Monday, September 27, 2010

Fence Planning

I like to design future endevors with 3d modeling software.  I use Google SketchUp and I am able to explore all the details of my design before I build it.  Like the old saying...meausure twice...cut once!


This is my plan for the gate arbor.





The fence itself, will consist of 4x4's with 2x4 framing, a 2x6 cap, all of which will be sandwiching livestock pannel for an open look.



The side yard will have a garden shed incorporated into the fence.  This will also help with fence stabality.


Nothing fancy...Just a place to park my lawn mower and tools.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Before Pictures: The Yard

These are the pictures of when we first moved in.  The garden has so much potiental.  The property backs up to a heavily wooded greenbelt, populated with live oaks, persimmon, cedar elm, hackberry, ash juniper and bluewood.  The planting areas have natives such as salvia greggii, lantana, turks cap, mountain laurel, and verbena.  I plan on rebuilding all of the planting beds, reforming the edges, rebuilding the pond, and adding plant and hardscape.  There will also be a fence and arbor added as well as pathways and sitting areas.






Here you can see the existing pathway leading down to the greenbelt.



I have big plans for the pond.  Luckily my friends all work in the landscape supply business and I should be able to rebuild the pond for a fraction of retail.  





Above is a view of the greenbelt.  There will be an open fence along the back with an arbor over the pathway.


Birdseye View.  Notice the side path to the right that leads to the pond.



This is what the back planting bed looks like.  Eventually a fence will run through here and the bed will be populated with shade loving shrubs.  


The cliff on the back side of the planting bed.


Full view of the yard.  I envision erradicating much of the lawn in favor of winding pathways and rolling mulch beds.



The previous owners build these amazing boulder steps leading down to the dry creek bed.  I love this and plan on big things.







Here is a closer view of the steps in the back.  The stone work is really good and very natural looking.  I can easily work with this to create a natural wooded path.


The front yard I will keep traditional looking.  The suprise will be the back yard.  I can also focus all of my attention on the back...although I may have a few tricks up my sleve for the front.