Last summer I decided to finally tackle this weird dip in my backyard. Figured it was just some old tree roots or maybe a buried rock, but nope—ended up hitting what looked like the remains of an old brick path about a foot down. It was kinda wild, honestly. The bricks were all uneven and covered in moss, and there was even a rusty spoon (no idea how that got there). Spent the whole weekend pulling stuff up and trying to piece together what might’ve been there before.
Has anyone else started digging for a simple project and ended up finding something unexpected? I’m half convinced my yard’s got more secrets buried under there…
Title: Digging up the backyard: found more than just dirt
Honestly, I’d argue you shouldn’t have pulled everything up so quickly. Sometimes these old features—like a brick path—can add a ton of character to a property if you restore them instead of just removing. People pay big bucks for “historic charm” and original details, even outside the house itself. I get wanting a clean slate, but maybe there’s value in embracing what’s already there, quirks and all. That spoon though... yeah, probably best left out of any restoration plans.
Sometimes these old features—like a brick path—can add a ton of character to a property if you restore them instead of just removing.
That’s a fair point, and I totally see where you’re coming from about the value of historic details. At the same time, I can understand the impulse to clear things out, especially if you don’t know what’s under there or if it’s in rough shape. There’s always that question: is it worth salvaging, or is it just going to be a headache? Sometimes those old paths are so uneven or damaged that trying to restore them turns into a bigger project than starting fresh.
But I do wonder, did you get any sense of how old the brickwork was? Sometimes even a little research can turn up something interesting—maybe it was part of the original landscaping, or maybe just someone’s DIY from the 70s. That kind of context can help decide whether it’s worth keeping. I’ve seen people regret ripping out something unique once they find out its story later.
On the other hand, there’s something satisfying about having a blank canvas too. It really depends on your long-term plans for the yard. Are you thinking about putting in something totally new, like a garden or patio? Or are you open to working some of those found elements back in? I’ve had clients who ended up blending old and new—like using salvaged bricks for edging on new beds—which can look pretty cool and intentional.
And yeah... that spoon probably belongs in the “weird finds” box rather than anywhere near your landscaping plans. But hey, at least it makes for a good story. Sometimes those little surprises are half the fun (or frustration) of working on an older property.
Sometimes you really don’t know if it’s worth keeping until you dig in and see what you’re working with. I’ve kept some old brickwork before, even when it looked rough, and ended up glad I did. But if it’s too far gone, starting fresh isn’t a bad move either. You’ll figure out what feels right for the space. And hey, at least you got a good story out of that spoon...
I’ve kept some old brickwork before, even when it looked rough, and ended up glad I did. But if it’s too far gone, starting fresh isn’t a bad move either.
TITLE: Digging Up The Backyard: Found More Than Just Dirt
I get the appeal of old brick, but sometimes it’s just beyond saving—especially if it’s uneven or crumbling. I’d be careful about trying to incorporate it unless you’re sure it’s stable. The spoon’s a weird touch, though. Makes you wonder what else is down there.
