The back yard

One of the aspects about buying a house that worried us a bit was the back yard.  Admittedly, we were a bit starry-eyed when selecting our home lot, and the sales office "only had 2 lots available" for us to choose from at the time.  We really wanted to make sure that we could take advantage of the tax credit (this was before the credit was extended) - so we chose the lot that didn't have a lot premium tacked on.  What this means is that we got a lot that wasn't completely flat, it actually is backed up on a steep hill.  Of course, since then other lots have become available...but that is neither here nor there.  We, in our innocence, didn't think that having a hill for a back yard would be a big deal.  And honestly, it hasn't been an issue yet.

The builder did a good job of adding a retaining wall and drainage system to make sure that our back yard isn't a giant puddle.  We are happy with that work.  That being said, the landscapers planted a fescue that we were told did not require any maintenance.  He said that the grass would grow about knee-high, and that it could just be left without doing any mowing or trimming.  Boy was he wrong.

We got a notice from the homeowners association that our back yard was "too unkept", and we were asked to maintain the hill.  It is a steep grade, and there is no way we'd be able to mow the hill.  And the grass is too thick to go at it with a weed whacker (we learned that the hard way).  So the only remaining option was to go up with hedge clippers and trim the grass.  Especially around the retaining wall, where it was looking sloppy and overgrown.

When the spring comes, we are planning on getting rid of the pesky fescue and putting in some landscaping.  Something that literally requires little maintenance.  But until then, we'll have to keep trimming and pulling weeds.  And we don't have to worry about the rest of the yard yet, the hot Carolina summer killed what little grass we did have in the back yard!

The back yard, when the house was still under construction (aka the point in time when we were worried about how things would turn out)

Me, trimming and pulling weeds along the retaining wall.  Looks like the perfect way to spend your weekend, right?

We do have a nice little backyard area - a covered patio that gives you the right amount of shade, a grill, and a nice place to hang out.  We have plans to improve the back yard, but for now, our little piece of earth is perfect. :)