We finally have an update on the backyard transformation we promised after our Craigslist success. The grass has started to fill in, so instead of waiting any longer, here are fresh photos and a clear look at where the yard stands now.

Here’s the “before” — the yard looked charming for our backyard wedding, but it required more upkeep than we were willing to commit to long term. It was lovely for a day, but not practical for everyday life.

After posting an ad on Craigslist offering free shrubs and gravel, we cleared out a lot of the old landscaping. The yard looked bare but cleaner and much easier to manage, which was exactly what we wanted.

Now that the grass has filled in, the result is a wide-open, low-maintenance yard that’s perfect for everyday use. It’s an inviting space for simple activities and a safe, open area where Burger can run and hunt for bugs to his heart’s content.

The lawn isn’t lush yet, but it’s improving steadily. With consistent care and next spring’s growing season, we expect it to thicken considerably. Our plan focuses on practicality: an uncluttered lawn that’s easy to maintain and enjoyable to use. That’s why we’re thinking about installing large slate or bluestone stepping stones that lead from the patio—visible in the foreground—to the wooded area at the back of the property.

We’ve imagined a simple path of substantial, flat stones that serve both form and function. Properly set, these stones can be embedded into the established grass so you can mow over them without extra edging or weed trimming. That approach keeps upkeep minimal and preserves a clean, uninterrupted lawn surface. In our experience, the fewer special tools or routines required, the more likely we are to keep up with the yard work.

Beyond aesthetics and ease of maintenance, the back woods already host a small fire pit and a hammock for two. The stepping stones would create a comfortable, visually appealing connection between the patio and that cozy, private corner—encouraging more use of the entire outdoor space. We want the yard to be a practical extension of our home, a place to relax, entertain, or just watch Burger do what he loves.

Right now, we’re keeping things simple and low-effort. The cleared layout and the growing lawn have given us both the look and the freedom we wanted: open space that doesn’t demand constant attention. We’ve learned that thoughtful choices—like choosing materials that sit flush with grass—pay off in long-term convenience.

We plan to add the stepping stones and do more shaping next spring when the ground is more workable and the grass is fully established. Until then, we’re letting the yard settle and enjoying what it already offers. In the meantime, Burger will continue taking care of the “digging” duties.

Thanks for checking in on the progress. We’ll share more photos when the next phase begins and the path takes shape.