Here's a look at my first...EVER attempt at landscaping!

Ben and I decided that we wanted to put in some pretties in our front yard, so off I went to the library (since I have not the slightest clue about anything that grows) to begin my in depth research project.  I had the greatest time learning all this plant stuff!!  With much deliberation and help (THANK YOU, Mrs. Lapiska), THIS is what I decided on:

BUT FIRST... we have to clear out all the grass

 (bear with me, because I am SUPER excited about all this!  There are a billion pictures capturing every possible angle - but they're ALL pretty!!!)

So instead of just taking out the grass, my husband who LOVES a nice lawn, decided to transplant the grass to the barren volleyball court in the back (MASSIVE PROJECT).  But, it looks great now!

This is our first load of dirt - 

"13 bags ought to cover it"... WE THOUGHT!

We went back and ended up with 52 bags total!!  We were slightly off!

Here it is all finished - aerial view

I should have flipped the picture on the top horizontal to make the "L" shape

Lilac bush and Palace Purple

"Little Princess" Spirea

.

Hydrangea

Black-Eyed Susan Vine

These flowers line the front stairs.

It wouldn't be summer with out tomatoes!  

... and basil

Now for the back...  I know, I'm excited too!

My wonderful husband planted these sweet little pansies when I went to Colorado in April!

Still mourning the utter failure of last years pumpkins, I decided to fill this space with goodies from the yards of my friends:  

THANK YOU:  Joy and Don and Katrina!!!

This little rose bush root I snagged from the Hines is sooo happy here and has grown and grown.

This one...

not so happy here!

I love this and can't wait for it to take over the entire bed!

OK, so I know you dear readers could not have possibly enjoyed all those pictures as much as I did, but thank you for humoring me!  I have been surprised at how much I enjoyed this project and can't wait to do the other side of the house...NEXT YEAR!