An Overrun Exterior Gets Some Much Needed Sweat Equity

The 'before' with our mulch pile in the street

After numerous years of neglect and abandonment, the front, side and back yard of our house where in dire need of help. In a previous weekend, we were able to tackle the rock garden back yard but the side yard (upper and lower) were both in need of major help.  Not only were the weeds and overgrown vegetation unsightly but the high level of dirt was pushing moisture and dirt into the basement and the ivy was eating away the the stone.

Dre & Gregg

Thanks to some extra help from Dre, who had super-human strength and way too much energy, we were able to tackle the unthinkable in two back-breaking LONG days:

• Built impromptu wheelbarrow ramp for easier upper-to-lower level movement. Without traction this became a launching ramp for wheelbarrows full of dirt which may sound fun but you try keeping up with a quick moving wheelbarrow filled with over 100 pounds of dirt!

Wheelbarrow Ramp @ Back Stairs

• Removed 1,200 pounds of dirt (upper level).

Crucial tools: shovels, rake, level, tape measure

Ground level no longer above basement window ledges

• Fixed  broken wheelbarrow (mid-dirt removal cycle)

• Laid weed guard (upper level)
• Spread mulch cover (upper level)

Utilizing the Ramp to Bring up Mulch

More Ramp/Mulch Action

• Removed years of overgrown weeds. There are no photos as there were no photo opps in the midst of me using every four-letter-word as I pulled the grossest, most stubborn weeds out ever and fought against swarms of bugs, garden snakes and rotten trash.
• Poured new cement block to encase the unstable lamppost

• Dug flower beds around irises, a quick yet effective way Gregg learned from his mom, the landscape designer.

• Spread mulch around beds (lower level)

(notice infinite row of dumpster bags)

Now all this was accomplished amidst numerous neighbors stopping by to say hi and comment on the project. The comments raised from inquiring about what company we were (umm, actually we own this place but thanks for thinking we look professional?) to what are we doing post-mulch (not worrying about the non-stop weeds?). All in all, the yard looks great and while not a finished project, it will do until next spring!