And I just learned this year that I really have a green thumb! Almost everything I have tended this year is bursting with health, and taking over the flower beds.

I moved to this house in Oct. 06, and the thing that won me over was the BACK YARD. My previous home had a teeny tiny yard , and the neighbors all seemed like they were 5 feet from my little back porch. This house is on a 9000 sq ft lot, and I only have a neighbor on one side. It's wonderful.
The house is in a covenant area near Wadsworth and 92nd.

The house was built in 1996, and I am the third owner. The first owners, , from 1996 to 2001, were real gardeners...I think the back yard was professionally landscaped at that time.

The next people however, did NOTHING. So it took me a good 2-3 years to get it cleaned up enough for easy management. I have taken pictures through the whole process , and I will have to figure out how to post them.

Up to now, I have not added ANY new landscaping.... just did fine tuning to what was already here. But the north side of my lot is a real wind tunnel, and desperately needs a bed of evergreens before next winter. I have been browsing all kind of pictures online and books at the library to get ideas, and that is how I came across this message board. :)

So, I am very happy to meet you all , and look forward to happy gardening!

Betty

There are lots of people around here who can help you with just about any kind of questions you can come up with. And if you happen to ask something nobody knows the answer to—well—we’re good at guessing and making suggestions too!
;-)

When you try to post the pictures, if you’re having a problem, let us know what picture hosting site you’re using, and somebody will be able to tell you how to find the link you need to post them. If you don’t have a hosting site yet, I use Picasa and I love it! (And thanks to the folks here at RMG, I even know how to use it!)

Again, welcome! And bring on the pictures and questions!

Skybird

Looks like your yard has good bones and you've done a great job clearing out the unwanted stuff.
We're glad to have a new member!
Barb

Yes, we do love pictures around here. Your backyard looks nice and spacious, and you've definitely taken control back there!

I can sympathize on the wind tunnel thing. The area between my house and my next door neighbors is on the northwest side of the house, and the winds are horrible over there. All of the plants on that side are a foot or more shorter than they are supposed to be. Unfortunately, it also happens to be where the garbage and recycle bins are located, LOL!

Bonnie

You weren't kidding,that is a huge backyard.

I love your enthusiasm, by the way.

I hope you have fun "in" the forum and that you join us when we have plant swaps/meet-ups!

Jennifer

This is a really friendly forum with lots of helpful people. I think you'll like it here.

gloria