backyard makeover

Step 1: Deck removal

Our DIY backyard makeover began on 1/9/11 with the removal of our 20 year old deck. It served us well and was remodeled and repaired several times over the years. The trellis held grapevines on one side and kiwi on the other. In the summer the vines grew fast and furious and had to be trimmed several times a week but provided needed shade during the sunny days. The raccoons loved to visit in the fall and eat the fragrant, ripe fruit, always leaving behind a big mess of grape skins below. We juiced and canned our grapes every year and agree there is nothing better than a cold glass of pure, nature sweetened grape juice. The kiwi stays on the vines until they ripen with the first freeze around the beginning of December. Perfect timing for gift giving. The grapes were planted along the edge of the deck, up the posts and were in the way of the new project so we removed those and pruned back the kiwi for now. Of course we had to leave a little bridge from the house to the yard for "Bruce" but that is now gone too. Gravel has filled the hole and soon that will be cover with concrete. 

Trimming the grapes and kiwi so the trellis can be removed. 

Happy memories were made here. Good~bye old deck. 

Our muddy mess. 

A bridge for Bruce!

Finished hauling wheelbarrows full of gravel yesterday
 from the front to the back. Now preparing for concrete.