Backyard Birthday Present

On my birthday I woke up to a beautiful surprise from Steen and the kids. Lots of flowers and tropical plants for me to look at everyday! Thanks for the big surprise Steen! And thanks Andrew for helping Steen plant everything!

Yard WORK!

We have been busy busy busy doing yard work at our house. On Saturday we moved 7 large bushes over to the side of the house and we laid almost 35 bails of pine straw. That's what they use for "bark dust" here - pine straw. It's weird, but I guess it looks ok since everyone else does it. The yard is looking better. Steen also laid grass seed on Monday. We'll see how that does. We are going to get some flowers, more pots, and a palm or two planted in the front, but the hard work is done. Yahoo! Now it's on to the backyard. We have a lush garden/tropical area planned. It should look great. I will post pics when that gets done. Here's what we have for now. Steen is very proud!
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The before pic taken in October when we moved in.

After pic #1.

Bushes gone and pine straw laid. Palms trimmed. After pic #2.

Looks great! We just need green grass now!
Again, the before pic taken in October.
Nasty bushes, weeds, and junk.

After pic #1
Weeds gone, new bushes in, tree trimmed, and pine straw laid.

Our bodies are sore and we've all got sunburns, but it was so worth getting the front yard looking better!

Hibiscus Tree

This is my "strawberry sunset" hibiscus tree.

It's been blooming for the last week or so. I just love it.

It's so lush and tropical!!

Mrs. Orange Tree

I got Steen this orange tree for Christmas. It's blooming right now and let me tell ya...it's my new favorite smell in the world. The sweet citrus smell is to die for. Sometimes I walk out front just to take a smell of her.