Transforming Our Jungle Backyard: Phase Two of the Ultimate Bushwhacking Project

Welcome back to our ongoing saga of backyard transformation! We last left off deep in the heart of our jungle-esque outdoor space, having successfully transplanted and dug up a colossal 15-foot garden bed, meticulously leveling the ground with ambitious dreams of cultivating a lush, verdant carpet of grass. Today, we’re thrilled to share another significant stride in our backyard evolution – and yes, it involved another weekend steeped in mud, sweat, and the unwavering hope that one day I might achieve those mythical Madonna arms. This journey, much like renovating any indoor “room,” is undeniably a phased endeavor, particularly given the strenuous, body-aching nature of each stage. Yet, there’s an incomparable satisfaction that comes from spending a few focused hours digging in the yard – perhaps while our little one, Bean, naps peacefully and Burger, our feline supervisor, lazily observes from the windowsill – witnessing a tangible, dramatic change emerge from the hard work. For instance, after dedicating three and a half hours to the second phase of our backyard bushwhacking mission, the transformation is truly remarkable:

Conquering the Overgrown: Taming the Second Garden Bed and Encroaching Liriope

Our latest target? The formidable second 15-foot wide garden bed. But the true nemesis in this phase was the aggressive liriope. This resilient groundcover had decided to grow with such unbridled enthusiasm that it brazenly encroached upon our pathways, making any attempt to walk through in shorts a guaranteed recipe for itchy legs and irritation. Just recalling it makes me twitch! Take a look at the back section of the initial photo, where we hadn’t yet begun digging. Notice how the path shrinks to a mere 3 inches wide? This visual really underscores the challenge we were up against.

Now, observe the incredible difference! Post-excavation, we successfully reclaimed an impressive 6-8 inches of walking space on each side. Once both sides are tackled, that translates to an estimated 12-16 inches less of the path-blocking liriope! That’s a significant victory, effectively granting us approximately 300% more non-leg-itching freedom. The sense of accomplishment that comes with such a dramatic improvement in usability and aesthetics is truly invigorating. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making our backyard a comfortable, accessible space for everyone to enjoy without battling thorny bushes or itchy plants.

The vast quantities of liriope we unearthed found a new home in our side yard, an area where it already thrives in a wild, unrestricted mass. Here, its free-spirited growth actually contributes to a pretty, natural aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the existing foliage. So, we’re perfectly content allowing it to go bonkers and cover the entire wild section of our side yard, where it can be appreciated without impeding pedestrian traffic.

The Grit and Grind: A Deep Dive into Liriope Removal and Garden Bed Preparation

Let me tell you, digging up liriope is not an undertaking for the faint of heart. Its root system is tenacious, clinging stubbornly to the soil, making removal a test of endurance and strength. John bravely embarked on this arduous task while I focused on systematically cutting down the second 15-foot planting bed. Our strategy for tackling such expansive beds involves a methodical approach: first, trimming everything back aggressively, and then meticulously digging out the roots for either transplanting or complete removal. This method, while labor-intensive, has proven to be the most manageable and effective way to ensure a clean slate.

Meanwhile, John was waging his personal war against the liriope, demonstrating who was boss with his trusty shovel. He employed the highly effective “jump-on-the-shovel” method, leveraging his body weight to drive the shovel deep, ensuring he extracted as much of the root system as possible. This crucial step is paramount to prevent these stubborn plants from defiantly sprouting back up in the spring, thwarting all our hard work. Indeed, J-Boom truly put his back into it, showcasing an impressive display of dedication and manual labor.

After I had successfully trimmed down the planting bed (though not yet dug it up), a quick glance at the clock revealed Clara would be waking from her nap in about an hour and a half. Recognizing the time constraint, we decided to tag-team the liriope removal. I started working from the far end, while John continued from his initial starting point, and we steadily converged in the middle. Our primary goal was to at least conquer that one leg-tickling side before our little one stirred. We even managed to squeeze in time to gather some nutrient-rich dirt from a few bare patches deeper in the woods at the far end of our lot. This freshly acquired soil was then meticulously raked into the hollows left behind by the removed liriope, ensuring that no giant, unsightly pits marred the newly cleared yard. It was a race against time, but the satisfaction of seeing that section cleared was immense.

Dramatic Transformations: Unveiling New Perspectives

The most dramatic evidence of our progress is undoubtedly the view from a particular angle. This is essentially what greets you as you step beyond our side patio and turn left into the backyard. Previously, your gaze would abruptly halt about ten feet in front of you, obstructed by that massive, overgrown planting bed. Now, with the obstruction gone, your eye travels unimpeded all the way back to that magnificent maple tree gracing the opposite side of the backyard. The sense of depth and openness is simply breathtaking.

What was once a bonafide “bushfest” has finally begun to resemble a proper backyard. It’s a stark contrast that reinforces the effort we’ve poured into this project. While we still have a few more rows of liriope to meticulously dig out, and the 15-foot bed I trimmed needs to be thoroughly leveled and prepared for grass seed, the progress achieved in just one afternoon is truly commendable. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in this kind of outdoor “reclaim-your-yard” business, especially when the weather cooperates, offering those perfect not-too-hot, not-too-cold days.

We understand that our backyard, with its abundance of trees and bushes that can often look quite similar, can be a bit challenging to orient oneself within. To help clarify, the image below provides an “old & new” comparison taken just beyond the patio. It’s important to note that the dramatic comparison above was captured if you take about four steps forward from where these shots were taken and turn 90 degrees to the left, offering a different, more expansive perspective.

Envisioning the Dream: Our Backyard Blueprint and Future Plans

Perhaps this terrible rendering I drafted of our lot some time ago might offer a little more clarity in getting your bearings. Though admittedly old and featuring our house sketched about ten times too large, with the surrounding areas dwarfed by its central presence, it still helps visualize the layout. Crucially, it illustrates the trajectory of the brick paths and precisely where the two 15-foot garden beds once stood in the back of the property:

Oops! As mentioned, it’s an older rendering, so it doesn’t depict the deck, which now elegantly fills that previously awkward alleyway area situated between the original house and the 70s addition on the left side. Despite its minor inaccuracies, it serves as a helpful conceptual guide to our grand design. If all proceeds according to plan, we optimistically believe it will only take one more concentrated phase of bushwhacking back there to completely eradicate the remaining sections of that wild, path-encroaching liriope. Following that, we’ll meticulously level out the last garden bed, preparing it for its transformation. Our ultimate goal is to meticulously seed everything, nurturing the soil in the hopes of cultivating a beautiful, lush carpet of green grass. You can rest assured, we’ll keep you thoroughly updated on every step of this exciting journey.

Our Backyard Philosophy: Where Woods Meet Lawn

While we absolutely adore the expansive, woodsy lot that backs our home, we are undeniably drawn to the charm and utility of a vibrant swatch of lawn positioned directly in front of it. This grassy area is essential for Bean and Burger to freely run, play, and explore. I believe this preference harks back to the cherished memories of our first house’s backyard – a place where, in the springtime, everything seemed perpetually green and alive (a stark contrast to the browns of fall!).

This ideal combination – grass in the front, meeting woods in the back – represents our favorite kind of “backyard mullet.” While the backyard of our current house, once fully seeded and flourishing, will be approximately half the depth of our first home’s, we are perfectly content with this scale. It will still provide ample space for spirited play and relaxation, yet demands significantly less time for mowing and raking. It’s the perfect jackpot of functionality and manageability.

We’re making steady progress, one mud-covered weekend at a time, transforming a wild, overgrown space into a harmonious blend of manicured lawn and natural woodlands. There’s an immense joy in shaping your outdoor environment, creating a space that perfectly reflects your family’s needs and aesthetic desires. What adventures did you embark on this past weekend? Was anyone else out there digging around, getting gloriously dirty, and perhaps crossing their toes for a nice, long kid-nap to maximize their productivity?