New Sod and a Front Yard Makeover

We have been busy little bees in the Kooman household. We recently completed a front yard makeover, which included putting in new sod, which led to a new deck, redefining the flower beds, painting the fence, and regrading the driveway! I think the saying goes, if you give a mouse a cookie…

This spring we ended up backfilling our front yard, as it was a bit on the low side, and very bumpy. We removed several trees and shrubs as well with the goal of simplifying the front yard. We’ve put a lot of work into the back yard- but the front was pretty over grown.

Once it was cleaned up and the fresh compost was spread, we were left with the dilemma of either seeding the lawn, or putting down fresh sod- and opted for the latter. What an instant transformation! It’s more up front cost, but it really is a perfectly lush lawn now! I don’t know if you have had rain like we have here in Central Alberta, but all of that rain allowed the sod to grow in seamlessly. I just want to mow it on a diagonal, and have daily pic-nics and naps out there! Here is an in progress cell phone snap once we had laid the sod- and just started work on the deck!

Our front deck had seen a “phase 1” makeover when we moved in 8 years ago- but we had really stretched it out as long as we could. The new deck and widened stairs definitely add to both the function and the curb appeal. We find ourselves migrating to the front deck for morning coffee. It gets the best morning sun! Originally the deck was only on one side of the house- so we decided to extend it all the way across which makes much more sense! Here is one more progress shot as we were working on the deck.

The entire deck building project took a few afternoons, and it was such a transformation. Eventually it would look lovely stained to match the back deck- but because the wood is pressure treated it is recommended to wait a year before staining.

As you know, I have quite a few flower beds growing in the back and side yard of the house, so I kept things really clean and simple out front. It’s pretty low maintenance and tidy, which this girl can appreciate! We also painted our picket fence white (which we put in last year) and I just adore it!

Matt added a stone landing at the foot of the stairs, and refreshed the beds with mulch. We also added mulch around the trees in the front which I really like. It’s simple and clean. I also finally got the second window box hung! Only took a few years.

That clean edge between our new front lawn and the freshly graded driveway just gives me so much satisfaction. Have you been working on any exterior projects this summer? I find that so many more people are out in their yards, or on their patio gardening.

-Miss Ash