Our backyard area has come a long way, but it is still a work in progress. I thought I would give you an update before everyone is tired of Summer. Let’s take a look at my Before and After Backyard Transformation.
For those of you new here, we sold our large house and property and have moved into one of our former rentals. We don’t know if we will stay here, but we are enjoying being in town, so who knows. We have owned this house for over 25 years. Some renters liked to garden most didn’t. Here is what the backyard looked like when we started this project. FYI we wanted the whole yard to be more water-wise. This house is surrounded by nice homes except for one which happens to be visible from the backyard. This was the view from the backyard gate looking West.
After. We wanted a backyard area that could be easily maintained should this house become a rental again, and water conscious. The gravel is California Gold. All of the plantings are in greens and whites. Everything is on drip irrigation. Many of the plantings are in pots so we can take them with us if and when we move. Sorry, the picture isn’t better. Our days have been so gloomy lately. Both umbrellas will be the same color. I ordered them from Home Depot and one came in blue, so we had to substitute the one from the front yard. The fountain pots are planted with iceberg roses and white lantana. The wall is lined with Italian Cypress.
As you can see “Furrie” has adapted to becoming a town cat. The table in between the Ballard chairs is an old base from something that Steve unearthed in his warehouse. It is waiting for a stone top. The galvanized pail and watering can are flea market finds. You can find similar on Ebay here.
This was the area where we have our table now before.
Sorry,this is a different angle. Note house next door. That is why we planted the Cypress trees and raised the wall. The chairs surrounding the table are from World Market and sold out in all of California supposedly. That is another story. I didn’t want all of the furniture to match for a more collected look.
The urns (old but similar linked at the bottom of post) are filled with olive standards.
The vintage trough is filled with variegated plants in greens, whites, and purples.
This is the view looking East.
Behind the wall is the garage and an “add on” that was part of the structure that we inherited when we bought it. Steve used the “add-on” for his office for many years. That is why he built the wall to separate his office from the home so the renters would have some privacy. When we decided to move in here Steve thought it would be a good idea to tear down the wall to “open up” the backyard. I wasn’t so sure. The “add-on” wasn’t very attractive, and the garage wasn’t overflowing with charm either. He sent me these progress photos, and I really wasn’t sure. You can read about my original vision for this space here Designing a Small Town Garden here.
As I said, the “add-on” wasn’t all that pretty. I love a challenge, but I have to admit this one made me a little nervous. I was wishing the wall was still standing at this point. FYI, the “add-on” was to serve as my office. It was a bit dark and dreary in there with the tall wall.
As you can see we had our work cut out for us. You can read about my plan for the garden here at Backyard Town Garden Design. The area in front of the office still needs some work, but it is coming along.
This is what the wall along the garage looks like now. The chairs are by Suzanne Kasler for Ballard Designs. They are extremely well made and comfortable. The mirror is from Home Depot. The table was built by our friend Jim (now passed away). We had this coffee table and the dining table at the lake. Steve painted them a lighter color. I still need to distress the finish a bit more. The doors still need strap hinges. The Tuteurs on either side of the doors were also (built by Jim), a gift for my Birthday one year. They have white bower vine planted in the centers.
The table was built by our friend Jim (now passed away). We had this coffee table and the dining table at the lake but the bases were painted dark green. The vintage watering can and concrete sheep were thrifting finds several years ago. The pillows are from Pottery Barn. All available items are linked below the post.
Here is the little path that went to the side of the house with a beautiful view of the place next door (the only house near us that looks bad).
Steve decided to raise the fence for privacy and so our cat couldn’t get out. We got rid of the gate because there was no need to access that area. This little table and chairs resided inside the small courtyard outside the office. I think it looks fine here for now. We planted Italian Cypress and teucrium all along the back fence. Opposite the table are Hydrangeas and teucrium (too small to see). The architectural piece (part of an old newel post) we have had for years. We almost tossed it in the move.
All of the beds are planted in various shades of white. We will see how it works out as the garden matures. I did add purple in the trough on the table, I felt it was too stark without it. Metal on metal in all white was not very friendly. Thanks for reading Before and After Backyard Transformation. There are a couple of other areas that aren’t fit to photograph yet. I will try and update those areas on my Sunday favorites.
SHOP MY BACKYARD GARDEN ROOM
Cindy!!! Sorry for my late comment, we were at a wedding in Co Springs. THIS IS AMAZING! You did it so well, and so fast! Lucky you with a hubby who is interested and helpful in renovation. Great Job! I love it.
The wedding looked amazing!!
Your backyard is so gorgeous. As soon as I saw the photos on Instagram I had to switch to your blog to see it all! I look at each area and think it’s beautiful. Then I look at the whole thing and it’s even more beautiful! You have great vision and wonderful execution. The garden is both elegant and rustic at once. It is so welcoming! Thank you for sharing these pictures; they are inspiring. It made me smile to read that you use the yard every night. So glad you’re enjoying it.
Hi Judy
I have a cousin Judy Johnson! I thought you were her at first. Thank you for the sweet comment. We are enjoying our new space!
Buongiorno Cindy.,
Stupefacente trasformazione tutto perfetto come sempre. Adoro i cipressi, nel mio piccolo giardino in città sono contornata, a volte mi sembra di essere in Toscana, verde bellissimo e senso di serenità.
Hi Dora
I love the italian cypress as well. I recommended for my son’s garden and fell in love!
Hi Cindy
Wow, what a wonderful and speedy turnaround! Everything looks so good already. I envy how quickly you two got this done, it takes us 6 months just to make up our minds on a design.
I have a question: did you put the gravel over the cement that was already there, or did you tear that out first and then do weed cloth underneath the gravel? We have ancient from the 70’s cement with rocks ( can’t remember the proper name)walkways that are cracked and looked ragged that need to be replaced. If the gravel loan go over them that would mean I could get it done a lot sooner!
Anyway, great job Cindy!
XO Heidi
Hi Heidi
We did not put the gravel over the concrete as I mentioned to another reader, but Steve says it is okay as long as you don’t have a height issue. You should see the mess we have concrete wise in the front same thing…yuk! We may paint it. Three different kinds of ugly concrete
Cindy,
This space is looking wonderful. I can envision it once the cypress are grown a bit more and the planters are filled with white blossoms. So pretty. I love the fountain.
The whole home is looking like your wonderful style. This is such a great home.
Karen
Thank you Karen, we are very happy here so far!!
Hi Cindy!
The transition is wonderful! I love all of the little
areas styled for conversation, meals and sipping.
And how you styled that wonderful zinc topped table. The chairs look so chic and comfortable.
Hi Lynne
thank you so much…we love the tables our friend made for us. they are the only thing we did not sell with our lake house. we thought they might be too big here but we made them work. we think of Jim everytime we go outside. he is dearly missed.
You two are the perfect creative team. Everything looks lovely, the choices, scale, color and balance!! Thank you for the before and after pics. Wondering if everything will weather well in our California environment or do you feel the need to store anything?
Hi Maureen
We will cover the chairs once the rains come. I think they do fine if you don’t but they just look and hold up better in the long run.
The two of you are an amazing pair! This garden looks amazing and magical and the perfect garden for the city. I would love to have a drink or unwind in this mazing space.
Thank you Elizabeth I would love to have you here for a glass of wine anytime!!
I like what you have done but I get a bit lost figuring things out when the before and after pictures are not from exactly the same spot and direction….but maybe this is just me
Hi Lauren
I believe every picture except one has the proper direction. I hope that helps!!
Beautiful, Cindy! Whatever is that silver leafed plant grouping by your bistro table? I’m clueless, but probably won’t live in Florida anyway. The fountain is my fave, but the mirror is magical.
Hi Gayle
Here is the link to that plant. I think it is fairly new https://www.monrovia.com/angel-wings-174-senecio.html So far I am in love! I will keep you posted on how it does. The color is so unusual. I had terrible luck with lambs ears in my former garden. I am hoping this one is better!!
Thanks for the link. It’s good for my part of Florida after all! Hope you have good luck with yours. It is so unique!
Hi Gayle
Let me know how it works out for you!
It looks fabulous. May I copy ? Really love it.
Of course! I am so happy you like it!!
I am impressed.
Hi Linda
Thank you so much! I have the ideas, Steve is the genius. He has done this for over 40 years so he knows what you can and cannot do!!
Perfection in simplicity! I love the crunch of walking across gravel. I grew up in AZ, where few people had lush green lawns. Now I’m trying to convince my husband to ditch the grass. Kim’s (NorCal Style) front yard—and now this—are great inspiration!
Hi Cindy,
The transformation is really spectacular. I love everything you and Steve did. Back to back there is nothing you two can’t do. Give yourselves big hugs for creating such a welcoming and well thought out environment.
What a blessing that you both have the strength to do all this. You both are truly gifted. Thank you for inviting us in.
Such a big transformation in a small amount of time! Looks so good Cindy! Hope you enjoy as the weather starts to cool down.
This is wonderful. You really do have such talent.
I wonder if the neighbor in the not-so-great house next door reads your blog! I think that house has potential. I hope someone will help it realize it.
LOVE THIS CINDY!! You two are a great team…I know there was a ton of creativity and sweat involved. Great job.
Cindy,
Well done! Your garden is so pretty and looks inviting and relaxing. I like the all white plantings. One question though, I have made a small area of my garden paved with flagstone and pea gravel. It looks great and has the feel I wanted but it is so hot! I cannot step onto the gravel barefoot and I cannot sit on my bench unless it’s evening. I live in the midwest and it is south facing. I had not considered the sun exposure as a detriment. Shame on me!
Hi Sherry
Our weather doesn’t get real hot here so it isn’t much of an issue. I can see how in the heat of a midwest summer it could be a problem. We used to hose down our patio at the lake and it really cooled off the whole area.
It looks and feels different in every imaginable way. I know you will host memorable gatherings here, your specialty!
Hi Pat
I owe you a phone call. Being gone, trying to catch up and my niece Lisa is coming today!
Thank you for all the before photos! They really help one to see beyond what is and embrace creating something of beauty. This is a lovely transformation. Well done. You have such a gift of creating beautiful spaces. I look forward to seeing it mature and evolve. Also, so glad your cat is adjusting well to city life.
Hi Kathleen
Interestingly enough the 12 year old cat adjusted better than the 10-year-old dog. Both are happy now though thankfully. The cat also lost her brother right before we moved so it is miraculous that she has done so well.
Simply amazing transformation! We have also downsized and we are dealing with a small patio in front and rear so I am thrilled with your ideas especially the fountain area! Can’t wait for more reveals, Cindy!
Hi Sharon
Stop by next time you are in Salinas. I want to see what you have done as well!!
Stunning! Did you feel the need to weatherize the mirror? If so, how did you accomplish that?
Hi Marilyn
No I absolutely want the mirror to age. The mirror should just get better with age. I have taken them apart and aged them before. I am hoping mother nature will help me this time!!
The yard turned out wonderfully as we all knew it would. It’s so fortunate that you have a husband (and maybe some of his crew?) to do the house and garden transformation so quickly. The rest of us would still be struggling with the trades and timing. Even in it’s immature stage, the garden area looks inviting!
Do you find that the DG/ gravel gets tracked in onto your hardwood floors? I have that problem a bit even though I have a flagstone courtyard separating the area of yard with the DG and it’s mostly shoes off inside but there are still little rocks that find their way in.
Is the top of your dining table zinc?
Hi Wren
Yes, thank god Steve had a job that they are still waiting on. He was able to get some of his subs to squeeze us in, but it did take a lot of planning on his part. It has been a good time for him to get a taste of what retirement is like. I think he is tired of all my projects!!
Whoops I didn’t finish the rest of the question. We too have flagstone that goes to the trash cans and the back door but we get very little in the house. Maybe we are just used to it!!
Dang! Yes the top of the tables are zinc. We had them fabricated when Jim built them. I love how they wear and get kind of raunchy looking. You can always take light steel wool to the top if you want it more perfect.
It is looking SO good! Love the plants you chose! And I have been searching for a fountain but have not found an affordable one yet . Next spring your garden will be in full bloom! I think adding purple was a great idea. And your add-on office? I know you will transpire it with the Spanish Colonial look. I’d be adding wooden posts sticking out! Rafter ends? 🤷🏼♀️! And maybe some corbels! I love that look! Can’t wait to see it as you collected look comes to fruition! And please let us know how the gravel works out with Beau! Thinking about using it but not sure my dogs will like laying on it. I’ll have to provide a chair for them!
Hi Marcia
Beau is used to gravel because we have never had a blade of grass in his lifetime. Our lake home had a gravel patio, and we had gravel pathways at our other home. He lays in it for awhile until he gets hot and then goes in the office!
I love what you’ve done, the yard and interior .
You inspire me to try new things in my spaces
Hi Janet
I am so happy to hear that!
Looks absolutely wonderful!! You and Steve are a great team!!
How did Steve have the wall raised? Does it have a cement block base, then plastered.
We had a huge rock retaining wall built this summer, to address our landslides. The wall is over 4 meters high, then a terrace, then another 3 meters high topped off by a slope. Our landscape architect is coming tomorrow, to design the plantings. Taking inspiration from all you do!!
**fingers crossed**
Hi Robin
It sounds like you are immersed in a big project! Interestingly enough the wall inbetween us and the neighbor was cement block. The other was a wood frame base and plastered over that. So we had both challenges!!
Wow it’s beautiful and you’re not even finished yet! I really enjoy watching the progress. I do have a question though did you remove the concrete between the house and the garage or just lay the gravel on top of it?
Hi Margarita
I asked Steve. We did jackhammer out the concrete but he said you do not need to unless you have a height issue. Hope that helps!
Dear Cindy,
The California gold pea gravel with the color of the walls create seamless warmth. Your conscious choice of plants and drip are inspirational.
I hope you’re finding time to sit and drink in the beauty.
Warmly, Diney on Camano Island.
Hi Diney!
We sit out there every night with a glass of wine! Cheers!
Beautiful and peaceful bit of paradise!
Hi Mary
thank you so much for the book!! you guys need to come visit again! It was so much fun seeing you while in Indiana.
Love this transformation! I also love the color you painted the walls, doors and shutters. Can you tell us what you used for paint colors?
Thank you
Hi Suzanne
We do not know what the color is on the walls. It is so old and it has been color-matched so many times that we have no idea, unfortunately. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is Manchester Tan but have no way of knowing. The green is new and it is benjamin moore kennebunkport green.
Hi Suzanne
Kennebunkport Green for the doors and shutters. Unfortunately the original color is a mystery. We haven’t changed it in 25 years, but had it color matched (sometimes not so accurate) several times over the years. It could be Manchester Tan.
What an amazing transformation, but coming from one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen, I knew it would be fabulous. You truly worked wonders with a small space and it goes so well with the design of the house and feels so inviting. Seems there are a lot of people changing their landscaping to work with our draught situation, however, very few are done well. Yours is perfection!
Hi Gail
I always wished that I had made bigger paths in my old garden. Now that I am older and wiser gravel is my best friend!!
Such a beautiful transformation in true Cindy form . It looks like it took years to get this beautiful layered look. You’re a master!
Hi Kathy
Well I do have a lot of stuff that is not being used from which to pull from!! Thanks pal I appreciate your support!!
Wow! So impressive! Everything looks just beautiful! 🤩
Hi Judie
Thank you so much for the kind words. I am so glad you like it.
Cindy, I love how you created little rooms out of this space. Great job. It will be fun to see what it looks like once the landscaping grows in!
Hi Mary
Yes, next year will be much different for sure!!
Hi Mary
Thank you so much!!
Cindy – you never disappoint! Can’t wait to see the final but as for now fabulous! So much inspiration!!!
Hi Laurie
Thank you so much. I am so glad you like it!
It looks amazing as I knew it would. I hope to get to see it in person one of these days!
Yes grab that guy and come visit!!
I knew you’d make this courtyard look like a dream and I was right. Cindy, you have such a talent for decor both indoor and outdoor that I’m green with envy. I hope you get to enjoy that space often with both family and friends. Can’t wait to see more as everything matures.
Hi Deb
Thank you so much for your support. It was a bit of a challenge, and we still have a few things to finish but we are very happy with it.
Wow! You have done a tremendous amount of work!
It looks wonderful!
Hi Susan
We have especially Steve and Leo!!
Your updated garden space certainly transformed the area! Seamlessly and beautifully, your interior style flows outdoors with great results. Steve was right, wasn’t he? Love the concrete lamb sculpture nestled on the table and well, just everything about your new garden spaces!
Wowza, Cindy! What an amazing transformation! Gorgeous spaces!
Hi Holly
thank you so much…I really appreciate it!!
Amazing! I think it is all rather splendid and the time you did it in gives me whiplash. Maybe putting an APB on your webpage to anyone anywhere about whether the extra chair is hiding out in some other state. I have read of stranger things happening. The cat has obviously decided low maintenance comfort is the way to go!
Hi Patricia
Actually, I have thought about that. It is so irritating. If I call it says it is tagged and ready for the carrier to pick up. However it isn’t there as they are out. I need to get my money back and return the 7th because what good are seven chairs?
WONDERFUL TRANSFORMATION!
IT is so WONDERFUL YOU HAVE A HUSBAND THAT HAS THE VISION AND CAN LIFT THE WALL!
LOOKING GREAT TO ME!
Thanks Elizabeth! You need to come down and visit!
What a wonderful transformation, Cindy. I look across the street at your home on my walks in the neighborhood.