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by | Aug 6, 2004 | Uncategorized


View from patio, looking left
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In between the gate and first post, the flagstone in d.g. path will begin (right off the patio) and end in the new flagstone sitting area for the oval teak table. To the far left (up against the fence) will be flowerbeds. Beds will pretty much be around the entire perimeter so I can “disappear” the fence. To the right of the first post, picture sod. Instant lawn. Can’t wait. Well, I have waited… 9 years! My little boy, who isn’t so little anymore, is finally getting grass to play on, and cushy bark or rubber mulch under his play structure (which he will outgrow in the next 5 minutes).

by | Aug 6, 2004 | Uncategorized


View of Pool and Patio Cover (Under Construction)
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This shot was taken in late afternoon. You can see how much wonderful shade the trees provide later in the day. You can also see the partially constructed patio cover. When finished, it’ll have a sort of wraparound, multi-level quality. The as-yet-unbuilt section will be a little higher. Paint, which isn’t finished, is a blue and navajo white combo. Oh, and see how the round patio section just outside the future French doors (aka 6′ slider) slopes weirdly? It’s a little exaggerated because I used a wide-angle lens, but not much. I still have to figure out a new use for the space. Firepit? Hmmm… probably not a good idea under a wood patio cover. Lounge chairs or Adirondack chairs maybe? Ooh, maybe those really cool Sky Chairs you see every year at the fair and that I saw again at the S.F. Flower & Garden Show!

Will Somebody Pinch Me?

by | Aug 2, 2004 | Uncategorized

Things are actually running ahead of schedule. Clearing and cleanup begin on Thursday of this week! My job is to water the back so the soil is more workable and to dig up the sad little citrus trees and rose bushes I planted in desperation, before the irrigation went in. My tomatoes are in half-barrels this year, so they’re safe.

One thing I’ve been going back-and-forth on is lawn edging. Landscape companies like to use extruded concrete mow strips because they’re fast, easy and economical. There’s hi-lo, flat and wedge-shaped. I’d prefer a more natural edging material, like cobble or brick, but have to admit that a hi-lo mow strip is pretty practical. The low side provides a nice level footing for mower wheels and the high side helps hold in bark and mounded soil. Still, I know I’ll never get that timeless garden look with a visible extruded concrete mow strip. Since budget is an issue, it’s really hard to ignore the extruded strip’s practicality.

The manager on the job made a suggestion that helped me to feel more ok about the mow strip– we’ll tint it a natural brown or tan color. It’s easy enough for them to add color and it’ll only add about $50. I appreciated his suggestion.

He’s also going to show me some samples of recycled rubber mulch (which also comes in different colors) as an alternative to playground bark under our son’s play structure. My son wanted sand, so I had to provide him with the image of his play area being used as a giant kitty litter box. With that image, he’s less opposed to bark. The rubber stuff might be best.

Re: flagstone

We’re going with flagstone in d.g. (decomposed granite) for a smallish sitting area featuring an oval teak table (from Costco, btw). The pieces are to be large and with narrow spaces between the flagstone pieces. In another area of the yard, 4′ x 10′ (probably) vegetable beds will be surrounded by crushed rock in a similar color (peachy/purpley/buff tones).

More later…

Sign Here, Please…

by | Jul 26, 2004 | Uncategorized

Today, we sign with a landscape contractor. Work is to commence approximately 10 days later. I’ll try to post some photos when we break ground.

If things go well, I might even tell ya which company did the work. 😉

by | Jul 20, 2004 | Uncategorized



Here I am (looking a little blurry, as usual) at this really cool garden shop in Mendocino village. The whole town is flower heaven…

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Back to Reality

by | Jul 20, 2004 | Uncategorized

Just got back from a nice coastal getaway… Finding it hard to get back to the daily grind. Coming back to an uncharacteristically humid, hot Sacramento didn’t help. Still have just 2 contractor bids… well, still waiting for one to come in (he came and measured) . I was disappointed to learn that contractor #2 wouldn’t be able to start until October at the earliest.

I’m inclined to go with the first company because they’re well-established, are well-insured, seem fair-priced, and are equipped to start much sooner.

In the meantime, family stepped in to help with the patio cover (made lots of progress) and have promised to help put the kit greenhouse together. There may be orchids in my future yet…

The bid is in…

by | Jul 7, 2004 | Uncategorized

Got the first bid. Surprisingly, the numbers didn’t shock me. Of course, the bid didn’t include plants… or anything fancy like built-in barbecues or outdoor fireplaces. My Smith & Hawken portable firepit will have to suffice in the fire department. Lighting wasn’t included either; or raised beds; or the biggie– construction of my greenhouse. They don’t want to mess with it, but will refer me to a general contractor (versus landscape contractor).

So, I’m attributing the fact that the numbers didn’t phase me to a) they’re bidding on just the basics (grass, sprinklers, mow strip, etc.), b) they’re fairly reasonable and c) I’m getting a bit jaded in my old age.

The one splurge is flagstone in D.G. (decomposed granite). We all know flagstone is expensive, but the funny thing is, I was told D.G. has gotten pricey! How could something that looks like rocky dirt, or dirty rock, that gets stuck in your shoes and scrapes up your hardwood floors be pricey? Is there no justice in the world?

Contractor visit #2 is happening today! Should be interesting to have a comparison…