Ep 1. Melissa & Lee: Mom Retreat

Melissa & Lee: Mom Retreat is the first episode of season 2 of the popular home renovation show Backyard Builds. In this episode, hosts Brian and Sarah are tasked with transforming a small backyard into a peaceful retreat for a hardworking mom.

Melissa is a busy mom of three who works full-time and rarely takes time for herself. Her husband Lee wants to surprise her with a backyard makeover that will allow her to unwind and relax. The backyard is small and rundown, with a rotting deck and no real seating area. Melissa and Lee have a limited budget but are eager to see what Brian and Sarah can do with the space.

Brian and Sarah start by removing the old deck and creating a new seating area using interlocking stones. They also add a privacy screen made from lattice and tall plants to block out the neighbors. The centerpiece of the backyard is a beautiful stone water feature that includes a small pond and a waterfall. Brian and Sarah decide to add a stepping stone path leading to the water feature so that Melissa can walk through the garden and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the running water.

One of the challenges of this project is the limited space, so Brian and Sarah have to get creative with storage solutions. They build a custom bench with built-in storage underneath to keep cushions and outdoor games out of sight. They also create a unique vertical garden using recycled pallets and pocket planters. The vertical garden acts as a stunning backdrop for the seating area and provides some much-needed greenery in the small space.

As the project comes together, Melissa and Lee are amazed at the transformation in their backyard. Melissa is thrilled with the new seating area and water feature, and Lee is happy that they were able to stay within their budget. The final reveal is emotional as Melissa sees her new retreat for the first time. She is overwhelmed with gratitude and promises to take more time for herself to enjoy her beautiful new backyard.

Overall, Melissa & Lee: Mom Retreat is a heartwarming episode of Backyard Builds that showcases the power of a backyard transformation. Brian and Sarah prove that even small spaces can be turned into beautiful and functional retreats with the right design elements and a little bit of creativity. The episode is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration for their own backyard or for anyone who wants to learn more about landscaping and outdoor design.