If you missed my posts this summer, here’s an update: our family moved to Seattle and we’re settling into our new home while getting our son started at his new school. We’re excited about this chapter, though moving has its logistical challenges. If you want the backstory on why we moved, our moving day, and the house-hunting process, I’ve shared those updates previously on the blog.
Next week I’ll share a short video tour of our new house and show the plans and projects we’re working on for each room. Before that, though, I wanted to finish sharing a promise I made earlier this summer: the backyard makeover at our old house. When we first bought that home the yard was a blank slate—new construction with no landscaping, no trees, and no defined outdoor spaces.
Over time we gradually added elements to transform that empty lot into a welcoming backyard. While we didn’t finish every single plan before moving—there were still plants to add and edging rock to bring in—the space had taken shape and you can see the vision coming together.
I took a few quick photos before the move so I could show you what the yard looked like.
When we moved in the yard wasn’t fully fenced—only a neighbor’s fence along the back. After our son Jack joined the family, we fenced the entire backyard to keep him safe and give him room to play. Installing the fence became our first step because it defined the space and provided a backdrop for plants and outdoor furnishings.
Next, we focused on breaking the yard into distinct zones. An open, empty yard can feel overwhelming, so creating separate areas made the whole space more manageable. The first major zone was a pea gravel patio in the center designed for a firepit and seating. From that central patio, pea gravel and flagstone paths connected to a secret garden, vegetable and herb beds, a dining area, and the grill.
The pea gravel patio project made it much easier to add the surrounding areas. We also added decorative, non-permanent elements—antique trellises, plant stands, pots, and outdoor furniture—most of which we were able to bring to the new house. That helped the yard feel lived-in and personal without being permanent.
Leaving the plants behind was the hardest part. We had planted fruit trees, roses, hydrangeas, and many scented flowers and shrubs—my husband joked it felt like leaving his babies. Gardens have a way of becoming part of a family, and we were attached to the progress each season brought. Thankfully, our new yard already has established plants so we won’t be starting entirely from scratch.
The secret garden was one of my favorite spots. I planted many fragrant varieties, and by late summer the area had filled in and smelled wonderful. I often brought my morning coffee there and enjoyed the peaceful, inviting view from our family room window.
Those hydrangeas were a joy to watch grow—purchased as small plants and maturing into full shrubs over a few seasons. I also loved having roses to cut for bouquets; their fragrance filled the yard.
I often filled a cement table near the firepit with overflowing plants and herbs. By the time I photographed it during the move it was mostly empty, but the flagstone border around the pea gravel patio was visible—the natural, slightly rustic look of pea gravel paired with flagstone was exactly the relaxed feel we wanted.
It was a family effort too—my son helped lay some of the flagstone in the pea gravel, which made the project feel even more special.
We enjoyed several summer evenings around the firepit, making s’mores and memories. As the season closed and we prepared to move, we were grateful for the time we spent in that pretty backyard.
And now, onward to new backyard adventures!
PS. I also shared a back deck makeover from that yard on the blog.
Related Posts:
Come Tour Our Trex Deck Backyard Makeover at our Seattle house!
How to Design a Backyard (4 Essential Zones)
Four Lovely Outdoor Rooms (Takeaway Tips)