As we enjoy the winter weather, our minds are never far from the summer landscaping. Although we enjoy the reprieve from working in the yard, our minds are dreaming of that changes that will take us a step closer towards that oasis that we have been carving out for ourselves in the midst of the hustle and bustle.

Last year we did some spontaneous landscaping by adding in a pool that we had never included in our planning. We are so happy that it worked out because the summer heats are just too hot to be outside unless you are near water to cool yourself in. We are fortunate enough that we were not only able to find the space for it, but that we could afford to add the landscaping necessary to house the pool. Granted, it is a simple above-ground, soft-sided, water-bladder, style pool, but let me tell you, it has been worth every penny and hour of work.

So where does that leave us for planning? Great questions! With changes once again from our original ideas.

Looking back, the last time I did a map of the yard with some of the changes and some of our plans, was back in January 2023, when I mapped out the last of the rock walls. I didn’t end up doing a map of any changes in 2023, but mostly because I don’t think we really did much that year but enjoy all the new garden beds.

2024, we added the pool, and I see that I had started doing a map, but I unfortunately, never finished the changes and didn’t get a chance to post it. So now I am able to add to that map to continue the vision after our impromptu pool addition.

Here is where we are at:

As you can see, the pool now takes up just under half of the bottom portion of the yard. We know we would like to create a deck that is slightly raised, with a gazebo and a comfortably place to lounge. We originally thought it would go in the left corner, but after the summer with our temporary space, we realized that we like it being in the middle of the yard.

The deck will be a few feet larger than the gazebo because we want to be able to pull the chairs out from under the shade and enjoy some sun, or at night, enjoy some stars.

Next to the deck and gazebo, we would like the rest of that bottom yard area to be green space for Basil, and for us when we have company and want to play some games. We may or may not add an outdoor dart-board to that area.

We have tossed around the idea of micro-clover in that area, but are concerned about Basil’s impact as well as some of the cold weather we get here. We have heard a lot of mixed reviews for our area. Regardless, we will be consulting with some local landscaping companies and nurseries about some drought-resistant options for the space.

Now, if you scroll to the top of the photo, and you have followed along over the years, you will notice that we plan to take the cedars out of the front yard that run along the right side. With our region, there is a recommendation to remove all cedars, especially ones that are less than 30′ from your house. The ones in the front yard are within 4′ of our house, so they have to go. Although they are healthy, we just don’t want to take that risk. We also have a neighbour who shoves random junk from her driveway into them, so it is only a matter of time before we begin to see issues with them.

Our plan is to add to our fence, keeping the first 15′ at the 6′ height, then stepping it down to a 4′ height to the end of our yard. We may have to re-think how this portion of fence is built as the neighbour regularly stacks or leans things against the current fence and our cedars, so we want to ensure it is strong and can withstand that pressure.

On our side of the fence, we will add a garden area, where we plan to grow sunflowers or other taller flowers.

Part of this plan, will be removing the last of the rock pile that we have had taking up part of the yard for the last few years as we build the walls. We will likely hire some local high school students who are looking to make a bit of summer cash to help us with it. then we will have to get the grass back in that area, which shouldn’t be too difficult.

Irrigation lines already run along that area to sprayers in the cedars and a sprinkler head in the front corner of the yard, so we will be able to add drip irrigation or micro-sprayers to the new garden area.

Those are our current plans…though I know it will likely change and we may find a new project we hadn’t intended to do. It’s always good to have a starting plan though!