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Make An Oasis In Your Front Yard!

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Just over a year ago, I decided to remake my front yard. Due to drought, the grass was dying and in fact, most of it had died. So I thought it would be better to conserve water and stop trying to have that "perfect lawn" that used to be the standard. I cleared a spot in the center of the yard, and you can see the progression of the "Oasis" over the years time. It's still a work in progress, but as you can see, many plants have matured and others have died and been replaced. I outlined the entire plot with concrete curbing I made in individual molds over time. Into the molds, I encased various words using styrofoam cut on the hotwire machine. One raised bed, a post with a planter on it, a pathway, some concrete tree rings, a bird bath and a variety of plants make an attractive, interesting "garden spot" in the front yard.

12 comments

Jun 3, 2011. 11:55 AMfkey541 says:

How did you create 'The Oasis' stone? I have already downloaded and plan to create pavers and planters. Thanks!

130

Jun 3, 2011. 2:15 PM

Creativeman (author) says:

I just cut them out of styrofoam, which had been pre-painted...then they are glued onto the concrete piece as shown. They won't last forever, but it's an easy fix to remake them if necessary.

May 15, 2011. 1:16 PMMomastray says:

Very lovely. I have a very small yard and I need to do something like this. I just don't know where to start! haha I especially love your borders with the messages in them. I love making things like that, I'm just not a gardener. Anyway, yours is an inspiration.

130

May 15, 2011. 3:08 PM

Creativeman (author) says:

Thanks for your comments...it is hard to get started sometime, but just start, and one thing leads to another, right? Good luck.

Apr 26, 2011. 9:43 AMHorse_Fly says:

I love this! I am in the beginning stages of replacing my lawn in my backyard as I am tired of battling weeds and having to mow it. I have the unfortunate obstacle of it being a slope so I have to do retainer walls or creative planting to prevent things from eroding away :P That adds onto the cost and labor quite a bit. I am determined though to get it done in the next 5 years. Just want enough grass left for the dogs to play ball. I think a doggy playground is gonna be part of my design.