A backyard transformation including a deck, curved garden beds, fenced vegetable garden, paving and swings.
The project
We started with a bare yard—just dirt and patchy grass—and a deck that was falling apart. We decided to rebuild the deck ourselves using Modwood, since it's perfect for the high-moisture area. Instead of throwing away the old decking boards, we got creative and reused them to build a vegetable garden fence. I love how everything ties together now, with curved garden beds and a swing where we can sit in the sun, read, and enjoy a glass of wine.
We’re really looking forward to watching the plants grow over the next few years. Eventually, we’ll have a lush, private garden that blocks out the neighbors. The idea is to have different zones in the yard, each one offering color, texture, and beauty throughout all the seasons. It's been a lot of work, but knowing we did it all ourselves makes it even more rewarding.
Steps
Step 1
Started with a bare backyard. We needed a design that worked with the slope of the yard.

Step 2
We first replaced the old decking boards with Modwood.

Step 3
We used some of the old decking boards for our veggie patch fence.

Step 4
Finished the fence and added garden beds and pebbles. More garden bed to be added. Also fnished the area with garden beds on the outside of the veggie patch.

Step 5
Reusing old pavers from around the property, we built a path ensuring we maintained the slope.

Step 6
We built a frame for swings, put in garden beds and prepared for a path.

Step 7
Our garden is complete! Now just to watch these plants grow and block out our neighbours, and create paths through the different spaces.

Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
Tools used in the project:
