Introduction: Make an Oasis in Your Front Yard!
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.
Third Prize in the
I Made It Photo Contest
13 Comments
7 years ago
looks great,I live in Las Vegas so i am learning gardening all over again. What are some of the plant names that you used?
12 years ago on Introduction
How did you create 'The Oasis' stone? I have already downloaded and plan to create pavers and planters. Thanks!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
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.
12 years ago on Introduction
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.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for your comments...it is hard to get started sometime, but just start, and one thing leads to another, right? Good luck.
12 years ago on Introduction
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.
12 years ago on Introduction
Beauuuutiful! Love the lemons in the foreground. Made any lemoncello yet?!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Actually, they are oranges, and they make fabulous orange juice! Thanks.
12 years ago on Introduction
How's that water bill?
12 years ago on Introduction
Looks great! For even better water retention, some hardy groundcover or some mulch might help fill in the bare spots and cut back on weeding.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks...you're right, but the design is not complete yet, and don't want to finalize it with groundcover just yet...
12 years ago on Introduction
This is so awesome!! I should try to do this as well, and have an oasis in my backyard instead. :)
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for the comment. It makes a lot of difference in a yard.