Remember when John had a memorable encounter with his amphibian friend (a toad, to be precise) during one of our earlier outdoor adventures?
Well, our recent endeavors in the yard introduced us to another neighborhood acquaintance, one that certainly kept us on our toes…
… a snaaaaaaake! The sight of it sent a shiver down our spines, an instinctive reaction to the slithery newcomer. Yet, our curiosity, or perhaps our penchant for documentation, overcame our fear just enough to snap a quick photo. Thankfully, upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a harmless garter snake, a common resident in many natural landscapes. This unexpected wildlife encounter was a vivid reminder of the untamed nature that our property, much like many others, holds, and a small moment of excitement during an otherwise routine day of yard maintenance.
Embracing the Phased Exterior Transformation: Our Approach to Home Improvement
Why were we out there, braving the local fauna and the summer heat? Yard maintenance, of course! We’re fully committed to transforming our home’s exterior, envisioning a gradual metamorphosis similar to our previous home, which underwent a remarkable change over several years. We understand that a complete overhaul isn’t an overnight task; it requires patience, strategic planning, and a consistent effort spread across numerous small projects. Our philosophy centers on breaking down this monumental undertaking into manageable, bite-sized pieces, tackling them slowly over time to achieve a truly impactful and sustainable transformation. This approach allows us to enjoy the process, learn as we go, and spread the financial investment, making the dream of a beautiful exterior a tangible reality.
… to this stunning after, achieved over the course of 4.5 years, demonstrating the power of consistent effort and a long-term vision in home renovation. It proves that even the most daunting exterior transformations are possible with a systematic, phased approach.
This journey of exterior home improvement is far from a sprint; it’s a marathon of dedication, creativity, and sometimes, unexpected challenges. Since a dramatic overhaul won’t happen within a year—or even two—we’re all about dissecting that humongous task into much smaller, more approachable projects to conquer slowly but surely. This strategy prevents burnout and allows us to celebrate incremental successes, fueling our motivation for the next step. Here are a few recent outdoor undertakings we’ve enthusiastically checked off our ever-growing list, contributing to the grand vision of our refreshed home exterior and significantly boosting our curb appeal.
Curb Appeal Boost: The Mailbox & House Numbers Refresh with ORB Spray Paint
First on our list for an instant curb appeal boost was tackling the mailbox and our house numbers. These small but crucial elements often fade into the background, literally, becoming dull and dated over time, subtly detracting from the overall appearance of our home. Our solution? A simple yet incredibly effective refresh using oil-rubbed bronze (ORB) spray paint. This choice wasn’t arbitrary; ORB offers a sophisticated, classic finish that instantly elevates the look of outdoor fixtures, making them appear richer, more intentional, and wonderfully cohesive with a variety of home styles. It’s a quick, budget-friendly DIY project that yields surprisingly dramatic results, proving that even minor details can significantly impact your home’s overall aesthetic and make a powerful first impression.
The process itself brought its own quirky moments, adding a touch of humor to our DIY efforts. The most memorable part was when John, ever the considerate partner and always thinking ahead, brought the freshly painted mailbox to me using rubber pot holder “thingies.” Why the unusual method? Because it was literally too hot to touch, having baked under the intense summer sun out front! This small detail perfectly encapsulates the reality of outdoor DIY projects—they often come with unexpected challenges, from blazing heat to pesky insects, making John’s thoughtfulness all the more appreciated as I inspected the fresh, gleaming coat without scalding my hands.
Before its much-needed makeover, the mailbox was far from glamorous. Up close and personal, it wasn’t just literally hot from the sun; its appearance was, shall we say, a bit lacklustre. Years of exposure to the elements—sun, rain, and everything in between—had taken their toll, leaving it looking worn, tired, and uninspired. The once vibrant finish had dulled, and signs of environmental wear were evident, hinting at the neglect it had endured. These images serve as a clear “before” picture, showcasing the transformation potential even in the smallest of home features.
My first step in this DIY mailbox makeover was a thorough cleaning, a critical stage for any successful painting project. This involved meticulously wiping down all the accumulated grime and, yes, a fair bit of bird poo with a wet cloth. A glamorous life, indeed, but necessary for a smooth finish! Once the surface was impeccably clean and completely dry, I reached for my favorite ORB spray paint (confession: my name is Sherry, and I might have a slight ORB obsession, a common affliction among DIY enthusiasts). The trick to achieving a flawless, professional-looking finish is applying a few thin, even coats rather than one thick, heavy one, which can lead to drips and uneven coverage. This technique ensures a durable and smooth result. For those looking for more detailed spray painting tips, you can always find helpful guides online, which often emphasize proper ventilation and maintaining a consistent distance from the object. In addition to the mailbox, I also gave the rusted tops of the screws holding it in place, as well as our brass house numbers, the same refreshing ORB treatment, tying everything together with a cohesive, updated look that significantly boosts our home’s curb appeal.
A quick note on drop cloths, an often-overlooked but essential component of any painting project: while I often repurpose old fabric sheets or cardboard from the recycling bin, for recent ORB projects, I’ve found a new favorite – a few large black plastic bags. They’re surprisingly durable and versatile for multiple uses, especially when dealing with spray paint. After they dry completely, I simply ball them up for reuse, a habit born from my frequent spray painting endeavors and a strong dislike for wasting materials after a single go. This eco-conscious approach allows me to keep my DIY projects both stylish and sustainable, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
While we can’t show you all of our house numbers for privacy reasons, rest assured they received the same stylish upgrade and now gleam with a renewed elegance. The mailbox, however, is now looking exceptionally shiny and sophisticated, a true testament to the transformative power of a little paint and effort. It’s amazing what a fresh coat can do for your home’s first impression, instantly elevating its aesthetic from dull to dazzling.
We strategically timed this project for a Sunday, ensuring the paint had ample time to dry and cure before our diligent mail carrier made their rounds on Monday morning. By the end of the day, everything was perfectly dry and hardened, allowing us to screw the mailbox and numbers back into their rightful places without any smudging or damage. While I was up there, taking in the refreshed view, I seized the opportunity to snap a few updated photos of our flower beds. We’d received several requests from readers to see how they’ve grown and flourished since initial planting, and we were eager to share their progress, showcasing another evolving aspect of our outdoor space!
Flourishing Flora: The Miraculous Growth of Our Petunias
But first, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to when these beautiful blooms were just beginning their journey. Here they are before, captured shortly after we carefully planted them – humble, unassuming, and full of the promise of future beauty. It’s important to remember these early stages to truly appreciate the incredible transformation that follows.
And now, prepare to be amazed! Here they are today, showcasing incredible growth, lushness, and vibrant color, perfectly complementing the freshly sprayed mailbox. (We did, however, digitally remove the newly painted house numbers from the post in this shot to maintain our privacy and focus purely on the botanical beauty.) The transformation is truly remarkable, a testament to the resilience and inherent beauty of nature when given the right start.
Isn’t it astonishing how much they’ve filled in? What makes their flourishing even more impressive is a little secret: we only watered them once – on the very day we planted them. Despite enduring scorching summer temperatures and a lack of additional irrigation, these plants have not only survived but thrived, leaving us extreeeeeeeemely impressed with their hardiness and vigor. It seems that Wave petunias are indeed the way to go for vibrant, low-maintenance blooms that can withstand challenging conditions, making them a fantastic choice for busy homeowners. Their expansive growth has truly softened the hard lines of our mailbox area, creating a welcoming and lush visual focal point that draws the eye.
Even Lord Squirrelio, our esteemed resident fluffy-tailed connoisseur of the garden, seems to be thoroughly enjoying the expanding flora. His frequent, playful visits are always a welcome sight, adding another layer of charm and vitality to our evolving outdoor space. It’s a sure sign that our efforts are contributing positively to the local ecosystem, providing both beauty and a haven for wildlife.
Mailbox Post Aesthetics: Blending with Nature’s Palette
As for the mailbox post itself, we’ve debated painting it, considering various options to either match the mailbox or provide a contrasting element. However, we’ve grown quite fond of its natural, weathered wood appearance, finding beauty in its rustic charm. It blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, a decision strongly supported by a theory from a discerning landscape designer friend of ours. Their invaluable advice is to never draw undue attention to your mailbox or its post; instead, the focus should be on keeping it neat and letting it simply exist harmoniously within the natural environment. The goal is for it to complement, not detract from, the inherent beauty of the yard around it, allowing the greenery and architectural elements of the house to take center stage. This natural wood post certainly achieves that subtle, unobtrusive integration, enhancing the overall organic feel of our front yard. While we might reconsider painting it down the line, perhaps when other major landscaping elements are complete, for now, we’re content to leave it au naturale, embracing its timeless appeal and how it harmonizes with the evolving flora.
But enough about the fascinating world of mailbox updates, as rewarding and impactful as they are. Let’s dive back into the essence of our blog post’s title and explain why we recently found ourselves in the familiar, yet slightly awkward, position of “those neighbors” again. You might recall our previous confession about a rather embarrassing mailbox problem, a situation we diligently resolved by weeding, laying down landscaping fabric, planting vibrant flowers, applying a fresh layer of mulch, and removing extraneous, cluttering signs. That initial undertaking helped us shed some of the embarrassment of being the “new family in town” with an unkempt mailbox area. It was a humbling but valuable learning experience, reminding us that first impressions truly matter, even in the suburban landscape, and that thoughtful maintenance can significantly enhance community relations.
The Side Yard Saga: From Wild Ambition to Manicured Compromise
Our home comes with an incredibly unique, and frankly, rather insane side yard. From a distance, its sprawling, wild appearance often makes it look like it belongs to an entirely different property, perhaps an undeveloped lot or a neglected strip of land. But indeed, every single inch you see in this picture, extending far beyond what one might initially assume, is an integral part of our lot. This expansive, somewhat enigmatic space presented us with one of our biggest and most perplexing landscaping conundrums, challenging our vision for the entire property.
Yes, even the wildly shaggy, untamed growth on the far left, bordering our neighbor’s property, belongs entirely to us. It’s a vast expanse that left us scratching our heads, a classic “don’t-know-what-to-do-with-that-but-definitely-don’t-want-to-have-to-mow-or-weed-or-otherwise-maintain-it” kind of space. Our initial thought, borne from a desire for both aesthetic appeal and low maintenance, was to embrace a more hands-off approach and attempt to naturalize it. Our immediate neighbors, whose lot is adjacent to ours, have beautifully naturalized land, which gave us the idea that a similar, wilder aesthetic would “go together” nicely, creating a cohesive, eco-friendly boundary that felt organic and intentional.
Oops. Total failure, unfortunately. What began with good intentions and an ecological mindset quickly devolved into a truly crazy and overgrown spectacle. The goal of a harmonious naturalized space, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment, quickly transformed into what could only be described as a wild, untamed jungle. It was a far cry from the picturesque vision we had hoped for, instead giving the distinct impression of neglect rather than thoughtful wilderness.
Not only was the wildly overgrown grass failing to impress us, but its unruly appearance also started to attract the attention of a few well-meaning but direct neighbors. Their polite, yet firm, suggestion was that we “might want to mow it before we get reported to the neighborhood association.” Talk about embarrassing! We muttered something about our attempts to naturalize it, drawing parallels to the beautiful, intentionally wild lot next door, but quickly admitted that our vision clearly wasn’t translating into reality as hoped, and certainly wasn’t meeting community standards. The feedback, though slightly awkward, served as a much-needed wake-up call, prompting us to vow that, at the very least, we would cut the front strip of grass to present a less unkempt and more respectable appearance from the curb. This experience was a humbling reminder of the delicate balance between personal landscaping preferences, environmental aspirations, and essential community expectations.
This commitment, however, meant we had to tackle the immensely challenging task of mowing grass that was far too long to be easily managed by a standard residential mower. It had grown to an incredible height and density, making it feel more like harvesting a wild hayfield than mowing a lawn. Thankfully, big, strong John stepped up to the plate and, with great perseverance and a lot of elbow grease, got ‘er done! It certainly didn’t take five minutes; it was more akin to an hour of slow, careful back-and-forth maneuvering, repeatedly stopping the mower every ten minutes or so to clear out huge clumps of dense, matted grass that continuously clogged the blades. It was a true test of strength, patience, and mechanical ingenuity, but the satisfying sight of the slowly transforming lawn was motivation enough to push through the effort.
… but slowly, yet surely, pass by painstaking pass, progress was made. Each swipe of the mower chipped away at the wild, towering growth, revealing the hidden potential of a tidier landscape beneath.
Through John’s determined efforts, we transitioned from a chaotic, overgrown embarrassment to a much more manicured-up-top look. This transformation was achieved simply by tackling that front strip, creating a clearer demarcation between our property and the street. It’s a smart compromise that respects both our desire for natural elements in certain areas and the neighborhood’s understandable aesthetic standards for visible frontages. The result is a much more intentional and welcoming appearance, without completely abandoning our long-term vision for a naturalized back section.
We’re genuinely pleased with how it now visually integrates with our main lot, feeling more like a coherent part of our property, despite the downhill portion retaining its intentionally naturalized character. It finally feels like *our* space, a thoughtful blend of curated and wild, rather than an accidental patch of wilderness.
Now, the area further down the hill appears intentionally wild, providing a perfect, low-maintenance solution where no weeding or precarious incline mowing is necessary – hooray for strategic laziness and smart landscape design! This deliberate approach means we don’t have to battle the steep slope with a mower, saving time and effort. Conversely, the area visible from the road now presents a much neater, more welcoming appearance, fulfilling our commitment to community aesthetics. This strategic division ensures our property no longer looks neglected or abandoned, striking a harmonious balance between natural beauty and neighborhood appeal. It’s a prime example of how thoughtful, phased landscaping can solve complex challenges while respecting both personal preferences and communal standards.
Ongoing Outdoor Projects: Enhancing Privacy, Battling Weeds, and Cultivating Future Visions
In other news of “small things we tackle in the hopes that in five years we’ll blink our eyes and utterly love our exterior,” we’ve also focused on enhancing privacy and contributing positively to the local environment. To this end, we recently planted three more fast-growing evergreens in the back area of our house. Our long-term goal for these strategically placed trees is to provide increased privacy from the rear of the property, creating a more secluded and intimate outdoor living space as they mature. Additionally, this planting effort serves as a small but meaningful way to “pay the environment back” for some of our previous, less green endeavors, such as extensive construction projects that might have impacted local greenery.
We opted for three more of the same fast-growing evergreen tree variety that we previously planted along the side of our house. This choice ensures a consistent aesthetic throughout our property and builds upon our existing privacy screen, creating a cohesive and natural barrier. For those interested in the specifics of how we selected and planted these trees, including tips for successful growth, you can refer to our detailed guide on initial evergreen planting. Choosing fast-growing varieties is a key strategy for achieving significant privacy benefits within a reasonable timeframe, making them an excellent investment for any homeowner seeking to enhance their outdoor sanctuary and create a more secluded atmosphere.
Next up on our agenda was a significant weeding session. Or perhaps, “big weeding” would be a more accurate description, bordering on a horticultural excavation! We are still baffled by the incredible fertility and, frankly, the aggressive nature of the soil here, as evidenced by the sheer size and tenacity of some of the weeds springing up around our side and backyard areas—zones we eventually hope to naturalize into a serene, wooded landscape. The scale of these invaders was truly astounding, dwarfing many of our intentional plantings.
Yes, that is indeed a giant dandelion, an almost comically large specimen that made us feel as though we had suddenly landed on the set of Jurassic Park, half-expecting a pterodactyl to fly overhead at any moment as we wrestled with its formidable roots. While we absolutely desire certain areas of our side and back yard to evolve into a woodsy, naturalized haven, these colossal weeds were more than just a little embarrassing; they were an immediate visual blight. Their shrub-like proportions detracted significantly from our vision of a curated natural space, making it look neglected rather than intentionally wild. So, with determined effort, we dug them out, marveling (and slightly horrified) at their monstrous size and intricate root systems. It was truly Crazytown, but a necessary and satisfying step towards our long-term landscaping goals of creating a truly natural, yet managed, outdoor environment.
Our Comprehensive Exterior Project Checklist: Progress and Future Aspirations
Our outdoor project checklist is simply too extensive to share in its entirety, a testament to the ambitious scope of our home’s exterior transformation journey. It’s a living document, constantly evolving as we complete tasks and new ideas sprout. However, for the sheer satisfaction of crossing things off and providing a transparent glimpse into our progress, we’re happy to jot down a few things we’ve accomplished recently and outline some more objectives we’re eager to tackle over time. This list serves as both a roadmap and a source of motivation, reminding us how far we’ve come and how much exciting work still lies ahead.
weed the side of the carport(successfully completed with some mom help, making quick work of it and instantly improving the area’s appearance!)limb up the giant magnolia(a challenging but rewarding task that significantly improved light penetration and overall aesthetics, details available here)build a side patio(a fantastic addition that expanded our outdoor living space, completed over the course of about four dedicated weeks, chronicled here)weed, mulch & plant the embarrassingly unkempt mailbox area(a crucial curb appeal enhancement that transformed our entryway, documented here)plant three fast growing evergreen trees on the side of our house for privacy(a strategic move for long-term seclusion and a natural barrier, insights shared here)make some mini porch updates(small changes that made a big difference in creating a more welcoming and stylish entryway, explored here)upgrade the mailbox and our house numbers with some ORB(a recent triumph, as detailed in this very post, providing an instant refresh!)plant three more fast growing evergreen trees in the back of our house(continuing our privacy mission, these will provide future screening from the rear property line)weed the side and back yard areas, so they naturalize with trees (not giant dandelions)(an ongoing battle against the wild, aimed at establishing intentional natural beauty and controlling invasive growth)- avoid snakes (so far so good, this is an ongoing initiative requiring constant vigilance, especially during warmer months!)
- transplant the tree that’s planted ON our house (a critical task to prevent structural damage and allow proper growth for both the tree and our home, a peek at its current precarious situation here)
- remove/transplant a ton of bushes and shrubs that block our front walkway & our house in general (a multi-phase project to open up pathways, improve visibility, and enhance the home’s overall curb appeal)
- paint the front door (a vibrant new color to add personality, a focal point, and an immediate boost to our home’s welcoming feel)
- frame out the round country-ish columns on the porch (to update the aesthetic to a more modern, streamlined, and substantial look, moving away from a dated style)
- remove the also-country-ish scalloped header on the porch (further refining the porch’s architectural style to better align with our desired contemporary aesthetic)
- build raised bed gardens in the back (for organized, productive gardening, easier access, and a tidy, intentional look in our backyard space)
- add a wood compost bin in the back (an aesthetic and functional upgrade from our current, slightly less handsome compost method, which you can see here)
In short, our overarching goal is to slowly but surely tame the veritable jungle that our property currently presents. We aim to achieve this through a series of thoughtful, not-too-intimidating phases, transforming overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. This long-term vision ensures that each project contributes meaningfully to the overall transformation, without feeling like an insurmountable challenge, allowing us to enjoy the process and the incremental improvements.
Because let’s be honest, in that “before” shot, with all the overgrown foliage, you can’t even truly appreciate the architectural beauty or the inviting nature of our porch. Le sigh. Our mission is to unveil its charm and make our home’s exterior as inviting and functional as its interior, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Join the Conversation: Your Home Transformation Stories
What about you, our wonderful readers? When it comes to tackling significant outdoor projects or giving your yard a complete facelift, do you prefer to completely “gut” your yard and rebuild it all at once, diving headfirst into a massive overhaul? Or are you, like us, more of the one-project-at-a-time folks, slowly chipping away at your outdoor vision, savoring each small victory along the way? We’d love to hear about your approach and what works best for your home and lifestyle, as every renovation journey is unique and inspiring.
Have you ever had an unexpected encounter with a sneaky little snake in your garden, or perhaps stumbled upon a giant, person-sized dandelion that left you questioning reality and the very nature of botany? Or, even more relatable for some, have you ever received a “friendly” reminder from the neighbors to mow your lawn, sparking a moment of embarrassment or perhaps a renewed sense of purpose? Oh man, we’re still kind of blushing just thinking about that one! Share your funny, embarrassing, or triumphant outdoor project stories, challenges, and solutions in the comments below! We’re all in this home transformation journey together, and your experiences inspire us and help foster a wonderful community of DIY enthusiasts.