Butterfly Sparks Designs

Saturday, August 1, 2009

the grass is greener ...

We're now on the other side of our back yard renovation. When Chris moved into our house a couple years ago, the back yard was like a little jungle. His parents helped him clean up a lot of it, but they grew tired of the back-breaking work and we decided to call professionals. At the recommendation of Connie Allen, we called Abbott & Abbott Landscaping. They worked a miracle. With the help of some big machinery and a gigantic dumpster, their team had leveled our back yard in less than two days. Thank you, Abbott brothers! Below are before and after pictures. Unfortunately, the before photos weren't taken when the yard was at its worst ... but you'll get the idea.









While I was outside, I decided to take pictures of some other things in our yard that I love. Like this pretty hanging plant my mother-in-law gave me for Mother's Day. What? Are you surprised it's still alive?


I love these birdhouses.

Chris and I have a slight obsession with birdhouses. This one is my favorite. We found it in a little shop in Madison. We actually have a bird living in it right now!


We bought this birdhouse today at the Farmer's Market.


Last, but certainly not least, I love these mosaic stepping stones. Why? Because Chris made them! We bought a mosaic at Charlestown's Founders Day some time last month, and ever since we've been on a mosaic making kick. I will post pictures of the project I'm working on later because 1. It's not finished. and 2. It's a gift for someone.


This stepping stone is my favorite. Aren't they great?!





Hope you enjoyed the Birke Back Yard Tour :)

6 comments:

Aunt Chrissy said...

Looks like you all went from jungle to paradise over night. The back yard looks great and before you know it there will be a swing set and lots and lots of Lincoln's toys all over it. Of course his Aunt Chrissy will have to buy him a JOHN DEERE TRACTOR!!! That's a must have for him so he will get use to being with us "down on the farm" hehehe... Love you all!!!

Hammond Empty Nest said...

How do you make those stones? They are so cute!!!!

Susie said...

The yard looks nice. I love the stones.

Taurman Inc. said...

I think the mosaics are awesome as well. Tell how are you doing the forms?

Anonymous said...

There's really nothing to it. All you need is a little concrete, some broken dishes and a concrete mold. We got the molds at Ben Franklin. The dishes came from Goodwill. The best part is hammering the dishes! Actually, what I enjoy most is working on these with my beautiful and creative wife. She's so much fun!

Chris

chris and megan said...

I took some pictures throughout the process of making these that I will post here soon ... but not today. I just took some adorable pictures of Lincoln that just can't wait :)