Thank you for watching! Here is What the Backyard Looks Like 9 Months Later: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gpx91qlyecrThs4.html

A MAZ ING!!! You guys made an absolutely beautiful garden of a backyard. You are true artists, and so smart to remove the grass and create a design with drought tolerant plants and very useful, beautiful paths. Very inspiring! Your family will enjoy the results of all your labor every single day. Worth it!

you mentioned wanting to learn more about growing your own food, here's a channel recommendation. garden answer is a youtube channel and it documents laura and aaron's journey buying farmhouse on 2.5 acres in ontario, oregon, high desert, close to the idaho border. they post 5 days a week m-f and a recap video on sundays. the channel spans 10 yrs starting in a townhouse and the farmhouse in 2016. a lot of videos from lifestyle diy to seed starting, raised bed gardening, to big gardening to beginning a family. she uses the "romancing the ordinary" principles for most everything she tackles. laura is the presenter and workhorse, aaron films her when she's not filming herself, and he is featured in many of the videos, but it's definitely a team effort. they have two small children ages 3 and 5. similar weather, although they get 4 distinct seasons. i won't give you any spoilers only to say, as a landscaper myself, i have taken inspiration from her projects and implemented them into many of my projects. 1 spoiler, what they've achieved so far, absolutely stunning and now work close to 8 or 9 acres, almost all of it! after watching this video, and hearing your goals, i think you'll be super inspired. this was an enjoyable video and great outcome!

Your husband is a keeper. You and your family make a great addition to the human race. Thank you for being so thoughtful and teaching your children the value of work.

Thank you, Shannon for this beautiful inspirational backyard update! ❤️ Love how the whole family gets involved! 😂

I love seeing your relationship with your mom.

@shannontorrens1

8 ай бұрын

We are 2 peas in a pod lol. Just yesterday she showed up at my house and we were wearing the exact same colors, it looked like we planned it LOL

What a beautiful transformation and how wonderful that the whole family was able to do it together. Also, I love to see you’re growing passion fruit. It’s our favorite fruit and will take over any support structure fast for fantastic shade/privacy. Assuming you’re in zone 10, you have the luxury of being able to support many tropical plants.

Your yard looks absolutely amazing! Well done! Good to see Grant wearing his Kiwi/Aussie ‘work boots’! 😉

Wow! It’s beautiful green and lush even without grass! I’m inspired!

It’s awesome that your husband is so handy! I would be trying to do all this by myself. 😕

Shannon I love your videos I’ve even started to reduce my things I’m 80 now and don’t want to leave stuff for my daughter to get rid of later on. Your Mum is adorable so funny and I love how you both interact with each other. You have a beautiful family wishing you all the best and enjoy your gorgeous garden. 🌷💐💕

@patcummings2276

9 ай бұрын

I am 80 also- and am doing the same thing

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you! I hope you are having a nice weekend. =)

So beautiful. You should finish it off with a Queen of the Night plant. She loves hot weather, plus you could have a night party with the kids when she blooms one night in July. ✊🏾

Love your children, they are precious.

Great video! Best not to stand, walk or crouch in your garden beds. It compacts the soil & baby seedlings and roots have a harder time developing and spreading out. Good luck!

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tips!

Add a few large native trees too!! 😊

This looks fantastic!! Suggestion: Paint the fence with charcoal/black stain to match the pergola and chairs. You'll be amazed at the results!

This is beautiful. The video, voice, seeing you all together enjoying the process just fabulous. Thank you so much for the window in to your lives. So nice!!

@shannontorrens1

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

I'm blown away by all this work! I live in Brooklyn, NYC in a small 1 bedroom apartment so seeing a garden/backyard like this is like an absolute fantasy! Can't wait to see further updates :)

Very nice work plan

It was so satisfying to watch this transformation. And heartwarming to see 3 generations working together! I love the way you always show "chipping away" at projects. We've been painting our home room by room this year and it's sometimes been hard to pace ourselves because I just want it all finished. Well, now we have only one room left and I'm actually a little sad that the project will be complete!

The upright cattle panels would be perfect support for tomatoes, cucumbers and other vine crops!!! Love the design!

Oh my goodness! How beautiful is your backyard! You are so lucky your handsome husband is so handy!

Looking great. Just an FYI, weed block is laid down 1st THEN you dig your plant holes. To cut the holes, just fire up a propane torch then burn/melt the holes then dig. Reason for laying the fabric 1st is to minimize the ability of weeds to escape through the block. As for your paver spacing fill, there is a product called polymeric sand, I think thats it, but its a sand that you fill in the spaces, water it up after you lay it, then it does the same thing as you gravel glue. Just like the glue, it locks together to hold the sand tight, then it blocks out any future weed growth. All in all, great job.🎉🎉🎉

Now that is child labor. Good for those kids, they learn skills. Great Video. Love the black structure.

So impressed with the real help you received from your oldest boy. Be proud.

So beautiful. It was really fun to watch. You and your family have your own private Shangri-La!

What a gorgeous transformation! Having to change out the rock is so real. We think something will work a certain way, and it disappoints us, so on to Plan B! Congratulations on creating a beautiful space for your family.

Go little kiwi!!!!!!!

Beautiful! You and your husband and sons have done an amazing job. Your backyard will be someplace that you will be in 😊all the time. Your imaginations are the only thing limiting you.

Shannon I love it!! Your backyard looks great!! 🙌The pergola is super neat and I'm a big fan of the drought resistant landscaping. It just makes so much sense AND it's beautiful too. Hope you have a great weekend! 😘

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊

@anneeastaway2311

9 ай бұрын

Great work

Wow Shannon, your backyard looks incredible! And I love that the entire family was a part of the process. Your boys will always remember that!

Your garden is just gorgeous! It's turned into a zen garden. It has a wonderful vibe of peace and harmony. Really a great job!

Wow! What a transformation!!! I love it Shannon ❤ Your backyard now is so relaxing and beautiful!! You guys did a good job!! Have a wonderful weekend Shannon ❤

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too!

This looks great! I liked your commentary on perfection. Your family did a great job.

Words cannot express the awesome job you guys did. Congratulations 🤯🥳

@shannontorrens1

11 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Lovely especially seeing the whole family working together. May be you can squeeze in a pomegranate tree .😊

What a wonderful transformation, Shannon! I have never been a fan of lawns of grass - very boring. Your backyard is so filled with nature and beauty...absolutely delightful! ♥ Also functional, recreational, and a source of food. Fantastic work! ♥♥♥

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I hope you have a nice weekend. =)

@jemma50

9 ай бұрын

@@shannontorrens1 Thanks, Shannon. You, too! ♥

The yard deserves to be called your secret garden❤ you and Grant , mom and boys have designed to beautiful area to hopefully enjoy and rest. Next year should be unbelievably beautiful, I’m jealous of the hard-scape, we have a mulch island in a large portion of the back yard.

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you! I am so looking forward to seeing everything grow as you mentioned, but next year with everything filled in it will look completely different =)

All I can say is "WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!" Your backyard looks fantastic! Your artistic talent shows in the design. I wish I had that kind of vision. I tend to be more "hodge-podge."

Wow! What a difference! Love that you got the whole family involved

Looks great! You're so fortunate to have a family that works together to fix up your yard.

Oh, Shannon. This was so fun to watch. You, Grant, your Mom and the kids have done an excellent transformation. It's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us. I'm in awe! 😍

OMGoodness! I think it is perfection and done very professionally! What a transformation… it is all so breathtakingly beautiful! You are all such hard workers and teaching your children the value of that hard work! It is such a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor! ❤

Absolutely amazing. Your families projects are so well planned and executed. You have accomplished making a beautiful, sustainable and family friendly backyard which will grow with your family. Thank you for this inspiring video. ❤

The yard looks beautiful. I bet you do enjoy the gazebo. Sunset magazine needs to put your yard in it.

Wow Shannon, so so inspirational.....love what you have done with your space and the way your family is all included!! Love your videos and love the way your mum is involved as well. Sense of humour show so much love and laughter!

Lovey changes. I know about the work it takes. I grew up in Southern California and have wonderful memories of picking Tangerines from my Grandfather's tree. I live in Northern California now, and before I could even have Landscapers come to my yard, I had to clean the jungle in the Front and Back yards. It took 9 months, and I had to order 2 extra 96 gallon Green Bins for a total of 3 and my Neighbor also let me use his Green Bin. I calculated I probably filled up 120 Green Bins. And Thank goodness for the App Next Door as I was able to get rid of bricks, pavers and other things found in the jungle wedidn'tt need. We needed professional Landscapers due to I couldn't due the work, LOL and the uneven/unlevel yard and need for professional assessment and remedies for drainage and needing safe decks . And now we have a user friendly Backyard and it's safe for the Grandbabies and me, LOL

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing that! It sounds like your yard is wonderful now, but I can relate to how much time and work it takes. =)

WOW, WOW, WOW!!😃

Awesome! All your hours of hard work are already paying off. What a transformation! Doubly remarkable that you can enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor - literally and figuratively.😊💞

Brilliant👏🏻. You are exactly correct, just a little bit every day and it will happen.🥰🇦🇺.

I could leave my carrots in the ground over winter and they still grew. We were in San Diego. There is a tree called the strawberry tree whose fruit taste like a combo of strawberries and bananas that grow So. California. It is looking Gorgeous!

Wow guys, the yard looks amazing!! Great job! 😊

That turned out beautifully!!!

Your mom is a real trooper! Love what you’ve achieved in this space, so a big shout out to everyone. A family that works together stays together! 👍😘

Its great that you are teaching your kids how to work. Good family time, also maybe your kids will learn what they like to do in life.

So beautiful! To say that I'm envious would be an understatement ;)

Beautiful! You guys did a very professional looking job. Enjoy!!

Wow wow wow. You two have transformed this blah back yard into a family happy place. You are a great team

WOW! Shannon, you and your family have done a wonderful job on the back yard living space. Beautiful, just beautiful. ❤

Looks Amazing!!!! Can't believe you did this on your own!! Just beautiful 😍

Good morning Shannon , wow what a beautiful transformation . Great team work! 👍🙌 I love seeing before and after on projects and your 100% correct it does take time but doing a little bit when you can becomes a beautiful end result like your space ❤

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Absolutely beautiful!!! I am in love with your backyard! 😍 Thank you for breaking down your time frame and showing the effort that went into it! My dad and I removed a few trees that needed to go from my front yard and resloped it for proper drainage. I've been trying to figure out what I want to do. You've given me a lot of good ideas! Hope mine turns out half as beautiful as yours. ❤

The back yard looks beautiful. What a nice yard to relax and enjoy.

Your backyard looks amazing! Your family has a relaxing lounge area, garden and plenty of space for your children to explore.

Wow! Such a change! I am feeling so motivated.

Thank you for saying this is after 4 months!!! A realistic time frame & budget and that you didn't/don't have to knock it out in a weekend.

Beautiful!!! Well done! Wow, you guys have done an amazing job! What a wonderful oasis for your family to enjoy!

Id love your “backyard” videos on a playlist. Its what i love to do when im not decluttering 😂

@shannontorrens1

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Your yard is absolutely beautiful!

Beautiful botanical retreat! Your family has created an impressive hideaway. So many charming features, very inspirational! You should be very proud, enjoy the fruits of your labor.☺

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Your yard is so pretty! Your hard work is paying off! We just re-did our back yard. We are retired so we wanted it as maintenance free as possible. We took most of the grass out and on the edges we brought in landscape fabric and beautiful river rock. What a difference. I have raised bed gardens where we can grow some of our own food. I love it!

Thank you for showing this. Your husband has skills. Is he an engineer? My husband is allergic to any work. That’s why I’m the beast! We never work together

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Hello, my husband is a finish carpenter but he loves to constantly have a project going lol.

Just beautiful. All the hard work was worth it. Amazing!

Phenomenal change! Very useful! Very relaxing to look at. Yes a ton of work!

Your Backyard will be such a cozy place to relax and entertain, Gorgeous,great job guys.

I love it. So inspiring. That shade is wonderful. I would love that too. I live in North-central Florida. We also have great weather for much of the year…except for the mosquitos and humidity in the summer. I would like my backyard to be so beautiful and easy care. So well done Shannon and family!!

I need a handy hubby like yours! Plus you are building such wonderful memories with your family working together. ❤

I know from past gardening, mint, and chives can take over. Try containers or a designated spot and plant in pots with drainage holes. Beautifully done

loved seeing the boys help their Dad. What a great edcation and experience.

Just gorgeous! Wow!

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

I’d like to get rid of my grass too; the older you get it’s more like work just keeping it alive here in the South. Love all the pathways & that pergola. I really like how you can cover or open it. Great job; keep up the good work!👍🏼

Oh my goodness! I love all the changes you have made to your backyard! You all did a wonderful job! The pergola and the plants and ground cover look fabulous!

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

It's beautiful! Now your kids the whole family can enjoy the backyard( feels more like home) We do our own backyard as well. Hub does everything himself lots and lots of concrete pouring, he built a beautiful Shed. Many more projects to come... Saved lots of 💰 by doing it ourselves and it's FUN! I can't wait to see the final finish on our backyard and yours! 😊

Wow incredible! You have achieved so much! It looks amazing 🤩

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Wonderful family space. Your family will enjoy this space for many years to come. Birthdays , holidays and maybe even a wedding for one of your Children. Love it❤

Cute! I love how you guys make this a family activity. I would recommend trying to transition to native plants. You’ll enjoy the wildlife and help native bees to find food while helping mitigate climate change. They are already conditioned to the climate there, so once established, they don’t need other watering than what the region's weather offers. For your fruit trees. Try to take a look at a book called grow a little fruit tree. Very interesting!

Kia ora Whānau! Backyard looks choice!

Usually it takes quite a while to see an outdoor transformation, but you have accomplished a beautiful, full landscape and hardscape. Kudos to you guys.❤

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

Beautiful job! Your yard is lovely.

What an amazing transformation! It looks truly beautiful.

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Very lovely!!!! Thank you for sharing.

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

So beautiful! I love the transformation, congrats! 🎉

it's going to be luscious and beautiful with all the plants and trees. I am also slowly doing the backyard a few things a year. hard work pays off, great job.

The hardscaping really adds pop to your backyard.

Very nice! I so wish our Canadian climate allowed for a much longer growing season. Count your blessings!

It's so beautiful. It looks like you have lots of lovely pollinators too. Great job.

@shannontorrens1

9 ай бұрын

Yes! We have a lot of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds =)

This is super inspiring and as always what a blessing to have your mom involved in all of it. I just adore her.

Beautiful! Thank you.

Wow! what an amazing transformation! Love how everyone got involved!! You wanted to create more outdoor rooms/space and you did!

Lovely backyard you have created! Thank you for sharing the whole process, I look forward to the next phase of your outdoor work.