From Rocks to Oasis

Helping Kyndal and Kevin Transform Their Backyard

This weekend, I had the chance to help Kyndal and Kevin with a backyard project that turned into something pretty special. Their backyard started as a bed of rocks—rough, uneven, and not exactly inviting. They had a vision, though: a green, welcoming space where they could relax and enjoy the Arizona sun. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.

The first step was clearing out all the rocks. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary. We shoveled, hauled, and scraped until every last rock was out of the way. Once the ground was clear, we leveled it as best we could, preparing it for the real transformation. Kevin had already purchased sod, which was waiting for us on a pallet in the front yard like a promise of what was to come.

We loaded the fresh green sod—five rolls at a time—into a wheelbarrow and slowly worked our way to the backyard. Piece by piece, we laid it out in neat rows, watching as the space began to shift before our eyes. There’s something satisfying about watching brown dirt get covered in vibrant green.

Once everything was in place, we gave it a good soak and set up a sprinkler on a timer to keep things consistent. Now, Kyndal and Kevin have what feels like an oasis right in their backyard. It’s amazing what a little hard work, a few friends, and some green grass can do to change a space—and a weekend.

Makes me look forward to the next project.