It's been a long time coming. I've procrastinated. I've debated. I've mulled over various possibilities. Then this winter, while staring out the kitchen window ~ wishing I could see anything but brown, it hit me. The makeover had to include more evergreens. There HAD to be winter color. And more "hardscape." Something to provide interest to keep the gardener motivated throughout the long winter months.
Finally, with that vision in mind, this spring phase one began. Here's a peek of the progress from several weeks ago:
The work is being done in phases because I'm doing it alone and my back needs resting.
To date, grass has been dug out, more flagstone pavers were brought in (to outline the half moon bed), a yew "allee" was dug and planted. So far, the renovations have garnered instant approval from Butterball, the gardens resident overseer:
For now the half moon bed contains only boxwoods, the weeping pussy willow (purchased earlier this spring), a rose pillar and four solar lights (thank you again Dana). I am trying to be very thoughtful about future additions.
The raised container in the background will be stained ~ I'm thinking blue????
I'm tired. but happy. and I'm excited for part two to begin. My back not so much. We'll see how long it takes to recuperate. One other project is underway in the back garden as well. That one should be completed very soon and I'll absolutely share the results with you. Today has been a great day to rest ~ rainy and cool (39 degrees).
Now you know one reason I've been absent from the blog so much this spring....
It is looking so great! I can tell you've put a lot of thought into the design. As hard as the work is, it does feel so good to know you did it yourself. You'll have fun planting this summer. Our weather has been so cool still, I'm starting to wonder if we'll ever have two days over 60 degrees in a row ever.
I can't believe how big your fish have gotten! I think one of our koi was close to that big before the heron got it. I hope yours stay safe.
Posted by: Catherine | May 11, 2011 at 08:41 PM
Wow, you are busy. It's really shaping up nicely. I agree about the winter garden -- I need to do the same thing!
Posted by: PlantPostings | May 11, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Wow what an undertaking! My back hurts just thinking about all that! I like blue in the garden, think that would be a good choice for painting the raised container.
Butterball is a funny name for such a cute pup!
Posted by: Janet, The Queen of Seaford | May 12, 2011 at 07:59 AM
How exciting Kathleen! I know you've been wanting to make a change for some time now! You've inspired me to get my garden clothes on and get out there and improve my path to the door with a few evergreen shrubs! gail
Posted by: Gail | May 12, 2011 at 08:36 AM
It is so much fun to start new gardening projects. It is looking good Kathleen. I know how it is to do just as much as the back allows one. It really pays to listen to it.
Posted by: Lona | May 12, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Kathleen - you truly are my "soul sister." (I do all my work alone, too.) My, you are creating a wonderfully interesting space! Hang in there and know I'm thinking of you! :-)
Posted by: Shady Gardener | May 12, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Hi Kathleen, Butterball- what a cute name for a dog! Your makeover/garden renovations are looking great. I like the curved bed. I can't offer advice on the color of the raised planter without knowing the house color. Blue sounds great, if it looks appropriate with the house. What ever you do I am certain will be nice--you have great taste, I am sure of it!
Posted by: Jennifer | May 12, 2011 at 12:57 PM
All your hard work this spring has paid off Kathleen, it looks great! I like the idea of blue or maybe a shade of purple for that raised container. :)
Posted by: Racquel | May 12, 2011 at 04:25 PM
You have been quite busy and doing it alone! I too am a lone gardener and do similar chores when changing it up. You garden helper, Butterball, is a cutie.
Posted by: Donna | May 12, 2011 at 09:08 PM
What a fantastic project Kathleen - you've got lots going on! Great idea about the evergreens - will be wonderful to see them in all there beautiful color once winter sets in.
Posted by: Kala | May 13, 2011 at 02:37 PM
Good luck with your projects, Kathleen. You're right about evergreens. They have their time to "shine" in the winter when everything else is covered with snow or looks like a skeleton. I enjoy the inspiration from other bloggers like you. I love to see before and after photos, so take lots of pictures O.K.?
Posted by: Ramona | May 13, 2011 at 09:10 PM
First thing I thought was it is so you---the boxwoods are old fashioned and the stacked stone adds lots of character. I like the weeping pussy willow and very interesting rose pillar. I think you've done a grand job. Anna
Posted by: Anna Flowergardengirl | May 13, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Oh Kathleen - it's beautiful and I can't wait to see it. I love what you've done and your backyard actually looks bigger than I remember it. I know how hard it is to do these projects and it seems never ending, but once it's done you will enjoy it for years to come. Can't wait to see future pics. Glad you are enjoying the lights - they look great there!
Posted by: Dana | May 14, 2011 at 04:09 PM
The new bed looks great. Garden work is the best reason to be absent from blogging imho!
Posted by: Sweetbay | May 14, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Your new garden project is looking good. I agree that some winter greenery can perk up a garden, and remind you that there really is a garden out there, when everything else has died back.
Posted by: Northern Shade | May 15, 2011 at 05:39 PM
I think blue would be a great color choice for that raised bed.
It's pleasant to make changes, isn't it? I overhauled one of our beds this spring. It really needed it.
Posted by: Victoria | May 15, 2011 at 06:28 PM