Before and during photos

This is the giant, blank-slate of a backyard. First thing I did is build a privacy fence.
Back of the house with nothing planted as you can see.

This photo is from the day I purchased the house. It was a HUD home that hadn't been loved in a long time. Date 9/04
Spring 05: Got rid of the Bradford pear tree (someone from Craigslist came and dug it up and took it away) and did some minor cleaning and straightening

Spring 06: Made a small succulent garden in front by the mailbox.

Spring 07: Planted a perennial bed near the front of the house
Spring 08: Built a retaining wall and put in shrubs, perennials and annuals.