Last week, I tried to tell the story of our new paths and patio. In truth, I got a little sidetracked. And then there’s the pesky issue of the snaps. For Pete’s sake: how do people get photos that do not include hoses, buckets, and tools dropped in their tracks? Not to mention photo-bombing by a wily pooch. Geeze Louise.
The upshot, our paths and bonus front patio are installed–bonus in that I meant to do it eventually, but then with the bargain-paver find, had enough to do it all.
I can attest to the fact that it is relatively easy when you hire trained professionals–well, if you don’t count the $$$. They were fast, efficient, and undaunted. That’s not how I approach a project. I’m more of a idea person. I love figuring out if or how something might work, but follow through is not a strong suit.
Side view from front walk way. I haven’t decided what to put in the top little corner (with hose guard and Pumpkin stake,) but the rest of space between patio and pathway is newly planted with Sesleria autumnalis ‘Campo Verde’ aka Autumn Moor Grass.
I seem to be carried away with grasses, again. I plead guilty. And honestly, can you blame me? Look at those beauties. Plus I rest secure in the knowledge, plants can be moved–contrary to what I believed in the beginning.
Look at all that new garden space. I plan to divide the Pennisetum macrourum (aka African Feather Grass) and share this year. My plants came from Scott Weber of Rhone Street Gardens. I’m looking forward to the day when we all have a little piece of one another’s gardens.
The top row goes all the way across the front of the house and turns the corner and heads south. (Like the bone that flew from that woman’s, nose, Kim D.)
Poor Farfugiums. I did water them after this shot. That north-facing bed doesn’t get a lick of water from nature because it’s under the eaves. Eaves are great for keeping the house and window in good shape, but poor plants. This bed needs auxiliary water year round–sometimes leading to split hoses and broken nozzles when I gamble wrong on weather.
We also built a pathway on the east-side of the house–which was part of the original plan. (The whole front patio was a bonus–because of the bargain price on pavers. Of course, that’s kind of like Costco, wherein each individual item is a nickel, but you have to buy a hundred at a time. And when you finally reach checkout, it’s $200–at least.)
Nothing like a sharp edge to define a bed. I need to step up my game around this corner and back to the fence. I’m going to pull the Iris and distribute around the yard, but I have way more than I can use–if anyone is interested.
When the Iris are in bloom, they look terrific. The rest of the time, not so much. The area gets morning sun, so imagine the possibilities.
I’m running out of space for plants that need shade, so isn’t this a terrific opportunity. I’d love to create a border like this fantastic bed at Xera Plants.
I haven’t decided what to do with the little strip to the opposite side of the pathway either. Amazing, the challenges one creates for oneself upon making improvements. My relatively new neighbors have cried Uncle: I can do whatever I want. I’m thinking maybe crushed granite across the whole area adjoining the path–including the neighbors’ grass. (Something I saw at an open garden. Ms. Danger Divine’s post about it. The first several photos show the front courtyard–and I’m pretty sure that’s crushed granite. And come to think of it, I mean’t to borrow more ideas from this incredible garden.)
And then there’s the back, where I intended to build a path, but struggled with design. I thought I’d make a straight shot across the back like we did on the sides. But it kept insisting on being an arc.
Even in first draft stage, I was sold. I LOVE it: the Arc de Pathway. And then it got better.
The stage (above) when you hope the dentist doesn’t keel over. I’d never be able to finish on my own.
Pumpkin did a quick test run.
And then added her stamp of approval: It’s mine, all mine.
I guess I should have know how terrific a bed looks with defined edges, but the transformation still surprised me. I love how it looks from our bedroom too. Please forgive the screen. I briefly considered removing it for the shot, then realized with the animals–it would devolve into a Jetpack Idea.
My pal Cathi has run out of outdoor space for furniture, so these loungers are on loan from her. Amazing too, how you’ll spend time in the garden when you’ve got a good space to hang out. Bill and I went out last weekend to share a glass of bubbly, and then we stayed for the whole bottle. It was great, talking and watching nature sans electronic devices.
Heck, we’ve so reduced the lawn footprint, I may take up watering it again. I read somewhere it’s better for fire prevention.
(I swear, I’m trying not to digress, but this is such a cute picture of Cathi and her best buddy, Russell. )
The Recycled Arts Festival is one of these reasons Cathi’s patios overflow with fabulous treasures. But that’s a story for another day.
Cheers.