A couple weeks back I shared our mega deck update. Well, we’ve been very busy in the yard, because I also took on the wooded section of the back yard. I had my sights set on taking it from an over-grown mess to a back yard camp-like oasis.

Basically there is a big oak tree and a few other “intentional trees,” but mostly it was years, and years of ivy and other overgrowth. I knew it had so much potential, and I’m not actually done, but done enough to share. Back in May I shared my backyard overhaul plans, you can see those here. And for two parents both work and taking care of the kids full time, I think we did an amazing job!

I still plan to mulch most of what you see in the photo below, but I think I’ve run out of steam to do that this summer, so my plan is to wait until next spring, do another round of clearing and lay the mulch right away.

BEFORE

I don’t even feel like the before photo shows how many layers and layers of ivy there were. We cleared probably 50 yard waste bags, and could probably do at least 5 more of just ivy. We spent weeks pulling away. After each rain when the ground was nice and loose I would go and hack away.

At one time I think this was a beautiful garden. There was a cedar arch, a pond and many intentional plants, some still with tags attached to them.

After we cleared, I laid lawn fabric, edging and pea gravel to make a couple of paths and a fire pit area.

Of course I added the prettiest hammock and some string lights as the icing on the cake.

BEFORE

AFTER

You have to see this DIY play set upgrade!

Because I couldn’t stop at two major projects, I had to throw in a bonus project, I made over our play set in 24 hours. You can see the entire DIY breakdown on Something Turquoise. Isn’t it adorable!?

We also made a path to the darling playhouse we bought for Ollie last spring.

While it feels like we’ve been working on this spot for a long time, it’s totally worth it, we have had a fire here at least once a week since we got the fire pit and have actually had friends back here for socially appropriate visits.