We Are Not A Sore Thumb!

Almost a year ago, well 11 months, we moved into our house. When we were searching for a home, one of the things that drew us into this neighborhood was that all the houses were so clean and tidy and all had landscaping, that is except ours! Although we had what you call a shrub mustache, I think we stuck out because everyone else had complete landscaping. Since there were many things we wanted to do with our house, landscaping had to wait. I had heard that a good time to plant was before winter so the plants could do whatever it is they do so they don't die (you can see how much I know about landscaping).

We thought about hiring a landscaper, but figured it would be too expensive. I finally sat down with Craig and asked he thought he could do it. His dad had a tiller and our neighbor had a bunch of tools he was letting us borrow. So finally we decided to break ground and see where we could get. Before I get to the after pictures, here is our house right after we bought it.

Last weekend Craig, Chad and Doug started digging up the grass in front of the mustache. We wanted to see what kind of soil we had and turns out we had super wet clay. After they took all the grass out, they decided to let it dry out before they took out the tiller. So it sat like this all last week drying.

The corner of the house drying.

Fast forward to this weekend, Friday Craig and his dad tilled and mixed in the growing ingredients. Then we let that settle and dry some more. Saturday, Craig and his dad picked out the Austin stone for the boarder. When we left for Levi's birthday, it was just laying in the front yard. But when we got back, we were surprised to find that Doug and Chad had laid the boarder in place for us, yay! Here is the front before we planted after the boarder was laid.

More of the boarder pre plant.

And here is the finally product!

We ended up planting azaleas, pansies, basil, and a few dwarf bush things. It really enhanced our mustache, haha! No, but seriously it is really a huge transformation in my eyes. I think our house really fits in now and looks really amazing. It is probably something you have to see in person, but I took a good amount of pictures so hopefully that will help you see!

Finished product with lights.

Pansies in the mailbox.

Front by the door.

Middle of the house.

Side of the house.

More side, we left space for a swirly bush, I love those things!

Whole house finished product.

I really have to thank my fabulous husband and his family. While Craig, Doug and Chad did all the hard pulling and tilling, Yong and I planted, so it was truly a family effort. It was also a great birthday present because we did not have to pay for any of it, thank you! It really is a great time to do gardening because everything is on super sale. All in all I know it would have been way more expensive to hire someone to do it. We still want to buy a tree to go in front of the round window on the far right side of the house, but that will also have to wait. Trees are so expensive!

Craig claims he is not built for manual labor, but he sure did a great job. I had to give him an icy hot back rub last night, but I am sure he will be as good as new soon. We both agree is was worth the wait and we are so proud of the finished product now.