Possible Yard Upgrades
Its hard not to get discouraged when you watch TV about all the upgrades and changes people are making to their yards without getting a bit frustrated, especially if you dont have an unlimited budget. I was there until I decided to do something about it last year. I simply looked at what I could do within my budget and I have been able to do far more then I had ever thought.
Our culture is all about what you cant do or dont have. I decided to put together a list of what I could do, along with a list of what my friends could do as well. Between all of us there was a plethora of experience, knowledge and talent. I knew my friend may not have time to help me but they would be glad to lend me their knowledge and experience and a few tools, if needed.
My wife and I hen made a list of everything we would like to have or see in the yard. It included things like a greenhouse and storage shed but also had some things like raised beds, flowerbeds and a garden area for growing food and a nice sitting area where we could relax.
Now this was a lot of stuff and at first it seemed overwhelming. I talked to a couple of my friends and one of them suggested I start with making some changes on what we had. So I sketched out a plan to enlarge the deck and move the fence line as far back as possible with a drive through gate in the back so we could bring a truck in if we need to.
Dealing with the fence and deck was a job but it was well worth it. I did some research and found out that once you have these items you have to take care of them by sealing them for your weather conditions, which we did. My wife found some great wooden post caps to finish off the look and protect the posts as well and it still looks fantastic!
As things have progressed since then we have made great progress. We purchase what we want in kit form and move on from there. Doing it this way has worked out great. We arent finished and just chip away at it as we can. Even though its not complete its far better than it was this time last year.
What I love about the kits is they come ready to assemble and install. Of course the shed took longer to put together than the raised beds but it was still quicker than I had thought it would be. Weve been able to do the renovations that we choose to do at the rate we can afford. We think we will be completely done by the end of summer this year. Im almost sad because I have had a blast and Ill have to find something else to do. My wife is thinking kids are next; Im thinking a new kitchen!