black mulch as well!
But a caution though…if it is black dyed mulch it can harm your plants and trees by the dye leaching into the soil. There is a black mulch called “black velvet” here in the Houston area that does not have dye in it…I don’t know if it is available where you are, but maybe there would be something comparable though. Your yard is beautiful and your hard work was amazing! I love your site by the way…I always look forward to receiving your emails, thank you!
Take care and be safe…Tonna Chavez-Ott
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tonna! That is good information to know! We usually do buy dyed mulch, but this is the first time we’ve tried the dyed black, so hopefully it will be okay! XOXO
Christina says
Wow, your landscaping efforts are paying off handsomely!! Absolutely gorgeous!!!
I also love the landscaping of your old home. Very charming and cozy.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Christina! I have really enjoyed watching it progress over the years! And I miss my old landscaping, but I don’t miss the work of that one lol! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Your yard looks so pretty and so glad you kept the window boxes. Yes and the black mulch looks perfect with everything. You have been so busy. Didn’t get to see the bread box until this morning; something went wrong with your email Tues (my computer I’m sure). Such a cute make-over.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! Yes, the window boxes came down over the winter and we just put them back up. I’m enjoying having them back up again! Glad you enjoyed the bread box redo, my friend! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Beautiful yard! I’d love to see how you landscaped around your pool!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! No you wouldn’t lol…it’s just grass ha ha! I usually freshen up the deck with new flowers in my pots, but the back yard is my hubby’s domain to do as he pleases. He loves tinkering in his gardens all weekend, but let’s just say that they are a work in progress! Hopefully, one day he’ll be done enough to share. 🙂 XOXO
Lorri says
So lovely Christy.. your hard work is showing. You can tell you have a love for landscaping . Have you ever thought of a water feature? The trickling of water is so soothing. The black mulch is a statement… wow you really bought alot. That is my favorite brand as well.
Ps I must have been following you for a long time.. I remember your old house…lol..
Christy says
Thank you, Lorri! I love getting out there and making it all pretty! A water feature would be amazing for sure!! And yes, you have been with me a while and I SO appreciate it!! XOXO
Char says
Great job Christy! I can see you’ve put in a lot of hard work. One suggestion: have you considered adding something trailing to your railing boxes? I think it would look lovely to add something a little airier for softness along with your purple petunias. I love your posts and follow all your makeovers. Very inspiring!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Char! The petunias will actually start to trail over the boxes as they grow…they got quite long last year! Thank you so much for following along with me…I so appreciate it!! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Your home and garden are gorgeous Christy! And what fun to see how all your hard work is paying off over the years – gorgeous! And ya, I’m a huge fan of black mulch too. 😊 Enjoy your weekend and ‘move’ with Jack! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my sweet friend! It is so fun to look back and see how everything has grown! And I’m not excited about moving Jack out this weekend…third floor apt, but I am so excited to have him home yay! XOXO
Cheryl in Charlottesville says
You are amazing Christy. Such a hardworking gal. Everything you do is “chef’s kiss” perfection. Enjoy your weekend with the kiddo (even though it’s not fun work, it’ll be rewarding) ❤️
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Cheryl! I really appreciate that! Yes, I will be near you this weekend! Jack has a third floor apt this year, so that won’t be fun, but I’m so looking forward to having him home! XOXO
Diana Cosgrove says
Gorgeous home Christy… you’ve done a magnificent job of transforming your landscape … looks like a million dollars! My favorite part of your project? The United States American Flag! I drive through my town here in Massachusetts and I am so surprised how many residents do not show any pride in our great country. The U.S. takes and always has taken good care of us here, where life is so beautiful. I enjoy your sunny disposition and uplifting projects every week… thank you so much! Diana
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Diana! Our flag is like the icing on the cake…it wouldn’t be complete without it! I agree 100%! XOXO
Fran Blunt says
So beautiful! Could you come to Pennsylvania and do my yard? You have great vision.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Fran! It depends…are you having better weather than we are at the moment? Ha ha! XOXO
Robyn Wright says
I love the black mulch. I’m using it this year as well.
Christy says
Yes! It makes all the green really pop! XOXO
Michele M. says
Your house pride sure shows – it’s amazing how much better all your hard work has done to make it awesome. Seriously- your home and gardens are stunning, Christy.
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Michele! Thank you so much!! XOXO
Sandy says
Christy,
Your landscaping innovations & progress are amazing!
However, I am not interested in your landscaping ventures for reasons related to my different topography, geography & growing seasons. However, I do love your blogs for your painting & upsizing “how to’s” using Dixie Belle & other products and have purchased these products through your website because of your blog. If your future plans will include your landscaping adventures I will likely frequent another blogger who limits her/his experiences using Dixie Belle products.
Don’t mean to offend, just “saying”. Thanks for allowing me to honestly express myself.
Christy says
Thank you, Sandy! I usually only share our yard at most, once a year. The other 100+ posts I share during the year are mostly thrifty makeovers. I do like to share my yard because I’ve worked really hard on it and I think it’s fun to see how it started compared to how it is now. 🙂 XOXO
Cynde says
You have done such a beautiful job with your landscaping!!!! Thanks for sharing, but I had to tell you, I laughed out loud when you mentioned your husband and his grass!!!! My husband is the same way, he says that gardeners use the same mower on every lawn they mow, so they transfer weeds/seeds, and he will never have a gardener, for that reason. Our lawn is beautiful and weed free, so maybe there is something to be said for that. I enjoy your blog and look forward to all of your makeovers!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cynde!! Ha ha my husband says the exact same thing, and it makes sense lol! Thank you for following along with me!! XOXO
Josee says
Everything looks great!
Christy says
Thank you, Josee!! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Congratulations Christy! Your hard work ALWAYS pays off! I hope you’ll have Jack at home for the summer 😀
Christy says
Thank you so much, Connie!! Ha ha! XOXO
Karen Moore says
Everything looks so good. I love the darker mulch. To me mulch is the finishing touch, kind of like jewelry to an outfit.
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! I agree! XOXO
Addie says
HA!!! You wreaked the whole vibe by getting rid of the window shade hanging by a thread. I loved it!!!! I would NOT want to be re-roofing that house down the road….oh!! so many layers and angles…$$$ ouch! Landscaping can really make or break a house. In the hood here, we have an 87 yr. old that does nothing…scary…hoarder too!!! We got together and offered help but NO WAY will she let us. It’s a waiting game at this point.
I like the black mulch too because you have the black in the brickwork, address numbers and lights. All going good!!! Keep it up!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Addie!! The dangling shade was a big selling point lol! Yes, that roof will be a doozy for sure! And what a shame about your neighbor. Have a fantastic weekend!! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Way to go, girl! You can see all the love you’ve poured into your yard. I like to have my landscaping pristine, too! And the black mulch is definitely the way to go — I’m thinking I will have to try this as well. Really loved seeing all the progress you’ve made. Have fun with the move this weekend : )
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debbie!! Yes, it feels so good to pull up to a nice, neat yard you can be proud of! And I am really loving the black mulch so far…glad I went with it! Have a fantastic weekend! XOXO
Petra says
Love the changes you’ve made over the years – nothing beats beautiful greenery in the garden. I also love American and Canadian architecture of all types. We’re a little bit boring in Australia! I also find it interesting how your mailbox is by the road. Is the roadside kerb part of your garden as well? Our kerbs are all council property but as property owners we still have to mow them – not really allowed to plant them with anything except the odd council trees that they have to approve. Our mailboxes have to be on our property – generally placed besides our driveway at the front.
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! I remember our home in Exmouth on the NW Cape when I lived there as a child being all cinderblock. I guess it helped to keep us cool? Our mailboxes here are either on the curb so the mail carrier can deliver mail easily from their mail trucks, or some homes have them by the front door and the mail carrier delivers on foot. That strip of land by the curb is owned by the city here also, but we are expected to maintain it. I’ve never been told that we can’t plant there, but our sprinklers don’t reach that area, so we did just to make it pretty instead of dead grass lol. Our neighborhood planted and maintain the trees in that space, so very similar to you! I love learning about the different ways we do things…so interesting! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! XOXO
Kathy says
Wow!!! This looks amazing!!! My yard looks like your before photos so this gives me inspiration! My mom would say, “No grass grows under your feet, Christy!” You have such vision for everything you do! Your hard work pays off! I just showed my husband your photos and suggested we start by using an edger. Thanks for sharing all of your projects!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kathy! Yes…defining the beds and sharpening up those edgers is a fantastic way to start! I just use a manual edger very similar to this that I can do by hand: https://amzn.to/3wdNMu5 Have a great weekend! XOXO
Becky says
You are still my landscaping hero. I LOVE your work!
Everything is growing in so nicely, and yes, the black mulch DOES make it all look even better! 😄🥰 Absolutely lovely!!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Becky! I am SO thrilled to see everything growing so nicely after it had a rough start! Have a fantastic weekend! XOXO