Barren backyard

Our backyard really was a shining example of cookie-cutter housing. We had the typical concrete steps to nowhere out our back door and a tiny, plain and empty backyard. The house was 12 years old already when we moved in, yet there was virtually nothing in the backyard. One tiny square raised planter that I assume was a garden because some chives grew in it. And 2 small shrubs planted to "block" the ugly cable box in the corner. They were completely dead which made the yard look even more pathetic.


As soon as it warmed up, we planted a pear tree in the yard and Neil got started on the deck. We wanted something simple and low, so we didn't have to put up a railing. It's rare that I see a deck railing that I think looks good, so it was much easier not to deal with it. We had thought of building in a low bench around the outside, but then decided 1. it would take too much time and 2. it would take away precious floor space, so that idea was abandoned. The design had to cover the old concrete steps and meet with the back door while staying low, so we ended up putting a large low step at the back door. That design has so far only led to one serious injury and many minor trips, but it looks good.


Neil spent a few weeks digging the post holes by hand. Our yard is too rocky for an auger. I don't think he enjoyed it, but the finished product turned out great. We had a small misadventure with staining, but are slowly correcting it as the deck weathers these last 3 years. We use our deck more than any previous house's outdoor space.... grilling many times a week, dining outside when the weather is nice enough, and growing a little potted garden in the summer. The dogs appreciate the sunning area and spend lots of time sprawled out there. The only drawback is our neighbor's house blocks the evening sun, so it gets chilly fast in the spring. The upside is there's an amazing view of the sunset over the Piggly Wiggly across the street. Ahhhh, suburban living!