If you dropped into DesignTies last Monday you learned about the work that my hubby and I have started in our front yard when I asked the question “Can you see beyond the ugly?!”
A week later and our front yard is still ugly… in fact, it’s probably uglier than it was last week(!!)… but there is progress to report. Specifically… the big cedar tree is gone!
Are you ready to see these before and current photos?
Now that you can SEE the house, I REALLY need to paint the house!!
What a difference it’s made to have that tree gone! Yes you can see the house, but in person the yard seems so much larger then before which we love. The stump still needs to be removed… that should be happening later this week. In fact, the whole front of the yard will be excavated back about 8 feet so that we can start building our new retaining walls and front stairs. I just KNOW that it’ll look FAB!
Here are some photos showing the tree coming down…
A couple more before and current pics…
When I see this before & after I find that I miss the tree just a little… but I keep reminding myself that it was in horrible condition, the roots were exposed on the front slope and nothing but ivy would grow under it. When our landscaping is complete we’ll have a lovely new tree sitting just to the left of the above-right photo… and the grass will be green… and the walkway won’t be cracked and slanted because of tree roots!
Yep… the yard is likely uglier then it was, but it’s gotta be BAD before it can be FAB!!
And finally… here’s a photo of our peek-a-boo view of the Fraser River and Port Mann Bridge, opened up just a little more then it was before thanks to the removal of our massive cedar tree!
;-) In real life we hardly notice the power lines!! ;-)
There’s something else I want to share with you…
Three stumps to be exact… and this is what I plan on doing with them!
What do you think?
My husband thinks I’m a little off my rocker… “ANOTHER project?” he asked me? (Click HERE to read all about my project list… a list that keeps growing, much to Brian’s dismay!!). No worries, Brian… I have to wait a while until the wood in these stumps dry before I even start this project! By that time I’ll be desperate for something to do. Yah. Right!! :-)
Now… before I sign off…
Be sure that you come back to DesignTies on Wednesday for our debut of Rewind Wednesdays – a weekly tribute to our deeply buried but never-forgotten-totally-terrific archived posts. And the really fun part? It’s a blog party! Rewind some of your archived posts and re-play with us!! Hit the rewind button to the right to learn more.
Finally… this post is dedicated to TRANSFORMATIONS and is a contribution to Susan’s Metamorphosis Monday blog party! Be sure you make your way over to Susan’s blog Between Naps on the Porch so that you can check out the wonderful transformations showcased by Susan’s blogsphere guests! Thanks Susan!!
Victoria from Edin Interiors
30 comments:
Oh I can so see beyond ugly. Removing that tree was the best thing you could do.... revealing your gorgeous home! .... and the stumps idea... ingenious! A-M xx
Victoria ~ That tree was just huge!!! I am the type that would be nervous having such a big tree close to the house (hurricanes and all that, you know). I think you are off to a great start in beautifying your yard!
Ah, sad you had to cut it down, but sometimes it is better in the long run. Looking forward to following the progress. And, keeping some of the stumps for use in your home is a great idea. They also make good seats outside around the BBQ or fire pit.
I can see how its coming along! That is a huge change and a big project. Good job.
~Liz
Hey Victoria !
Your hubbys comment about being off your rocker is so cute ! I think we all need that for the vision! Love the view now with the tree gone
and you can see the lovely home !
Hugs ~ Kammy
How exciting to have your yard transformed.. Your patience will be paying off! About the stumps..I've always wanted to do something creative with them and those photos make them look tres chic!
I think that it is a great idea to turn the stumps into little tables. Have fun with the yard redo.
I really like the idea of using the stumps.
I am using the stumps of the big old trees that i had to pull down this summer. Not sure what to do with them though.
Qerat - you design/make beautiful furniture so I'm sure that what ever you do to your stumps will be equally wonderful!!
Victoria
That tree was massive. It's great that you keep the stumps..., love the idea to use them in all the ways shown. Didn't like the tree outside..., bring it inside, he!
Your house is super cute; sure, some paint would be nice, but it's a lovely style and I bet you feel so much lighter and brighter with the tree gone.
As for the stumps, that's a wonderful idea. We had a (diseased) apple tree in our garden in England and after it came down, a good friend made us some bowls and other items from it. It was nice to keep a piece of the tree, and best of all, when we moved to the US, these things could come with us.
Thank you so much for the link to my giveaway - I appreciate it!
I had been looking forward to seeing those photos! Thanks for posting them all! And I love the stumps idea.. puts some organic decorating elements into a room! Lovely! I hope you have a fabulous week!
~Really Rainey~
Victoria, you are hilarious !! I can totally see beyond the ugly to visions of beauty !! I can't wait to see the rest!!
and the stumps.. great Idea !!
Vitania
I can see beyond the ugly. ;) I can't wait to see the completed project on those tree stumps. Great idea!
Hello Victoria - wow, what a big job that was. So much better now! Can't wait to see what you do with the stumps. Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
I think stumps have more character than some people I've met! I like the idea!
Brenda
I just knew you must have been busy at this project over the weekend -- big job!
I meant to mention the other day that I like your idea of Rewind Wednesday. I'll try to participate (if I remember) :)
Just had some blog hopping time and enjoyed reading your blog. I love all the different blog designs and creative people. Love your house..
Wow! That was quite a task! Glad you're able to salvage some of the tree!
I always see beyond the ugly! Your yard is going to be great -- this is some huge project you are undertaking.
But as my Mom used to say, when she was tugging at the tangles in my hair, "You have to suffer to be beautiful!"
Cass
cool post.
I heard just the other day that one thing to remember is when ever a tree is cut down to be sure and plant another.
TTFN~~Claudia ♥
This is going to be beautiful Victoria. It's a shame to lose such a large tree, but sometimes it's the only thing to do. I love your little "peek a boo" view of the river! And I really can't wait to see what you do with those tree stumps, I know it will be fabulous! Kathy
I think it's going to be stunning...and I know what you mean - I took pictures on vacation recently and didn't notice the power lines in person - but on film, um, yeah they were obvious!
Victoria, of course you need to make these stumps into coffee tables, what would you show us on metamorphosis Monday's otherwise? I'm so impressed with all your projects, it's wonderful.
You and Kelly are an inspiration!!
I love the stump table idea. Did you do it yet? Are you planning to remove the bark? How? I'd love to know how that turns out!
the house looks great without the tree, and a little piece of it will live on! :-)
Oh, I want a stump! Could you spare one and send it my way? :)
Hi Victoria...Wow...what a huge difference removing the tree made! I can't wait to see the plans you have for the stumps...love the inspiration photo so I know it's gonna be great! :-)
Susan
WOW - the transformation begins! Awesome!!
~angela @ peonypatc
The tree stumps are going to look awesome! I love adding natural elements like that in a room.
Marie
The idea of reusing the stumps is awesome! Btw, how did the tree remover guys remove the stump in the ground? I imagine the roots span out farrrrrr...
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