Despite a few projects yet to complete we are outside and enjoying our new backyard.

Our contractor did an amazing job, working almost entirely from a rudimentary drawing we made with coloured markers and a few consults along the way.

The result is an open and bare bones kind of space that’s full of possibilities: for gathering and entertaining, for growing things, for epic sky gazing. It even makes me think of families who might live here after us. The image of little kids on push-around toys comes to mind.

We plan to paint the cedar shingles on the back of the house a pale grey, a shade or two lighter than the door. Besides the two new sconces on either side of the back door we will add patio lights and maybe ground lighting that’s charged by the sun. This space gets a lot of sun.

Which reminds me, we definitely need to establish more shade. We’re thinking something like this to make the space more inviting, even on hot hot days.

Some new furniture for dining and lounging will be nice too. But in the meantime a folding table and chairs do okay.

I’ll be sure to share photos as things progress. Until then, here are some of my favourite features about our new backyard:

These pavers. They feel great underfoot. They heat up from the sun during the day and radiate a wonderful warmth on a cool summer evening.

This rain barrel. It supports my intention to be less wasteful and I love the shape of it.

This raised rock wall garden and adjacent garden patch. We look forward to watching things grow and the rock wall makes a lovely seating area for quiet conversations too.

This newly painted old shed. It still amazes me how two coats of paint revived a tired old structure. Also, I’m having fun imagining what I might hang on the blank space to the left of the window box. A piece of outdoor art perhaps? A mirror? Another planter?

The ample space for container gardening. I’m pleased to see the hosta I dug up and saved from our “before” yard is thriving in a big urn as are the pots of basil and the marigolds I started from seed. Even the succulents, normally indoors, are enjoying the new space!

This peekaboo window. A left over floor grate from the kitchen renovation is made useful once again.

Check out some before and after photos here.