An Update

Since moving into my house several years ago, the back yard has been the bane of my home's existence.  It was ok at first, but several factors including invasive roots and my lack of a green thumb sent it on a massive decline.  Then the drought over the last couple of years moved it into eyesore territory.

While sprucing things up a bit didn't really seem all that daunting, the fact that my brick wall (also a retaining wall) was being moved around by some serious roots was my biggest concern.  In certain areas, the concrete had worn out and bricks were moving around

A couple of friends told me that to fix the situation would cost many tens of thousands due to the retaining wall.  That stalled my need to make changes because I worried that if this wall fell down I'd have to redo it all again anyways.  Another told me that I should remove the trees causing the problem and at least that would keep anymore movement from happening.  That might have been worse news than the tens of thousands of dollars because the tree causing the problem is beautiful and shades well in the hot summer.  It saddened me to think the tree need to be removed.

Then, funnily enough, El Nino is what lit a fire under me to get things done in that backyard.  Due to the drought, things were pretty much dead and it was essentially a dirt lot. So when we had a few rains over my winter break, it turned into a swampy lot and was a mess with the dog. After one too many muddy dog footprints inside the house, I marched right outside, found the gardener, and had him get started on something.  I had visions of everything floating away in the predicted onslaught of El Nino rains...that have yet to come.  

Above is the just "before" the work was done.  And below, is after the first day of work.  The yard is root free and so level. I have never seen it so flat.

Over the next week or so, the pavers were added to extend the patio, the river rock was put in, and the sod was laid.  I wanted to get the yard water-wise, but still needed the grass for the dog.  I'm glad to still have some green, but the sprinklers have been redone and along with the drip system in the beds that line the yard.  I think the water will be used more efficiently.

An odd panoramic of the whole yard.  It's a bit distorted, but you get the idea.

And the best part, he removed the roots causing the wall movement and patched it up.  It's not perfect, but at least it will keep things together for the time being.  I'm hoping at least until the big predicted earthquake, so then insurance has to repair it.  

I haven't done anything yet to the planters around the edges.  There are currently roses in them, which have not done well under my care.  We'll see how the new water system works, and if needed I will redo those with native/drought tolerant plants.
Five more days until Rigby can go out there.  Then I'll REALLY enjoy it.