Friday, July 23, 2010

"Deck"orating - Finale!

*Linking with Outdoor Wednesday at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ *
You've Come A Long Way, Baby!
Let me just tell you, that when we bought our house 2 years ago, there was a tree growing through the deck! A tree! Well, ok, maybe it wasn't exactly a tree, but it was the biggest weed I have ever seen in my life, growing right up through the middle of the deck. The nice word to describe our backyard was "neglected". So, you can imagine my delight that now our deck looks more like this...

And this...

The umbrella was my Mother's Day gift from Yankee Boy and the Rascals (is it just me or does that sound like it could be the name of a Band!).
There was still a blank spot though...

We used to have a fountain there but it finally gave out after years of faithful service. So, I went on the hunt! Do you know how EXPENSIVE fountains are these days? Oh my! But look what I found...

This was on the wall at Lowes and I fell in love! I thought, well, I guess I could splurge just a little. I couldn't locate any in boxes so I asked the sales clerk if they had some in stock. He said 'no' so I offered to buy the floor sample which he then sold to me for 50% Off! It pays to ask folks!
Here's a closer look...

With the windows open I can hear it even when I'm inside!
What's that? What does that little pot in the front say?

Rascal #1 gave this to us as a present at his Kindergarten Graduation. He was very proud to see it receive such a prominent position by the fountain.
I can now say that I finally love my deck!
Wish you could come join me for dinner!
And, here is a little more of our backyard for good measure.
This is the garden area before...
We are not ashamed to put our children to work!
Here is the after...

My first attempt at growing my favorite flower is finally paying off!

I can't tell you how much I adore Sweet Peas! They are nostalgia personified!

Kim at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/ asked to see more of my yard, so this is for you Kim!

This is a little courtyard area in the front of the house. It is very shady and nothing would ever grow very well. So, we put down pavers with ground cover in between and it adds so much more character to the curb appeal!
A bigger view...

Next week my baby girl turns 3! So, in honor of her Birthday, we will have a week of all things "Girly"! And, I'll share a little bit of my road to motherhood and why my children's birthdays are so significant. Have a great weekend!

14 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Vanessa, beautiful house and yard. Your deck looks so good. I love that fountain. I never thought about hanging one from the rails. I have no wall around the deck to hang one on so maybe one day I will use your idea. I love to listen to water trickle. Thanks for showing the yard.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Also wanted to tell you that if you really want to get your blog seen start linking to some parties. You could link your deck posts to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and Outdoor Wednesday at Southern Daydreamer and Transformation Thursdays at Shabby Chic Cottage and the list goes on.

All That Glitters said...

I found you blog through Kim's!!!! I just love her and she is so sweet! I love your back porch! It's amazing!!! I agree with her I would like up to parties!!!! You have a lot to strut girlfriend!!!

~Jennifer

Vanessa said...

Thanks so much Kim and Jennifer! I will definitely do some linking up next week and I so appreciate the suggestion!
Vanessa

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your deck looks wonderful! And WOW! I LOVE your fountain!! Your yard and gardens look wonderful too. We are still working in our yard and gardens...it takes so much time when the house you buy has been neglected..I know just what you mean.
Penny

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Wow...what a wonderful and inviting space! I love all of the different elements you used!

The fountain is gorgeous...don't you just love the sound of water in outdoor spaces!

You really have created an amazing space...well done!

Enjoy!
Cathy

Your blog is lovely! I have had a wonderful visit here and look forward to many more!

Kirsty Girl said...

I love the little courtyard in front of the house! So sweet!

Domestic Goddess..Diva sometimes said...

Very nice! Your deck looks great! I have been thinking of hanging something on my stucco wall but I am too afraid. ;) May try it. :)

Heather@Gourmet Meals for Less said...

Beautiful!! It's amazing the difference since we were there last. Kuddos to you sis! And just the mention of baby girl's birthday and her little life's journey brings me to tears...I can't believe our girl is 3! Love you...your sister

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

HI, Vanessa, wow, girl you really have fixed up your deck so nicely! Love the plants, the iron floor piece & wall hanging & the fountain. Looks like a different place & the rug really does bring it all together. You've done a fantastic job with the landscaping & added flowers in your yard. Love the front of your house too. Great job! So glad I helped inspire you just a little. You certainly didn't need any help at all!

Sherri said...

Such a beautiful make over! Your deck and yard look amazing! Such a nice place to sit out and have dinner with the family! Happy Outdoor Wednesday! Sherri : )

Linda said...

You deck is wonderful and I really love your yard. It is so inviting. You have a very good eye for deck orating!!

http://nannykim-nannykim.blogspot.com/ said...

Love that fountain. Did you know Lowes sells replacement fountain motors? We have a fountain and have had to replace the motor 3 times over the years. We run it constantly and often in the winter too since it is usually pretty mild here.

Traci said...

I just love your yard! The courtyard area is very pretty too. I would've loved to get that fountain deal!