HHello friends! It’s Cassie here. Thank you so much for the warm welcome on my first post last month. I loved introducing myself and my home to you, and I’ll plan a future post about the paint colors in our house since so many of you asked.
This month I’m excited to share our backyard renovation, completed over the past few weeks. With spring arriving and unusually sunny weather here in Seattle, we began thinking about yards, flower beds, gardens and getting everything ready for summer. My husband and I finally took the leap and transformed our yard into a space we love—one that functions well for our family, addresses past problems, and will be easier to maintain.
Our yard had been a constant headache. We moved into this new construction home almost two years ago. While new builds have many advantages, the yard suffered from poor soil and leftover construction debris. The lawn was a struggle to keep alive and planting was difficult because of remaining concrete chunks in the ground. I grew up on a farm and enjoy working outdoors, but this was a bigger challenge than I expected.
Our very sad yard and not-so-nice aggregate patio
We sat down and mapped out what we wanted from the space. How could we solve the drainage and soil issues? What would be enjoyable to maintain? Should the yard serve for entertaining, for children, for pets—or all of the above? Here’s what we decided was important:
- Low maintenance with room for some container gardens
- Good drainage to avoid flooding
- Dog friendly
- Family friendly
- Space for entertaining
- Privacy from the neighboring house
- More trees and shrubs
- Cost-effective over the long term
We chose to reduce the lawn area, add more plants, create a pea-gravel zone for the dog and containers, and build a deck. The deck was the major investment. We opted for composite decking—Trex in the “Beach Dune” color—because it requires minimal upkeep, won’t splinter, and holds its value well for resale. Since we live across from a large park with fields and playgrounds, we could afford to shrink the yard knowing much playtime will happen there.
After collecting a few bids, we hired a local father-and-son landscaping company to complete the work. They drew up a plan that guided the transformation.
Plans designed by Helmke’s Landscaping Co.
They finished the entire project in under three weeks and did a great job. Choosing composite decking means we won’t need to stain, and the hidden fasteners give a clean, finished look.
Trex “Beach Dune”
Our landscapers selected the plants from local nurseries. I shared some ideas but left the final plant choices and placement to their expertise. The pea gravel area is perfect for our pup—easy to clean and durable—and it will also accommodate container gardens along the side of the house. The pergola helps screen the neighboring house, and we plan to add more planters along that side in time.
Propane fire pit on the deck
My husband picked up a propane fire pit the day the deck was finished. While we entertain often, the deck will also be a cozy spot for the two of us to relax in the evenings. We added a few comfortable Adirondack chairs and cushions to make it welcoming.
Our small view of the Cascade Mountains in the background
The landscapers re-sodded the lawn and brought in fresh soil for the planted areas, so I’m hopeful everything will thrive this season. The before-and-after transformation feels dramatic and practical.
We’re delighted with the result and expect to use this space daily through spring and summer for years to come. I hope our renovation offers ideas and inspiration as you plan your own outdoor projects.
