The front planting areas are beginning to transform. Had to move a ‘first frost’ hosta that i unwittingly plant right next to another hosta. Here he is in his new spot under the cherry tree. I seem to have planted many more hostas than I realized and will be moving at least one more for sure. The purple rhododendron was hidden by an azalea and one of the many white blooming rhododendron varieties. If it wasn’t for its single bloom last spring I would not have known it was there. It really likes having breathing room and put on a lot of show this year. ‘the azaleas to the left are a work in progress. Over the years it had self rooted creating multiple plants. I’m still trying to figure out how to manage it. Got a few lupine this spring, I haven’t purchased them in years but serendipitously they match the rhododendron in the front yard and the annuals and perennials in the back bed. Slowly the transferred plants are recuperating and other plants are beginning to grow. If this hot weather continues maybe all the destruction from the hail storm will be a faint memory. And the other side of the sidewalk Now it’s time to finish cleaning up and leveling the area where the cherry tree stump was taken out yesterday. Need to have it so that I can safely mow the area and it is currently fair from safe to navigate.
The last trail on the hillside is laid in and the rocks for the raised bed set. Now only the finishing work, waiting for it all to settle so two more blueberry bushes will have a home. Finally got to see the flower of my weedy rose. Tiny fluffy white beauty and nasty tiny needle-like thorns are a bane for attempting to control the weeds/quack grass.
I agree with everyone. A new garden with all sorts of expectations. Nice plan , organizing all that goes into it can be overwhelming. It’s all looks so effortless. Lot’s of lil beauties to admire for years.
Thought I’d have a look back and where we are today. I am very much a sitting outdoors sort of person….do a little and then sit awhile. So I needed to create places to do my sitting. Here’s pictures of where we started from the realtor images. Today I will start with the back porch sitting and meditation and contemplating areas. Before: Todays photos: From the last stair to the retaining blocks in the foreground the land falls about 2 feet. (I may be exaggerating but it is because I moved what felt like a lot of bricks and dirt ). These upper areas are fenced to keep out feral bunnies (if we ever finish the upper gate installation). upper level of back door sitting area sloping transition area Fire pit area confusedarn there is a dandelion hiding behind a chair) And the snowball bush is snowing And then there is the back or basement door before…. And presently… It is really nice having stairs and not a hillside to navigate and a retaining wall that won’t readily collapse on someone or something. Plus it is a very private sitting area. A bright and cheery day to everyone.
Thank you @Clay_22 and @Pacnorwest. I wish I knew how to plan. I have always played with what I was given and if I bought something it was on impulse. Was taken in by a video about a wonderful urban garden space. She actually planned on paper spaces, plants to go into those spaces and the results were so wonderful. Would love to do that but from my experiences plants have a unique mind of their own as to whether they will cooperate with me and my intentions. Obviously some of the Stewbies here have that wonderful understanding.
Good to see the before and after pics you guys have done an excellent job. It just keeps looking better and better. I appreciate this series very much, Jewell.
And the saga continues. A new set of raised beds are installed in an area I was fearful the riding lawnmower would tip over. It was along the front fence. Then and now. The ground slopes about 3/4 of a meter. My initial thought was it would be a good place for raspberries and herbs but it was a larger area than I anticipated. I also finally finished the pathway on the area so I have an alternative to using the stairs. Going up the hill Coming down the hill I am sure I’ve planted things too closely but that just means they are safe until I find their final home. I’ve also created and then widened a bed along the street side of the fence. It has become the home for orphan plants with seeds from annuals tossed onto the mix. This too will be easier to mow since the land here also sloped into the fence was precariously unstable on the mower. My next job is removing more dirt and adding stones to extend the level area by the front gate. The garden has been a wonderful way to meet neighbors and people are very kind and friendly. My mailbox often has houseplants set out for free on top of it. Still haven’t curbed my need to stick cuttings into soil and why do parent plants get too big so fast. My house is small and they can’t all stay.
Jewel outstanding landscaping. I see a lot of hard work and creativity along with a lot of plant knowledge and so much more. I love it and looks so peaceful and welcoming. Certainly a huge improvement and terrific curb appeal. It’s come a long long way… I like all the garden elements , hard scapes and each area is like walking into a different room in the garden. Well done.
That is indeed great landscaping. Your patches are varied and so lovely to see. It is a work in progress, like all gardens.
