Overgrown Side Yard Makeover

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This is very exciting. Here is a picture of what my side yard looked like before we created a privacy island and leveled off the top of the slope so that we have more usable space for entertaining. The process is not 100% complete yet but very close. The original intent was to build a retaining wall that would cut across the entire front lawn just before the tree. Seven of the eight contractors that we called looked at the space and gave us an estimate for pouring a foundation, using cultured stone
or pavers and on the spot gave us a price that ranged from $8K to $12K. Mind you, we still would need to landscape once this "wall" was built. The last contractor who showed up (while another was still here-kinda awkward moment lol) looked at the space and said point blank "I might lose this job but I'm going to suggest you do not put a retaining wall." He explained his vision in detail and and gave us a cost that was lower than all of the other prices and it included full privacy, a level grass area (with new sod), fully landscaped with trees, shrubbery and perennials. It's perfect. The final side yard pictures to come shortly!
I'm a baking and gardening enthusiast. I make silly movies that will never be relevant but pleases me all the same. I tend to say things that make people look at me like "whaaaaa?" I get it from my mother and she gets it from her father. Tradition is nice.

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