Backyard Transformation

The goal of this project was to create a functional, versatile, aesthetically pleasing, outdoor setting that was enjoyable and comfortable to experience while alone or in a group.  As the size was only 24' x 15', the challenge was to have a grassy plot for the dogs to enjoy, gardening areas for the green thumb, a barbecue station for the cook and added patio space which was large enough to offer a fire pit and sitting area. 

In the beginning, the yard offered one concrete slab directly off the sliding backdoor while the rest was a layer of medium sized rocks.  It is all enclosed by a cinderblock wall which stands on average 5 1/2' tall and has no means of access.  Two mature trees and a juvenile palm line the longest of walls.  

The first step was to figure out what to do with all those rocks.  It was decided that two separate small retaining walls would be built abutting the cinderblock wall.  Irregularly shaped red concrete retaining wall blocks were stacked three and four high and shaped with a rounded circumference.  Containers were placed inside the small enclosures and then surrounded by the rocks to make them a permanent fixture.  As it can drop below freezing temperatures, the selected plants were potted in separate plastic planters.  Handles were added to the planters so they could easily be removed from the established containers and brought indoors where they would be safe from cold weather.

Next, oversized Mexican bricks were attained so the added patio area could get underway.  A form was built and concrete was poured to create two borders.  One would act as protection for the small palm and the other would function as the main supporting edge.   As the ground was not even, sand was brought in and leveled out, to fill the area that was lacking so the bricks would run flush with the concrete slab.  The bricks were then set in the Herringbone style and any bricks that needed shaping were cut with a 9" angle grinder.  

The fire pit sides were constructed using the same Mexican bricks.   The edges were beveled to make a tighter more uniform fit as as to withstand pressure and resist collapsing.  Round concrete stepping stones were used for the floor (16") and the cover (24") with the cover meeting the patio evenly.  Sandstone was hand cut from two separate pieces and fitted around the fire pit to create a decorative accent.  

The lawn was next but the dirt in which the grass would be planted had rocks throughout it.  A sifter was constructed  and the dirt was then put through it so the future ground would be softer and more welcoming.   Most of the rocks were buried 14 - 16" below the sifted soil by digging trenches and switching the rocks with the filtered dirt.  Some of the separated rocks were used to make a flower bed.  A channel was dug and then filled with rocks to  create an underground barrier that is about 12" deep.  This was done to keep any noxious flowers from invading the lawn.

Once the ground was more forgiving, little slopes were formed to give the land more character.  Mulch was mixed into the top layer of the soil.  Grass seeds and fertilizer were spread and in about a week, grass was growing.

Here is a slide show of the entire project, start to finish.  Enjoy!