Last Sunday (Jun10) We planted the Mt Laurel on the hillside. We also purchased a low-budget watering system... soakers... and haven't yet gotten to "install" them.
Anyway, I just wanted to add a post to say that I'm behind in the updates and will get some pictures and text online soon.
Also, last night (Sun Jun 17) we observed the opening of the new Orchid bud. Wow, they are amazing!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Designing a future
Using the Google SketchUp tool, I was able to begin the process of sketching a design for the current and future patio designs. I am hoping that this will be a good tool for exploring a few ideas and garden arrangement concepts.
Here are two views of the construct so far... Enjoy!
I haven't tried the movie views yet, but it seems that you can define camera traverses and paths too. we will see what happens. Apparently, you can export to Google Earth too. Nice.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Blooming Rhodos
The Rhodos are in full bloom!
At least the pink and red are doing great and showing their flowers. I think the small 'dwarf' is still budding though. We were away this weekend and didn't get to take pictures, so we'll get some this week.
Had some new ideas from the various gardens and landscape we saw on a driving adventure to Avon on Saturday... so look out! We are on a roll. :)
At least the pink and red are doing great and showing their flowers. I think the small 'dwarf' is still budding though. We were away this weekend and didn't get to take pictures, so we'll get some this week.
Had some new ideas from the various gardens and landscape we saw on a driving adventure to Avon on Saturday... so look out! We are on a roll. :)
Monday, May 21, 2007
Rhododendrons and Bloodgood Maple
Today was a busy day in the garden. After the rain stopped in the AM, we started right away with preparations for the Rhodos on the sloped, rear garden. Visible
from the street, these three trees will really fill in the left side of the slope quite nicely. We also did some trimming for the Maple in the center of the downslope part of the yard.
we started the project by clearing and turning the soil on the slope area. It was a workout! We did it all by hand with a pitchfork and shovel. It was a good way to improve the soil and get the area ready for the planting. Next was digging the holes and putting a good amount of top soil (MiracleGro top soil actually).
One of the key 'design' aspects we were trying for was to space the rhodos 6-feet apart, achieve a nice three-some arrangement, and form a mound around the plant base. this mound helps to catch the moisture and maintain the soil around the plants.
We just had enough mulch to cover / protect the three rhododendrons once they were planted. But it sure does a great job to protect the soil and keep the moisture in the soil.
Oooeee! Check out the cute Gardener! (sepia style)
When it was all done... we had three happy rhodos... and a bloodgood Maple.
The cutting back of branches in the area also helped to open up the space and change the view quite dramatically.
from the street, these three trees will really fill in the left side of the slope quite nicely. We also did some trimming for the Maple in the center of the downslope part of the yard.we started the project by clearing and turning the soil on the slope area. It was a workout! We did it all by hand with a pitchfork and shovel. It was a good way to improve the soil and get the area ready for the planting. Next was digging the holes and putting a good amount of top soil (MiracleGro top soil actually).
One of the key 'design' aspects we were trying for was to space the rhodos 6-feet apart, achieve a nice three-some arrangement, and form a mound around the plant base. this mound helps to catch the moisture and maintain the soil around the plants.
We just had enough mulch to cover / protect the three rhododendrons once they were planted. But it sure does a great job to protect the soil and keep the moisture in the soil.
Oooeee! Check out the cute Gardener! (sepia style)
When it was all done... we had three happy rhodos... and a bloodgood Maple.
The cutting back of branches in the area also helped to open up the space and change the view quite dramatically.And one last 'artistic' photo of the rhododendron, well-watered about to bloom. 
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Two Level Patio
An idea came to me as I was speaking about the decking options with Mom.
What if we had two levels of the patio, with the upper level as an 'L'. This would be against the house (at the patio door) and serve as a step. It would also extend to the first garden to form the 'L'. Perhaps it would be 4'-6' deep. This would provide a raised area for the grill and a step down from the house. It would also not interfere with a large single-level area of the patio for entertaining.
What do you think? I will try to add a sketch of the idea too.
What if we had two levels of the patio, with the upper level as an 'L'. This would be against the house (at the patio door) and serve as a step. It would also extend to the first garden to form the 'L'. Perhaps it would be 4'-6' deep. This would provide a raised area for the grill and a step down from the house. It would also not interfere with a large single-level area of the patio for entertaining.
What do you think? I will try to add a sketch of the idea too.
Floating Walkway
Mom called to get me to watch HGTV.
A few cool ideas about a floating walkway, driveway with colored concrete and river rock, and stainless steel planters. this was a "modern style" home and they really added a lot of sharp aspects to the look by using rocks and wood for warmth and Asian-influenced style, plus a contemporary look with the stainless planting / garden containment.
The picture on right is the final result.
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Beginning The Blog
This is the start of a blog about our landscaping projects and ideas. I hope to capture not only the progress being made through out the season, but also the ideas we are considering for our next projects.
The next few posts will be postdated in order to establish the timeline of our activities. I hope to add updates regularly.
The next few posts will be postdated in order to establish the timeline of our activities. I hope to add updates regularly.
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