Owner
Steven Jessup
City
Berthoud
Skill Set
Intermediate
Project Size
500 - 750 sq ft
Project Location
Backyard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2022
Time Commitment
More than 40 hours of labor
Project Cost
$3,001 - $4,000
Other Project Elements
Native or drought-tolerant plants, Drip irrigation system, Raised/tiered beds, Retaining walls, Pathways, Veggie gardens, Patio/sitting areas, Firepit
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
We reduced our backyard sod by about 1/3rd and created entertainment space. Also done, a 6-foot boarder along the eastern edge of the yard (in front of the fence) was converted to xeriscape "pollinator" space - planted with indigenous flowering plants that require little water. In the spring, we will add a gravel walkway from the patio to the cement walk at the other side of the yard, this will reduce the backyard grass by another 4’x30’ section. Mulch will be applied to remaining dirt areas at least 4” deep, with openings for flowering plants. Irrigation pipes and sprinkler heads must be repositioned, and drips added as required. To stabilize rock and retaining walls, a significant amount of gravel and road base is required. Retaining walls must be trenched first, then filled with gravel before placing blocks, the base layer underneath pavers must be tamped. As to placing pavers, hire someone who knows what they are doing – or plan to spend a LOT of TIME placing them, and then placing them again! We are not 100% done, but this is what we got done this year. Cheers!
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Owner
Geri
City
Berthoud
Skill Set
Intermediate
Project Size
250 - 500 sq ft
Project Location
Front yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2022
Time Commitment
11 - 20 hours of labor
Project Cost
less than $500
Other Project Elements
Native or drought-tolerant plants, Raised/tiered beds, Retaining walls, Pathways, Rain Garden
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
The addition of the pond with waterfall and native flowers for the pollinators is a game changer for the feel of the yard and house! I am thrilled to be able to reduce my water use and help the native species in my area!
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