Yard

We have had quite the time with our yard over the past year.
Last summer we got grass put in. We hired someone to do it after much debate. Russ really wanted to do it himself because he thought it would be cheaper and all of his siblings and dad but their own sprinklers and grass in themselves. We got a few estimates and it was just going to cost way too much but one morning we saw a guy driving around with fliers. We asked him to give us an estimate and he came in way less than anyone else. Looking back it was a good decision despite the few hiccups we had along the way with Mr. Jesse (the guy who did our grass and sprinklers).

Here is the ugly beginning:

And then we had grass:

This year we finally bit the bullet and put in most of our trees and shrubs. We went to Highland Nursery because we heard that if you spend over a certain amount they would plant everything for you but we were disappointed to find out that the ended that last year. The good thing was they have a woman you comes our to your house and designs your landscaping for you. She came out for $60 an hour and it was absolutely worth it. It only took her one hour and she drew out specifically where we plant each plant/tree. We were really happy with what she drew up for us and we especially impressed that she didn't only recommend plants that they had at Highland Nursery. Now we have most of our perennials planted and next year I hope to plant some annuals and some other flowers with some color. 

One day we decided to shovel the snow that was piled up and the side of our driveway. As Russ began to shovel we saw that we thought were mice running out. First we saw one big once the we started seeing babies and nests. We found out from a neighbor that they are voles and since we have a large field behind us they come from there. Russ probably killed 9 or more with his shovel. It was gross but the worst part was they ate up all our new grass. Needless to say Russ was furious! He spent weeks seeding it, watering it and raking up the dead grass. Whatever he did worked because it has filled in in most places and looks good as new.