Dreaming Of A New Back Yard

Finally I found a picture of a yard we both agree on. Wild Bill likes pergolas while I love shade trees, but this would be shady enough for me.

The picture is from Better Homes and Gardens magazine and it's a perfect space in my opinion. That much perfection though will require more $$ than we can afford right now. But, at least we have a reference of where to start. Due to budget limitations, we'll start with the patio base and just leave room for the pergola and fireplace. My philosophy is you can do anything a piece at a time.

Off to the left of the dream patio, we would want to put in a garden. Of course, in my dreams, it will be one like Meryl Streep had in the movie It's Complicated.

I've been reading about putting in gardens, so now I think I'm an expert -- just like when I read Julia Childs and think I can bake! I would not have considered attempting this 3 or 4 garden books back.

Well, while we're dreaming, we still have empty space to the right of the patio, so let's throw in a pool. Here's my ideal pool from a magazine photo I clipped a long time ago. I don't know where I got it, but I would love to give you credit -- and come by for a swim -- if you let me know it's yours!

Man, that seems like a lot of work to do. I better buy a lotto ticket then get back to my garden books and rest up!