So I’m pretty sure we’ve all been there at one point or another – summer evenings fill up, mosquitoes keep us indoors on even the most beautiful evenings, and thunderstorms show up on all your days off. A few small weeds quickly morph into a miniature jungle, and so you’re left with something that looks like this photo above.
![](https://pithandvigor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_0911-1100x825.jpg)
But when the sun finally shines and the mosquitoes die off, there’s a glimmer of hope for the much-neglected corner in the backyard. I’m not sure if that’s quite how the story goes for this particular before & after, but I’m sure it’s somewhat similar.
![](https://pithandvigor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_0930-1100x825.jpg)
I’m a huge fan of high-impact, low-budget makeovers. After all, that whole budget thing is what keeps me from finishing most of the projects I start, so I was pretty happy to see this before & after over at Yards Unlimited in Ottawa, Canada, this morning.
After clearing the weeds and edging the lawn, a thick layer of mulch was added, along with a small patio made from pavers. I’m really loving how simple this one is, I feel like it’s something we could all handle over the course of a few days off.
![](https://pithandvigor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_0916-1100x825.jpg)
![](https://pithandvigor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_0920-1100x825.jpg)
One day is for weeding and edging, one day is for purchasing and hauling the mulch and pavers, and another one is for spreading the mulch and laying the pavers.
A little manual labor will soon give you a retreat as serene as this. And on that note, I think I’m off to Craigslist to look for pavers and a new bench. Maybe one day my own before & after projects will make it on here, if I ever get to the after. -erin
If you have a great makeover project you’d like to share with the PITH + VIGOR readers, send us some photos and tell us about it!
Images from: Yards Unlimited
Dear Rochelle
I am not sure you think this is a before and after for you. But you are welcome to use the photos if you like. This is a makeover from my own garden.
http://evigglade.blogspot.dk/2011/06/haven-for-5-ar-siden-og-nu.html