Category Archives: gardening

Creating a Roof Top Garden

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I had to take a break from the yard work. Our yard is still in such a sorry state, it seems defeating to work so hard only to gain minimal results. I know I must have patience, but for now I thought I’d work on something I knew I’d be able to enjoy after a few hours of work. I’m sort of an immediate gratification sorta girl.

This is our roof top patio. I really love it. There’s a nice view and I imagine us having many relaxing nights dinning al fresco on warm summer evenings.  But as it looks now, it’s not the place you’d want to eat a bologna sandwich, much less enjoy a good meal.

Fortunately, I had everything I needed to create an inviting space here, with the exception of greenery and shade. But that only required a quick run to the garden center. It was just a mater of getting motivated to DO SOMETHING. Well, really I’ve had the motivation, but other projects have been taking  up most my time.

Though the view is enough of a focal point (minus the lovely power line…) I wanted to create a focal point on the brick exterior fire-place wall.  A nice place for the eyes to focus for anyone sitting with their back towards the view. Who wants to stare at a boring brick wall? So I came up with this:

 I fixed a string of lights to the backs of these screens and this became my inspiration for the space. I can’t wait for the plants to fill out, especially the Calla Lilly.

Here are a couple more photos of our new rooftop garden:

   

I’m quite happy with it, though I’m sure over time I will add a few more plants and possibly more seating,  I love it and I’m looking forward to having my coffee out here in the mornings, dinning in the evenings and just relaxing.

Well, that was my project for the week, not sure what I have planned for this week – maybe I’ll just be relaxing on my rooftop garden - IF the weather cooperates.

Digging in the Dirt (part 1)

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Spring is in the air. Or it was for a couple of days. We had a beautiful weekend which revived my senses and left me with a longing to be in the great outdoors. The great outdoors being our yard.

Attack of the blackberry bush

Here is a partial shot of what our yard looked like when we moved in. UGLY. Not exactly the kind of place conducive to relaxation.  But there is huge potential here. Obviously, the blackberry bushes had to go. I had mixed feelings about this. I feel anything that produces something as good and delicious as a blackberry should be allowed to live. All it would take is a little pruning and TLC to make them look pretty again right? Well, most people would say no. It seems to be the general opinion in these parts that the black berry bushes had to go. So out they came. However with one stipulation, my husband is not allowed to buy, or for that matter, eat another black berry again.

Then there were these randomly placed trees. I think maybe the previous owners just wanted to plant a forest in the yard. I really couldn’t make much sense of their placement. So of course out they came. Don’t worry, I put my foot down about tossing these little guys into the jaws of the evil chipper. 

The yard was very uneven which caused water to pool, creating a muddy swamp like mess. It seemed the only solution was to dig it up and start over. Of Course!!! So out came the grass.

It only took a few days to get the yard leveled and the trees moved. The grass is now coming in very slowly.

Here is the progress so far: We transplanted the trees along the fence line. They make for a much nicer barrier than those ugly blackberry bushes.

    

Yes, I realize the trees were just a bit crooked (ok – more than a bit) – I’ll try to get to those today. But I’m happier with their placement here rather than how they were randomly scattered around the yard. The white picket fence will come down soon – hopefully within the week and will be replaced with a taller privacy fence.

Still to do:
1. build a fence
2. build a retaining wall
3. pretty it all up a bit – ummmm A LOT!

So, I know what I’m doing on my summer vacation ( and right now it feels like for the rest of my life). What about you?

Really, what better way to spend a nice day than digging in the dirt? Although I’m not sure Peter Gabriel meant it so literally.