Courtyard Metamorphosis

The space on the east side of our home that we call our “courtyard” is actually the former driveway. When our neighborhood was built in 1926, cars were much smaller than they are now. We have only a scant 9 feet between the side of our house and the property line, not really enough room to pull in, open the door and be able to get out of the car. The only time I drove up that far I scraped the side of my car on the old chain-link fence. Our neighbor’s house is barely 3 feet from there, and let’s just say that privacy was pretty nonexistent. The old driveway was often flooded with water runoff from their roof during the torrential rains that we have here. This area was an eyesore, a drainage problem, and a completely wasted piece of land all in one.

 

This is what we have now. A pretty, functional, enjoyable space to pass through on the way to the back yard. We ripped out the crumbling old driveway, built a fence around the entire area, and added raised garden beds and a flagstone walkway. A few years later we installed some low-voltage landscape lights, the simple kind you can find at the home improvement center.

 

 

We also wanted a space where our wildlife could find sanctuary. Just today, birds and squirrels were eating from the feeder (you know, the squirrel-proof one), and the lizards were filling their fat little tummies with flies and mosquitoes. Toads linger by the lights in the evening, waiting for their dinner.

 

The raised beds help absorb the pouring rains. We seldom have standing water out here now.

 

 

Last week I dug out a huge, overgrown rosemary bush, and was left with enough space to create another seating area! I really hated to tear that bush out, but as soon as I did, it made me realize how much I needed to rethink that little bit of space, because it wasn’t working any more. Now I can sit out here for a few minutes in the morning while I plan my day, or in the evening while dinner is cooking.

 

 

We haven’t started our fountains again this spring, but will do so this weekend. They were BOTH given to us by friends who had them, didn’t care for them, and weren’t using them. I LOVE hand-me-downs!!

 

 

 

You can see from these photos that we have a few projects that need to be addressed out here. Unfortunately, the rose bushes have turned completely yellow and dropped all of their leaves in protest to our swampy spring. Today I’ll cut them all back, and I’m hoping they will have all new growth in just a few weeks. The gate has all but crumbled in the last two months from being so wet. One of the issues we still have with drainage is that some of our fence pickets are rotting, and will need to be replaced. The pea gravel that we installed originally has almost all sunk into the soil. But now that landscape fabric is so readily available (it’s even at WalMart), we eventually pull up the stone and re-do the pea gravel. I think that some repairs and updates are to be expected after nine years, though.

 

It’s become one of my favorite areas of our home. Well OK, I love everything about my home, but I like to use this area as an example. It was so simple to turn this eyesore into a lovely, functioning area that adds to the enjoyment of our home and no doubt, also the value. And isn’t enjoying your home (that you’re working so hard to pay for) to the fullest really the ultimate goal?

 

 

Do YOU have a space that’s going unused, or not working for your needs? If so, I hope this inspires you to think about what creative means you can use to improve it. Today is also Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, where you can see many other truly inspiring, motivating projects! Enjoy!!

 

xo, Andrea

Comments

[Stacey]

What a neat little area. I can just imagine sitting out there with a decorating magazine and some iced tea. :)

[Rita Kent]

Can I please stop by there for a cup of tea? Very creative. Come by to see my transformation! If you like what you see, please subscribe to my blog in the right hand column. Just hit the word "Follow" and stay updated on lots of great tips!

[Fifi Flowers]

LOVE that courtyard!

[Diane (Four Paws & Co)]

This is such a beautiful & peaceful retreat. Great job on reclaiming unusable space! ☺ Diane

[Kim]

I have courtyard envy!

[~Rainey~]

What a great space... kind of a secret garden of sorts... That fountain sure is interesting... that must sound so nice when its running...
Thanks for posting your quiet place....
~Really Rainey~

[Kammy]

So pretty and I bet the wildlife loves it too !
Hugs ~ kammy

[Marie]

What a magical place you have! Enchanting!

[Christina]

What a wonderful and charming space. I absolutely love the copper fountain. It is just so pretty. I could just sit there and take in all of the little details.

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home]

What a wonderful courtyard! The perfect place to sit and read a book. Especially when you get the fountains running again! I just love it.
Hugs,
Penny