A week from Saturday we’re having a pretty party in the backyard. The space has been rather bare up to this point, but I’ve been sourcing, hunting and DIYing to get it in better shape, and I’m beginning to see glimpses of my vision here and there. I’ve noticed a trend – most of what’s been brought in weighs a ton. Typically I move most of my own finds (to keep the grumbles at bay) but none of these things were something I could carry. I keep telling Micah that his crossfit obsession is finally coming in handy.
Concrete pieces have been on my radar for some time now, but it’s hard to find things that aren’t really expensive, even when thrifting. I stopped in a new-to-me store and these pineapples were sitting in the entry. I’ve been wanting to flank the pool stairs with something, and while lions were my first choice, these couldn’t be more appropriate for our home. The pineapple is a sign of hospitality (something we strive for) and they were an essential element in Colonial America.
Do you remember that $4,000 in trees I was determined to get? Well, I found something similar from somewhere else for much cheaper…about $1,200 total and I was set on figuring out a way to get them. When I told Micah about this, he got on board but told me I needed to dig a hole or two before buying. I was unaware that our fence is actually built on top of a retaining wall, and Micah was willing to bet they backfilled that space with gravel.
Unfortunately he was right. One scoop of a shovel was showing rocks less than a few inches from the surface and leaving me a bit bummed. With no room for anything substantial, I turned to plan b: ivy. I was going to use ivy under the big trees in the corner of the yard, but I love the look of an ivy wall and the cost was a small fraction of the evergreens.
The downside is definitely the growing time. It doesn’t really look great for quite some time, and I’m also a bit concerned about the amount of sun some of the ivy gets here. Micah and I have talked about building a retaining wall that we could backfill with dirt and have a few feet for tree growth. That would allow us to get the look we love, but the cost of the trees and a wall aren’t in the cards right now.
Probably one of my favorite finds and definitely the most heavy! has been this 9′ marble table. It was the score of a century, and it’s brought me a lot of joy and a lot of heartache already. It’s quite the story, and I think it deserves it’s own post…hopefully soon!
How are your outdoor spaces coming along this summer? I’d love to hear if you’ve added anything to your backyard that makes you happy to be outside.
Julia Konya says
Oh wow that table!!! And I've always been a concrete sculpture fan since my childhood days in Germany. I still want to get my hands on a large Bavarian lion. Love your pineapples.
Jaclyn Isaac says
Good luck! Ah the elusive beautiful backyard. We live in a condo building and took it upon ourselves to get the greenest grass, trim the shrubs and add some life back there. I am so jealous of your pool. Can't wait to see what you make of it!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
wow…the marble table!!! EEK!
Jennie says
I love the pineapples and I think your vines will amazing in a few short years (it will fly by!). I can't wait to read more about your marble table!
Yelda says
Pineapple statues are adorbz! Also, looking forward to seeing that marble tables. My backyard needs some major loving! This is inspiring.
Sherri says
You have me very curious about your marble find! So cool! Yes, doing an outdoor space can present problems sometimes, but you just have to adjust, go to plan b, and make the best of it. I'm a Florida girl, so of course, when we built our house, we had to have a pool. Since the lot was was full of trees, little did we know that a huge live oak was right where our pool was supposed to be. We had to leave it and work around it. We have an open floor plan, so when you walk in, yes, you see the pool, but you can also see the trunk of the tree behind it. Bummer! There was enough space to put garden accessories in front of the tree, some cool vine that goes up the tree, and a plant at the corner of the pool that detracts from the tree. ( We have a screened enclosure) But even though it wouldn't be my perfect choice, we worked around it. We have over 600 square feet of porch, so I was able to decorate it as an extra room. We love it. We have such a peaceful outdoor space, and we are blessed. Things may not always turn out perfectly, but that's okay. Be thankful for what you have. I am older than you, and these are words of wisdom from someone who has been where you are. I have realized as I've gotten older to just make it the best you can with what you have. It's not that big of deal in the walk of life. So count your blessings, and name them one by one. Amen!! I am not saying this with a mean spirit, I promise, because I think you are a special person, a designer with impeccable taste and a woman of God. Just an FYI.
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Coming along beautifully! I love those stone pineapples!
Arielle says
Can't wait to see more of the table! And I definitely feel your pain on waiting for the perennials to fill in.
For My Love Of says
My outdoors are so sad. But we have so many things that need attention inside right now. Oh well. Those pineapples are pretty awesome tho and the ivy will look amazing one day.