Backyard Before and After

I realized the only pictures I have posted of our backyard are from when we first moved in and installed the yard.  By now everything has grown in quite a bit and looks a little different.  So here is an update!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 One of the biggest changes (besides all the growth of our plants) is the addition of quite a few homes now behind us!

BEFORE:

We have loved this fire pit patio area, the backside allowed us to retain dirt and create a hill which our kids enjoy too.

AFTER:

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AFTER:

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AFTER:

We get a lot of questions about our slide.  

We just ordered it off amazon, and the guys that installed our deck installed the slide as well.

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AFTER:

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We hired a landscape architect to help us in drawing up the plans and it was very helpful!  Back when we did it, it was around $300 and we were left with beautiful plans (that we had input on) that we then gave out copies to landscapers to get their bids- or you could use the plans to guide you as you "do it yourself".  It made for a very smooth process and I'm very glad we did it that way!

Outdoor Decor

I got pillows, an outdoor rug, and my cube ottomans covered so the deck is looking a lot more inviting.

Before:

 After:

The cubes were $10 a piece at a thrift store.  After covering them in fabric (it took 4 yards) I sprayed them with a fabric protector from Jo-Ann's to make them "outdoor proof."  To attach the fabric I simply stapled it on the underneath and on the inside (the tops come off so I could easily access the inside).

This has quickly become my favorite place to relax with a book!

My New Baby: Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Back in May I mentioned in This Post that I wanted a Fiddle Leaf fig for my corner basket.  I FINALLY found one that was a good size for a GREAT price!!! 

$17 for this 3ft. tall plant at J&J's nursery in Layton, Utah.

I have waited and watched Home Depot and Lowe's for months now and finally gave up on them ever getting in a well priced large fig tree (I have seen online that people in other states have been able to find some great ones there - but no luck for me).  I knew that Ikea and Walmart have some for just $13 but from what I have seen most seem to be under 2ft. tall and I knew this spot needed one a little taller.  Back in June I decided to try a local nursery (J&J) but when I went, all I saw was a very large tree priced for around $400!!!!  I didn't investigate any further and left.  Today I was feeling desperate and decided to try J&J's again- I'm so glad I did!  They had quite a few fiddle figs this size and even had a VERY large one for just $95 (I was tempted but thought I won't feel too bad if I kill a $17 plant- but I'd be pretty sad if I kill a $95 one).

I Love it!  I'm so Happy this room is REALLY done now!

I've read up on the care and think I can handle it - fingers crossed!

Because I wasn't having any luck, a few months ago I seriously debated getting a fake tree (Kirsten put together a great round-up on her blog of fake figs).  In the end though I'm so glad I got a real one and you can't beat the price!