In the July 1, 2024, post I shared that Marty and I were in the throes of converting a large patch of lawn in our backyard (which was primarily only being used by a large herd of deer and flocks of geese) into an inground swimming pool, gazebo, and sports court area. I also shared that I was one of the world’s biggest klutzes.

Here were just a few of my near catastrophes:

  1. Tripped over a suspended string boundary line and nearly did a face plant into a manure pile.
  2. Stepped into an open fence post hole (thankfully, with no injuries).
  3. Slipped, then slid down an 8-foot soggy, clay embankment, stopping just short of doing (yet another) header into our pond.

These were not my most graceful moments.

What I didn’t share is the running joke we have with our son about how we spent every last bit of any potential generational inheritance money on construction costs.

Anyone who has completed a garden (or home) construction project knows they are not for the faint-hearted. Even though I have completed a number of garden and landscape projects in the past, this one was particularly tough because I was also teaching at the university and on a tight deadline for writing my book.

Thankfully, the light at the end of the tunnel arrived a few weeks ago when the project finally finished. And I’m happy to say we are elated with the results.

I’ve included a video of our backyard with the new addition of the project. (I created the gardens in the background three years ago).

If you are considering your own garden/landscape construction project, I wholeheartedly hope you decide to do so. Even little makeovers can bring positive changes to your natural living areas.

Just remember to bring a protective body suit and lots of alcohol.

Happy gardening.