September is for... celebrating in style!

Guess what?! This month we celebrated our home-owner-versary! I'm so excited about this little milestone, and thought it must be time to recap and take stock of some improvements we've made to the house and garden. I'd also like to take the opportunity to start posting a 'photo of the week' because sometimes I just can't wait to show you what's happening, and they will be short and 'snappy' I promise! There will still be a monthly update for those who love a good story.

So here are my top 5 'before and after' transformations, 2 of which are still in progress, and you will be getting an exclusive sneak peek!

1. The hallway/spare bedroom:
A work in progress, but a fantastic result already. Originally the house had 2 living areas, but only 1 decent bedroom (I don't count the 'study' as a bedroom as it wouldn't fit much more than a bed and desk in it!). We decided to put up a wall to separate off the front room and turn it into a usable spare bedroom. This also gives us a nice hallway area to draw people toward the lounge room and kitchen.

 












2.The driveway garden/veggie beds:
Recycling the old fence panels has been great fun, using them as supports for our vegetables along the driveway fence. Tomatoes, eggplants, peas and beans have all grown up them, with room for a row of greens, herbs or root veg in front. We now have these running right from the front fence, with some dwarf citrus and apple trees between each. You will have to use your imagination a bit for the veggie beds, as I've just planted my summer seeds and they haven't done much yet!

 
3. Down with the carport:
Even though we are on a good sized block, much of it is unusable for garden space due to the layout. The garage is at the back, requiring a long driveway, and the pool is directly behind the house. We decided the garage and driveway provide enough parking space, and the carport was just collecting 'stuff' that we didn't need anyway. Full story to come when the project is finished! 

4. The pool area:
Removing the awful old fencing was quite a job, but it made such a massive difference. The yard is now open and full of light, and the garden has made it a lovely place to lounge about or sit and read.

5. The front garden:
The aim here was to dress up the 'face' of the house to increase street appeal, so the big dark fence was first to go. A mixture of softening flowers, native plants and roses make the house feel loved, and 2 deciduous fruit trees where planted in the lawn to shade the western bedroom windows in summer, and let in some sun in winter.

It's been a big year, and hopefully next year will see house and garden get even better. Stay tuned for updates on the carport/new garden and spare room!