Hello amazing friends! With the kitchen floor tile demo (Read more about that project HERE.) getting underway yesterday, it was perfect timing to share the updates we made to our front yard landscaping just a couple of weeks ago!
I thought it would be fun to see the progression from when we first purchased our home nearly four years ago to the first phase makeover, and then to the most recent update, so I’m going to share it that way!
Here is how our home looked when we moved in in the Summer of 2017:
Yikes! My husband did not want to buy this house because it wasn’t very well cared for, and for what we were spending, he wanted a home in pristine condition. It’s a good thing I can see past all that! Underneath it all, it was amazing!
However, it had been a rental for several years, and the landscaping had become very overgrown.
In 2018, we pulled out everything except for the Japanese maple on the right corner, and started fresh:
You can see that transformation HERE.
I’ll admit that it looked a little naked after, but still SO much better! I didn’t water as properly as I should have and with an unusually dry Spring the following year, the growth of just about everything was really stunted. Fast forward to the following year and things started to finally take off.
I had planned last Spring to get out there and move some things around and replace a few things that weren’t looking so good, but COVID hit and that was that.
I was determined that this year I was going to get things in order!
Here is how this view looks now:
It actually has some life to it now!
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, I wanted more of a structured landscape that was easier to maintain.
The Front Entry
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!
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!
And here is what our entry looks like today:
Now it says Welcome! Come on in! We don’t eat people lol. Side note: The colorful spinning flower in that photo was a surprise my son’s teachers left in our garden bed. It says Brennan Rocks on it. We really hit the jackpot with teachers this year!
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!
Here is the view of the right side of our porch when we bought it:
And here it is after the first makeover:
Plant babies!
And this is what this side looks like now:
Plant teenagers! And it has personality now!
I’ll give y’all a closer look at the porch on Thursday since I already have too many photos, but it is one of my favorite and most used spaces!
I didn’t find an original before photo of the next view of our landscaping, but here it is after the first makeover:
And here is how it looks now:
Under the dining room window
The area below our dining room window once looked like this:
And after pulling out the hot mess in that spot, it looked like this:
So naked ha ha!
Here is how it looks now…
Better! It’s getting there and things are finally growing! The small tree at the back will eventually grow and fill in that corner. All the original Liriope across the front was eaten by rabbits and then pretty much died off. I replaced it the following year and sprayed with a rabbit-repellent product, but they didn’t thrive either.
Finally, I replaced them last year with these ones that my sister was getting rid of from her garden. I guess because they were well established, they were heartier and have done really well.
Our newest landscaping project
Our main project this year was to add another bed with a tree to the left side of our yard.
Here is the before from that corner:
I shared this progress photo a few weeks back:
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 pretty 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 looks now:
And from the porch:
Here is where I stole the fringe bush from:
Here is the front view after the first phase:
And now:
Our next outdoor project for the front will be adding shutters, but we’re in no rush for those.
Trash Can Project
I mentioned previously that I was also working on a trash can project, and some of you guessed that it was something to hide them. I wish!
Unfortunately, no. We can only use brick to create a garbage can enclosure according to our HOA and it has to match our existing brick, so that won’t be happening any time soon.
Here is what I was referring to…
Our garbage cans used to sit on the left side of our home in this dirt-filled area:
Classy! (Our outdoor water spigot is in that back corner.)
About two years ago or so, my hubby brought home two stone pavers to color match the brick. He had very good intentions, but those two pavers have been sitting there since.
After finally tweaking the front to make it all pretty, I knew I had to keep going in this area.
I measured, dug out the area, laid crushed paver base, then paver sand, and then the pavers, and at the end of the day, I ended up with this:
And now this area looks like this:
Wow, grown-ups actually live here now!
Better, no?
I am so happy with our new and improved landscape!
One of my favorite additions this year are the window boxes I hung over our porch railing:
I found them on Amazon HERE. These are the 36″ ones. I paid about $120 for a set of two.
They add SO much charm!
Now if I can keep them watered lol.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the updates we’ve made!
I’ll be back on Thursday with my porch!
UPdate: See our updated porch here now!!
I’ll see y’all then!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Rose Lefebvre says
It is always amazing how a little change in landscaping can make such a big difference.
Christy says
Yes…so true! Have a great day, Rose! XOXO
Pam Walsh says
Beautiful !!! Y’all have made so many wonderful improvements to your home ! It looks amazing ! Enjoy your week !
Christy says
Thank you so much, Pam!! It has been so nice seeing it all come together. Enjoy your week too! XOXO
Sherin says
Thank you for sharing these pictures of your beautiful home. It’s been lovely to sit here with a cuppa and enjoy looking at them.
Christy says
Oh I am so glad you enjoyed them, Sherin! Thank you! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow girl you have been busy! It all looks so beautiful now! I have a lot of flower beds and lots of landscaping to maintain, you were so smart to go with shrubs that you don’t have to do any thing to like my flowers. It looks amazing and it will give you more time for fun stuff like Tuesdays and Thursdays make overs! Thanks for sharing your beautiful yard!!
Christy says
Ha ha yes, I sure have! Thank you so much! Although I do love more flowers in my landscape, I agree that it is nice to have something easy to maintain. And for sure…more time for makeovers!! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Christy, it’s lovely!! Thanks for sharing… 😄. I’ve always found that planting /digging in the dirt is so invigorating… and good for our mental health!!! 😊
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! I absolutely agree! XOXO
Deb says
It all looks so fresh and beautiful! My favorite part is the flower boxes – they’re the perfect finishing touches – but it all looks just wonderful. It must feel so good to drive up and see your beautiful yard! And what a lovely view from your front porch. Happy spring!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Deb! The window boxes are my favorite too! And yes, I love pulling up to our home now! XOXO
Janice Holt says
How you ever been busy but don’t you love being outside in the beautiful Spring weather. Everything looks so fresh and pretty. The Japanese Maple is beautiful and one of my favorites in the flower boxes on the porch railing. I also have a question; does Dixie Belle have a true sage green paint and if so, what is the name of the color. Thanks.
Christy says
I do absolutely love being outside playing in the dirt! I have missed it so! Thank you, my friend! Dixie Belle has a color called dried sage, but it is lighter than a traditional sage I believe. Give it a Google and see what you think. XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Has it really been 4 years, Christy?!? You have accomplished so much, inside and out it, I forgot how it started. It doesn’t look like a backdrop for your Halloween extravaganza anymore 😁 What a warm, welcoming entrance for a warm, welcoming family.
It takes time for a garden to fill in and yours is looking lovely already. With all that beauty, is it crazy that my favorite thing is the big rocks for the downspout?
Christy says
I know, right? Time is flying! Thank you, Marcie! I actually thought about sprinkling in some Halloween pictures ha ha! And no, I love the rocks too! They break up the landscape perfectly. Have a fantastic day! XOXO
Christina says
Wow, Christy, this is “mike drop” beautiful! I don’t know what to mention because it all looks so amazing. Go you with the trash and recycling landing area. Love the curved bed in the front. Your house really shines with joy!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Christina! That means a lot!! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Don’t you love when a plan comes together! Your home is lovely. I attempted to work in the yard over the weekend and after being run out by a HUGE white oak runner a.k.a. scary snake, I went inside my shed and painted stuff for my booth. A snake by any other name is still a dang snake! :0
Christy says
Yes!! Thank you, Cecilia! Oh no…that would have sent me running too!! XOXO
Stacey says
You are just awesome!!! And, I am thankful how you give me such inspiration in so many ways. Many blessings to you!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Stacey! I appreciate that!! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
I love to see progression of projects! Your front yard is so pretty and what a neat lay out. Not too much and not too little – just right! I love Japanese Maple trees, but I don’t have one yet! Thanks for sharing all the details with photos and comments. Truly a beautiful home with lots of curb appeal! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sue! I’m glad you enjoyed the updates! I love that maple too…I’m so glad we chose to keep it! Enjoy your week also! XOXO
Molly says
You really do work magic, Christy. And what a worker you are!! You sure don’t let the grass grow under YOUR feet (sorry about the pun!). How proud you must be of your end result. It’s gorgeous!!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Molly! I am so pleased with how it turned out for sure! XOXO
Julie says
Your yard is looking just beautiful! It’s always so encouraging to see the before and after pictures to see how your vision has come to life!
You and Nancy from Artsy Chics are my Tuesday and Thursday morning cofffee companions! I love seeing all your makeovers, and you both have inspired me to get that paint can opened and accomplish a few makeovers of my own, lol! And seeing the other trash to treasure girls is always a bonus!
Keep the ideas coming, a faithful reader in Canada! 💕☕️💕
Christy says
Thank you, Julie! I’m so glad you enjoy what we share, and being inspired to create is the best! XOXO
Niki says
Very nice, and welcoming ! Japanese maple is one of my favorites. Unfortunately they won’t grow in our zone.
Prayers for a blessed week and that your projects go well.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! I’m so glad we chose to keep the Japanese maple! Enjoy your week too! XOXO
Kathy from Jax says
Wow! what a transformation. You really have beautiful curb appeal now. And, you’re right….your house says: “Look at me…wanna come visit?” (did I put those quotation marks in the right place?) See you on Thursday.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathy! And yep…your quotation marks are perfect! See ya Thursday! XOXO
Carolyn Price says
You are amazing!! I remember the before/after photos of your previous home’s yard. Unbelievable! You have many talents, Christy … and more energy than all the shores have sand!! XO
Christy says
Aww thank you, Carolyn! I appreciate that so much!! XOXO
Toby Peplow says
Wow–it really does look like a different house! Its truly amazing what landscaping does for our homes! Beautiful! And I love the new pavers–and I know how hard that little section probably was to do!! My husband is a mason…you nailed it sister!! Great job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Toby! And yes, I had no idea that small paved area would take the whole day! XOXO
Nancy Sharp says
Wow! That’s a lot of yard work! But the results are lovely. I can’t wait to see the porch.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Nancy!! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Your home and yard is gorgeous Christy… it’s come a long way with all the work you’ve put in. And I LOVE those window boxes on the porch as well! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! The window boxes are my favorite!! XOXO
Gail Frye says
It all looks amazing! You’ve done a terrific job – your hard work has really paid off. Now you can sit with a cold drink, put your feet up,
and enjoy your lovely front porch and front yard….job well done!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gail! I have really been enjoying the porch with these beautiful spring days! XOXO
Donna Nance says
Your landscaping is beautiful and enhances your pretty house! Old Glory flying from your front porch is the perfect touch. I chuckled when I read about the liriope. Our Chihuahuas regularly raise their legs on the plants and they actually grow very well. Dressing up your trash can area makes things look nice and tidy.
Christy says
Thank you, Donna! Who knew Liriope liked chihuahua piddle ha ha! XOXO
Sandy says
I love everything you have done. We have been working on our outside also. We replaced our shutters. My husband made them out of cedar board and batten style. This made a huge difference in curb appeal. You can order the hardware from Architectural Depot for a good price. We also have the same garage door as you. Painted them two tone making a big difference also.
Christy says
Thank you, Sandy! We made similar shutters for our old house…it really makes such a difference! XOXO
Carol Iskenderian says
Fantastic yard make over. You will probably save on water as well with your well planned shrubs, etc. Great job on all fronts.
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! Oh yes…for sure about saving water! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
“complete with blinds dangling by a thread from the arched window up top”; it may not have screamed house for sale but it sure would have went with your Halloween display’s! LOL Anyway your house is gorgeous. I have zero green thumb ability, so mine looks somewhat naked. Thank God for potted plants–the only thing to add color to my landscape!
Christy says
Ha ha! Yes, it would have gone marvelously with our Halloween decorations in its original state! Thank you, my friend! Potted plants are fantastic and can be changed out so easily! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
It all looks beautiful. I love your home.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! XOXO
Catherine Cave says
It’s gorgeous now! I love a front porch!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Catherine! I love a front porch too, and they aren’t easy to come by in our area, so I was sold on this one when I saw it! XOXO
LeAnn Hileman says
Looks gorgeous! Well done!
Christy says
Thanks so much, LeAnn! XOXO
Cecilia says
Great improvements! Love the bed along the drive and yay for a trashcan area that looks neat!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! That trash can project was a long time coming! XOXO
Addie says
WOW!!! Your home went from haunted to beauty!!! I pity the day you have to re-roof that home….$$$$$ That roofline in crazy…beautiful though.
Two things I always check before I buy: roofline, and NO HOA!!! Back in the day I had to replace a three pyramid roof and said NEVER again!!! As for the HOA…I want to do what I want at my own home. Most HOA’s don’t count the backyard…why can’t you make an enclosure on the other side of the fence, in the backyard for the garbage cans? AND why do they ALWAYS make those cans bright blue??? Greens, browns and black…better?? WHY!!!!???? They stick out like a sore thumb!!! My cans sat out front on the side and I had a fence built and stick ’em behind. It takes only about 30 seconds more to open the gate and roll them out.
The yard looks GREAT and I am sure your neighbors are very happy to have you!!!……..Oh! look at me being so chatty today!!! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Addie! We’re not looking forward to the day we have to replace the roof at all…it will be a beast and a bank breaker! Unfortunately, because we have to have iron fencing and you can see everyone’s back yard, any structures in the back must also be made of brick. It really stinks having no shed! And I hear ya on the color of the cans…our recycle bin is the brightest blue there is lol! Have a great week!!
Cindy says
A lot of hard work was poured into your landscaping projects! The results are truly beautimous! I use to do much more in the way of gardening and in a way I miss it. The old back doesn’t though 😉 Scaling back is accrued wisdom I think. Always a treat & inspiration to see your lovely creations!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cindy! I had a full-on garden that required quite a bit of upkeep…I’m hoping that going with mostly shrubs, that this one will be easier to maintain and easier on the back! XOXO
Patty says
Christy, your yard is so lovely!! The window boxes are beautiful! You continue to amaze me – you are talented is so many different areas 🙂
Looking forward to seeing your new kitchen floor – loved the sample. I can’t imagine what you’ve done to your porch, especially since I think it is beautiful as is! Thanks for sharing all your lovely creations – inside & out. ❤️
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Patty! I really appreciate your kind words! The window boxes might be my favorite addition. And the floor looks AMAZING so far…I’ll share a peek of it on Thursday along with our porch! XOXO
Elizabeth A Smith says
Hi!
I really love your home and the neighborhood. Where are you located? I’m going to guess North Carolina? That’s where I wanted to move to buy we moved to Phoenix AZ instead. The homes here don’t have the charm yours does!
Thanks
Beth Smith
Christy says
Thank you, Elizabeth! We are in Virginia Beach, Virginia right on the coast. XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!!! You have been busy! Absolutely loved seeing how well everything is growing in – looks great, Christy!
Love your new left side garden – it makes such a big difference!
Looking forward to seeing more of your porch. You have a gorgeous home and that porch is aces! Wish we had one! Those flower boxes are the very first thing I noticed about your lovely house curb appeal.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! I’m so glad we were finally able to add that new garden bed! And I really enjoy our porch…it was one of the things I loved most about this house! The window boxes really do add so much, if I can just keep them watered lol…so far, so good! XOXO
Becky says
Beautiful! I crown you Queen of the DIY Landscape. 😊 You do such beautiful, well thought out work! Yikes, having to match brick…?!? How about we make this easier on homeowners: someone design non-offensive garbage/recycle receptacles! 😁 Thanks for sharing! I love seeing your work and getting the ideas rolling in my own mind. 💕
Christy says
Aww thank you, Becky! And yes, I vote for that…make the trash cans nicer to look at! Have a great week! XOXO
Karen Moore says
Looks great! I have your makeover at the over house on my Pinterest board. It just looks 10 or 20 degrees cooler under that tree in the courtyard. Can’t believe the HOA wants a brick enclosure for the trash cans. So many options would be just as nice.
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! Yeah…our HOA is crazy! Anything would be better than the sight of the cans! XOXO
Barbara Zagrodnik says
Love all you have done! If you wanted to disguise the garbage cans even more you could add a piece of that black fencing on the front side. Have you ever considered shutters? I know some people don’t care for them but I think they add another layer to complement the windows. I tried to attach a pic but couldn’t where I just “painted” in some black ones to match railings. But dark brown would also match roof. You keep inspiring me to see objects in a new light. Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you, Barbara!! Yes…I believe I mentioned in the post that shutters will be our next outdoor project. I agree that they will really add something! And great idea about adding some of the iron fencing to help camouflage the cans. I think that would look great! XOXO
Linda says
Hello! I am currently trying to landscape my home as well. I love your rock downspout! Can you tell me the steps you took to make it? Thank you so much! You truly inspire me😊
Christy says
Hi Linda! Thank you! That was actually there previously, but we did remove all the rocks and build up the soil in that corner so that the water would flow away from the house. Then we just added the rocks back. Good luck with your landscape! XOXO