We've been suffering from meteorological whiplash. We had snow on April 23 and a low of 22 (-5C) on April 25 . Thirteen days later it got up to 88F and we've been sweltering ever since. The Roadside Yellow daffodils that I planted last fall have been delivering their sunshine almost as soon as the [...]
Front Walk
This Heirloom Iris Makes My Heart Sing
June 6, 2014 – Posted in: Front Walk, Plant info, What's up/bloomingThis heirloom iris, 'Flavescens', was growing at my former 19th century farmhouse when we moved in. I had to dig it up and divide it to see what color flowers it had, as it was so crowded it didn't bloom that first spring. It bloomed every year once I started caring for it, but rather [...]
The Front Walk Is Finished
August 31, 2013 – Posted in: Front Walk, Hardscaping and Projects, How-to, New House, New GardensLast weekend the last stage of the front walk project was completed. Every stone had to be leveled and the gaps between stones filled in.That's how my sons did it, at least. A lot of people would use sand for the leveling and joint-filling, but they thought the crushed bluestone would stay put better. They [...]
Stone Puzzle: The Front Walk Emerges
July 28, 2013 – Posted in: Front Walk, How-to, New House, New GardensThe path project, on hold for weeks, finally took a step forward this past weekend. The split blue stone from the quarry arrived last week, three large pallets worth. The stone came in a variety of thickness and sizes, from half an inch thick to three inches thick, and from one foot in diameter to [...]
Front Walk Construction: Gravel In Place
May 27, 2013 – Posted in: Front Walk, Hardscaping and ProjectsWork 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 [...]
The Front Walk: Excavation Begins!
May 11, 2013 – Posted in: Front Walk, Hardscaping and ProjectsLast Saturday, May 4th, work on the front walk began! First my son Rundy marked out the edges of the walk with string and stakes.When he fills up the bed of the truck, he will fill up the trailer parked behind it. He uses the mattock to loosen the soil as needed and to pry [...]
The Front Walk: It’s Coming!
April 26, 2013 – Posted in: Front Walk, Hardscaping and Projects, New House, New GardensThe stone will go at the bottom of a trench that has yet to be dug, to provide drainage for the irregular bluestone pavers. It turns out that what I thought was fieldstone is actually Pennsylvania Bluestone. We are still waiting for a quote for the paving stone. This is one of several projects planned [...]
The Front Walk: Paving Choices
April 5, 2013 – Posted in: Front Walk, Hardscaping and Projects, New House, New GardensThere were several things I wanted to consider when choosing the paving material for the front walk. It needed to complement the style of the house, and our family's living style. Snow removal in winter and general maintenance had to be considered. And price and ease of installation would also be factors. Slate was already [...]
The Front Walk: Your Questions Answered
March 22, 2013 – Posted in: Front Walk, Hardscaping and Projects, New House, New GardensMy last post about the garden design of the front walk prompted some very thoughtful comments and questions. There are a couple I'd like to address in a post before we move on. The rest I think will be answered in forthcoming posts. Tami said, Hm. I don’t understand why you *must* have a straight [...]
Front Walk: Garden Design
March 6, 2013 – Posted in: Front Walk, Hardscaping and Projects, New House, New GardensHaving decided to create a walk from the kitchen door, the middle door in a house with three front doors, my next step was to run it past other members of the family. It's not wise to embark on a major project without getting some feedback from your fellow residents. They may have an even [...]
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