Patio Project

There has been talk for quite some time now, about building a sort of patio extension with a raised planter bed and trellis. This idea came from one that we had seen at Home Depot before. I wanted to get this ball rolling, so after a trip to Home Depot, we came home and staked out the dimensions to see how it would look in the backyard.

We mistakenly thought it was a kit that you could purchase with lumber already cut. Well, it wasn't but that ain't no thang for the son of a carpenter, my dad. And it actually gave us (read: dad) more freedom to change the dimensions and play around with the idea. But first things first- breaking up the earth. AKA concrete desert adobe clay that is the backyard. That was definitely an interesting chore. Especially when the rototiller isn't cooperating. 

Ross and dad were at it early one Saturday morning- trying to beat the heat, even in April. It's a good thing too because this was a task that took several weekends and many people working together. 

See how many different types of tools you can spot in this pictures. In Palmdale we don't use snow shovels for snow. 

Progress! Looking so good. 

Another angle. 

Then before we all knew it dad took off with the project and had already started laying the pavers. That ain't no joke. Laying the tarp, dumping the sand/ base layer, then perfectly rotating and positioning the heavy stones. 

We helped where we could but we barely touched the tip of the iceberg. My dad turned into an animal to get this done!

Here he is pushing the top layer soil sand stuff into the cracks once all the pavers are in place.

Then next thing we know dad sends the family these pictures. 

My jaw dropped! Are you serious? I know it was a huge amount of work hauling the lumber and even figuring out the construction dimensions but it looks like he just whipped this together like it aint no thang. 

Dad is so amazing. He just figured it all out and thought through everything including holes in the bottom for the water to drain. He's been doing amazing projects like this for as long as I can remember. In junior high I remember writing a poem about him "Mr. Fix-It." But it needs a part two "Mr. Build It from Scratch." 

Next comes the top and side trellis, and then soil.

And before you know it plants!

It is a truly amazing piece of art! With the California drought I think it's smart too, because it reduces the lawn and need for so much water. It really beautifies the backyard and helps block out the houses behind. Hopefully even more so when the climbing plants grow a little. I know it was a huge project for my dad to take on- essentially all by himself with minimal help. I really admire his determination and diligence. The goal and extremely short timeline was to get it finished by Cassie's bridal shower. All decorated for the party! It made a fantastic focal point for the get-together.

All the guests couldn't stop oo-ing and ahh-ing. But my dad may be in trouble because I saw several ladies taking pictures and commenting that their husbands have a new project now. Haha. 

As a family we spend a fair amount of time outside, and we have already enjoyed the new patio so much. Find some more blog posts featuring this beaut

Here 

also Here 

and Here.