Progress...progress...progress...

We've seen lots of progress in "The Yards". Here is what the new wall looked like as of last night: Stucco complete. Still need to grout the stone cap and pour the concrete walk.

Here are some new before and after shots...we've finally started working our way around the house:
BACK PATIO BEFORE

BACK PATIO AFTER

Note: all the ugly old bricks have been removed. We plan to put stone in their place that will match the wall cap.

FRONT PATIO BEFORE

FRONT PATIO AFTER
Got rid of all the brick out front too!

BACK WALL BEFORE

BACK WALL AFTER

Fence down - to be replaced soon; Wall has been stucco'd to match the new wall out front; ground leveled and trees removed; Still need to add stone cap.

When this wall and fence are finished, I will have to decide what to do in the dirt area. I was hoping to plant some shrubs to form a hedge along the fence line, but I'm afraid that the ground will be loaded with roots from the neighbor's trees. Probably going to be a bear to plant anything large on our side. I'm also worried because the area does not get much direct sunlight - shaded for most of the day by the trees. Darn trees! Not sure what else I can do here... maybe some flowers and/or river rock or something??? Any suggestions, let me know!

:)