
far the biggest change to the yard that we made was having the driveway paved. We’ve put this off for years for a few reasons. Not only is it an expensive project, I’ve also had some trepidation about the look of an asphalt driveway. I would have done concrete in a heartbeat, but we didn’t even bother getting quotes for that because we knew it would be well out of our range.
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This was taken at the end of the driveway last year when we had a couple of large spruces cut down by the electric company. |
Anyway, the process of having the driveway paved was really simple. They came on a Saturday and graded our existing gravel, parked all their machinery there on Monday and were there at 8 a.m. Tuesday to pour the asphalt. They were finished by 2 p.m.
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We’ll fill in the lawn up to the level of the asphalt so areas like this should look better in a couple months. |
Even though we didn’t really mean to concentrate on fixing up the yard this year, I might as well share the to-do list that has developed:
- Re-roof the garage.
- Paint the garage.
- Install a pergola over the garage doors.
- Have the driveway paved.
- Regrade the lawn around the driveway to even it out.
- Paint the garage doors (temporary solution until we can replace them in the future).
- Redo side/back garden beds (partially finished).
The to-do list outdoors always is endless. We have concrete and need to replace it but not until we landscape the slope that abuts it. I love the look of gravel, brick etc. – all the things that won't work in our climate. Nice to see the views from both ends of the drive to get a sense of your lot. Really lovely looking location.
I totally agree with you about asphalt. Gravel is the best looking choice, for sure, but it just isn't practical. Your very black top will….eventually…gray out! It does look nice, really! And once you fill in around the edges, all will be fine!
Although I like the rustic look of a country gravel drive, I think your paved driveway makes your yard look "finished".
Your list is daunting, but you're made some headway for sure.