Easter present to us: the Garden!

My in laws came down for a much-awaited visit during the Easter break last week. After doing the sightseeing thing for 2 days we got down to business. One of the sore-thumbs of the house is my garden courtyard right outside the living room, which means blinds are always drawn. I never liked it even when we bought the place. The previous owner really chose stupid plants which had sharp and cutting leaves and trunk. Not children-friendly in the slightest.

We spent 2-3 days on this and the result is mind-blowing and quite emotional for me.

When we bought:


Just before we took our mattocks to the garden:
(keep in mind I always wanted to just clear this area so nothing was purposely watered when we have this drought. I'd rather water my roses out the front!)


See how deep the overgrowth and rubbish is?


We decided to prune back the dying blossom tree and give it new lease of life in the front.

The remains of an overgrowing birds-or-paradise, two dead palm trees, 1 overgrown lemon myrtle, 40000000 overgrown dietes grandiflora...



Lunch break:


And then finally... after 8 bags of cow manure, clay breaker, top soil, Seasol....



And the cherry blossom, pruned and replanted out the front...


Waiting for the weed-seeds to sprout and then pluck out... need to wait 2 weeks. Then I'll sow the grass seeds (turf was too expensive)... And plant to star jasmine climbers up the lattice (getting more).

Flickr user: jacquiscloset

I'd love to put a wrought iron swing like the one my mum had while we were growing up...

Flickr: nat choo

Or a fountain/water feature...

Update: there's one on eBay I'm watching!! OOOH! :)