Genius Hour Post #2

This week for my Genius Hour, I am realizing that 'landscaping my backyard' may not actually be where my Genius Hour is leaning toward anymore.

I definitely do want my backyard to be a more usable space, but what I'm now realizing is that above all- I want it to be a space for my sons to WANT to play in.

So, I may be tweaking my Genius Hour slightly. Instead of my question being 'What is the best way to plan landscaping for yard', I will now make it- "How can I make my overgrown backyard into a great play space for my boys?"

I took some photos of my yard this morning. I feel that the misty, dreary weather was a perfect backdrop to how I feel when I look at my yard.

Yup. That's it. My yard. Deep, narrow and overgrown. 

The vegetable garden to the right of this photo is definitely getting ripped out. What will go there? I'm still debating in my mind.

In that unused spot in the back of this photo, I'd love to clear it out and build a simple pergola around a small firepit. Similar to the photo below:

Pinterest , [ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com]. Retrieved from http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2015/05/diy-patio-area-with-texas-lamp-posts.html?m=1

The large vegetable garden on the right of this photo...I'm just not quite sure about. I would love to just rip it out, perhaps put the play fort on that side of the yard and leave the other side open for soccer games and such. BUT...on the other hand, teaching the boys how to grow our own vegetables WOULD be a pretty amazing life skill for them. I'm torn. Good thing I still have a few months to decide.

This tree is really not doing very well. I think it must have been hit by lightning, or something. I really need to get rid of these hanging branches for the safety of my boys. I researched how much it will be to do so, and it sounds like I'm looking at a minimum of around $300- 400 for the job. I envision putting a tent up for the boys to play in. when the leaves come in, it is almost like a mini forest back there.

Yes, say goodbye to this garden bed, for sure. In it's place will either be a fort (like the one pictured below), or else it will be an open place that the boys can play in.

Pinterest, [cubbyhouse.net]. Retrieved from http://www.cubbyhouse.net/cubbyhouses/timberwolf.htm
Thankfully, my boyfriend is handy and is excited to take on building this for the kiddos. I'm putting aside about $3,000 for supplies.




So, in the last couple of weeks, I have gone from looking for landscaping ideas to planning a backyard that will be divided into almost 4 different quadrants- if you will. There will be the eating/ hanging out place closest to the house. There will be a field/type place for the boys to kick/hit/throw in. There will be a large play fort to play in. And there will be a tent in the 'forest' play area in the back.



I'm looking forward to where my next week's research will take me!