"I'm not really a career person.I'm a gardener,basically.".....George Harrison

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Mission Accomplished……?

In July,2009,I wrote about what I wanted to accomplish in the coming year.With this past winter’s horrible freezing weather,and the record setting heat of this past summer,I gave it my best shot.

First up,I got my garden shed!IMG_0488 And I’m having a quite serious love affair going on with it.

Yessiree!

And I don’t think the flame is gonna die anytime soon.

All of the landscape timbers are gone.But have yet to be replaced with another retaining wall.Miss Emma kinda interfered with that plan,but that’s ok.I think we can manage without the timber.As long as we have her…….She’s worth the wait,dontcha think?emma6She’s one month old!Lookin’ pretty cool with her “going-to-the- night-club” clothes on!Dontcha think?

With the return of slightly cooler and lower humidity weather it was time to get to work…..

 Our compost pile was just that.A pile.It has since been replaced with a proper compost bin.With a  stone path……

IMG_0548In the process of relocating the compost pile,we re-pavered the area around the well.Over the years,this area had caved in and was covered with leaves,weeds,and vines.To say the least,it was a muddy,mosquitoey,mess!It is much neater,cleaner,and easier to maneuver around.IMG_0531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the background you can notice the new compost bin,and the well.The wood structure holds our firewood.

We replaced the area where the compost pile was,with a new shade garden.IMG_0528 The pathway is yet to be finished.

This area also had a flooding problem.Most likely caused by the compost pile.While regrading the area(the regrade works perfectly,by the way),we caused another problem.Erosion down by the waterline.Notice the dip?IMG_0532

We ,hopefully,corrected it by placing two large rocks in that area(which cannot be seen in this photo),to slow the water flow.We’ll need to find plantings for there.Something that can take only late day sun,and alot of water.We want to filter any water that flows from our yard before it enters the lake.Ideas are most welcome…..Feel free to offer up your thoughts.

Most of the plantings in the new garden are divisions of other plants we already had.Giant Liriope,Holly Fern,and Variegated Flax Lily.All of which needed dividing.No cost to us.The centerpiece is a new Australian Tree Fern.IMG_0538

I like a green back drop with splashes of color.I prefer to do that with containers.They can be changed as the seasons change.Much,much easier than replanting an entire garden.Kind of like using artwork to bring color into a neutral room.IMG_0542IMG_0540  I wanted to tie this garden in with the other shade garden,IMG_0545

so I moved a copper bird bath to this garden from another area.Much as I like randomness in the garden,I also like symmetry.Hopefully,the copper bird bath,the repetition of the plants and the Australian Tree Fern accomplish this.

To finish this,we still need to make a gravel pathway,get those rocks we set out to get back in August,flagstone pavers,and lots of gravel.IMG_0528

But….

It’s all gonna have to wait.We have scored playoff tickets for the Tampa Bay Rays,so we’re gonna be busy this week….

yessiree!

Go Rays!!!!!

11 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

It is so nice when dreams come true. Your gardens and paths are lovely and peaceful looking.

Little Miss Emma is a real sweetie pie.

Enjoy the playoffs, then enjoy your garden projects.

FlowerLady

Susan said...

Looks like you've accomplished a lot this year, and I'm sure you're enjoying the results of all your hard work.

Glad to hear your flooding problem has been resolved. I have a very wet area...plants stand in water for a good portion of the year. So far, I've had good results with philodendron, elephant ears, and var. ligustrum, Virginia sweetspire. Nearby plants that stay wet most of the summer, but not in standing water are oleander, hydrangea, holly fern, Australian tree fern, roses, hibiscus.

Little Emma is sooooo beautiful. What a wonderful addition to your family. Keep posting pics of her so we can see how she's growing.

Have fun at the playoffs!

Susan said...

P.S. I forgot about flag iris and canna lilies. :-)

Unknown said...

Susan-I googled Virginia Sweetspire.I like it! That may be the one.Just have to find someone who carries it.
Thanks!

Ami said...

Wow, those are a lot to accomplish in a year! I know how good you feel when you look at the result of your hard work!

Emma is so adorable and sweet! Have fun!

Deborah said...

Beautiful. I love the paths and your wonderful tropical plants. Is there anything cuter than a new baby girl dressed in pink? I think NOT!
**blows kisses** Deb

Rusty in Miami said...

I have the same composter, and it worked very well this summer. Your garden looks great

Gayle said...

You are really creating a peaceful place full of life. It is just beautiful. You mention draining into the lake...are you lake front property or is there a lake close by?

NanaK said...

Your new shady area is looking good! Love all the pathways and your rock border. I just acquired a baby tree fern this summer. Here's hoping good things for both of ours this winter.

Keep enjoying that Emma bundle of joy. GO RAYS!

Susan said...

Chris...I bought mine at Bok Gardens. Once it multiplies I'd be happy to share some with you.

Meems said...

Oh, that Emma is too adorable... she is perfect in pink!

You two have been busy. It is all coming together nicely. My only thoughts off the top of my head since I don't have any wet areas is black magic, illustris or any elephant ears really... walking iris and louisiana iris can stand the water.

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