Work continues on the front walkway as the menfolk have time, ambition, and supplies ready to hand. Yes, you need all three to get anything done. I suppose it helps to know what you’re doing, too. Here’s what happened May 18th while I was at the Ithaca Plant Sale. First, the mailbox was moved out of the way, but no one took a picture of that.
The last little bits of dirt were removed and the edges were squared off. Photo by Rundy Purdy
Rundy checked to make sure the trench was excavated to the proper depth. Photo by Rundy Purdy
Time to move that crushed stone out of the driveway and into the trench. Fun, fun, fun. Photo by Rundy Purdy
This looks like three wheelbarrows worth of crushed stone. Photo by Rundy Purdy
About halfway there! I’m back from the plant sale and chatting with my mom. Photo by Rundy Purdy
All the crushed stone for the sub-base has been added. Photo by Rundy Purdy
The crushed stone has been raked smooth. Photo by Rundy Purdy
Rundy tamps down the crushed stone. Note that the mailbox is no longer in the center of the walk.
The crushed stone sub-base has been tamped, and now awaits a bed of sand and the irregularly shaped Pennsylvania bluestone pavers. Photo by Rundy Purdy
The Front Walk Story
If you are just joining us, the rest of the front walk posts can be found here:
And Rundy’s take on things: Earth Hugger and Photos: Walk Construction 1st Day
Tagged as:
front walk,
paths
About the Author
Kathy Purdy is a colchicum evangelist, converting unsuspecting gardeners into colchicophiles. She gardens in rural upstate NY, which used to be USDA Hardiness Zone 4 but is now Zone 5. Kathy’s been writing since 4th grade, gardening since high school, and blogging since 2002. Find her on Instagram as kopurdy.
Now, the digging and dividing of perennials, the general autumn cleanup and the planting of spring bulbs are all an act of faith. One carries on before the altar of delayed gratification, until the ground freezes and you can’t do any more other than refill the bird feeder and gaze through the window, waiting for the snow. . . . Meanwhile, it helps to think of yourself as a pear tree or a tulip. You will blossom spectacularly in the spring, but only after the required period of chilling.
~Adrian Higgins
in
The Washington Post, November 6, 2013
A great labor of LOVE!, Can’t wait to see the final result..
I bet it’s almost completed now!
Now the fun stuff begins.
And you’re not using geotextile?
I’m impressed with the depth of digging to put in the walkway. I cringe at loosening 2″ of soil!
I can’t wait to see the final result. I also want a front walk but it is very hard to decide what materials and style I want. Now I am excited to see yours because I am really looking for an inspiration.
This is great labor of love, I am sure Rundy must have been tired, exhausted and yet happy after looking at the end result.
This looks like a great project, Kathy. I’m also planning to do the same thing but we will hire professionals. Definitely, I will join the front walk story. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi Kathy,
I did a similar project years ago but it’s shorter compared to the length of your front walk. Our front walk is made up of adobe and lime stones. Until now, it looks great. 😀
Looks great! I need a Rundy around my place to dig, haul rocks, tamp down stuff.
It’s going to look great when it’s done, Kathy!
I will have to come and see this masterpiece in person!
Excellent!
From dreams to reality. Looking good.
Wow Kathy it is certainly coming along and just think soon it will be done and look fabulous!