the backyard is open for summer

the backyard is open for summer 2021! what a difference a year makes. long summer days have arrived, so why not fill them with sun and fun? especially if that fun happens in your own backyard. what’s better than inviting friends and family over for a barbecue? absolutely nothin’! 

since January, i’ve worked on several home improvement projects, including my backyard. today, i’m more than thrilled to share the before and after photos with you. this summer, it’s a treat to hang out at casa djalali, thanks to an amazing landscape crew that brought my outdoor living space to life. two years ago, i hired a landscape architect to draw up plans and actions for my front and backyard. in my book, outdoor spaces should be just as functional and beautiful as the inside. it’s important to utilize every square inch of your home, adding beauty along the way. 

pants | blouse | sandals old, similar here and here.

welcome to my backyard! above is the landscape design used for the front and backyard.

the backyard is open for summer

it’s hard to believe, but the plants have doubled in size since they were planted back in March. there’s a small herb garden on the left where i grow parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, Meyer lemons, oregano, dill, lavender, and a few plants that butterflies love. to the right, there’s a small garden with a rose bush, birdbath, and butterfly house. solar lights are spaced along the pathway to light the way at night.

here’s what the yard looked like in January 2021 when the project began.

here’s the space smack dab against the original patio. the first photo was taken immediately after the shrubs were planted. here’s what the space looks like in June! can’t wait to see what it will look like next summer.

the flagstone pathway connects the living spaces.

there are still a few projects on my to-do list. next year the space underneath the screen porch will be transformed into a mini-greenhouse with pea gravel for flooring. a potting bench is on my must-have list but first, i have to put together a deck box that will store my outdoor cushions and protect them from rain. 

this patio serves as the grill station and connects the backyard to the front yard, thanks to flagstone stairs. swivel wicker chairs from Wayfair are oh so comfortable. a faux concrete table from Amazon is big enough to set down drinks or snacks.

Wicker Chairs | Faux Concrete Table

how adorable is this slate blue Weber grill available at Crate and Barrel? it has a five-star rating, and i can see why. it’s self-cleaning, has a built-in thermometer, and a workspace big enough to set down a platter or two. the Weber grill cover protects it from the elements when not in use.

a cool summer outfit is a must-have when the temps hover in the nineties. Anthropologie never fails for having the cutest summer tops. the cheerful cherry print blouse is perfect for summer! the pull-on linen pants are from Theory and come in six colors. there’s an elastic waistband in the back with a flat front. dress the pants up or dress them down; either way works. they fit TTS as i’m wearing a size 8, and they fit like a glove. espadrilles from Tory Burch are several years old, similar here and here.

Weber Grill | Oval Platter

melamine dishes, trays, bowls, salad servers, and acrylic drinkware are must-haves for summer barbecues. 

outdoor games make backyard entertaining FUN! this year, i added a giant-sized Connect Four that’s sure to please your guests.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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