This is the third spring I have spent in this garden and the number and variety of blooms have blown me over each time. It is such an embarrassment of floral opulence. If it was wallpaper, they would call it 'overblown'!
Heralding in the end of spring, the five crab apple trees down the drive, have had their 10 days of glory. So much effort and for such a short period of time!
Monet would have gone ga-ga over the tones of pink and purple in this shrubbery. It doesn't even belong to me but grows through and over the fence from next door.
On the other side of the house...the herb potager, with the outdoor kitchen in the background. Both of these projects were more than worth the work put into them. They continue to delight me.
The latest project is to create a link between the potager, outdoor kitchen and the house, in the form of an outdoor living area.
Behind that camellia to the left of the air-conditioner (which is being removed) is a chimney. The chimney doesn't draw and the open fire-place is a waste.
So...out with the chimney, and the wall, and in with another window and door set, similar to the one you can see. Nothing fancy, but it will make a huge difference to our main living area, making it lighter and creating a view. I'm hoping it will create a natural flow between inside and out.
A narrow deck along the house with an open pergola to carry a grape-vine, will give summer shade to the north facing windows, but let light in in the winter. The area between the deck and the outdoor kitchen will be paved.
Wait till you see the table and chairs we picked up for this area...very rustic.
So these are some of the 'before' pictures. Stay tuned for the work to begin!
The flowers look great. I think you're going to be very busy.
ReplyDeleteVery springy indeed Miss Dene. I look forward to the next project.
ReplyDeleteoh goodness everything looks so beautiful...can hardly wait to see the renovation happening
ReplyDeleteLoverly, Hazel.
ReplyDeleteHDW
The crab apple must have been a sight to behold, lovely! And looking forward to seeing the progress of your new project! Garden is looking lovely btw :)
ReplyDeleteHi Hazel, your garden looks beautiful...and another project in the pipeline...cant wait to see it...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers in a beautiful garden, one that I would love to wander through!
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow - your garden looks so beautiful. I'm trying not to be envious (its not working). We bought 5 wild acres 18 months ago where the only flowers were weeds. We've gone productive first with some flowers for the bees, but I'm hoping to build it up more over time. I'll keep your garden in my mind's eye
ReplyDeleteSandy
Hi! I found your awesome blog yesterday through http://sustainablesuburbia.net/sustainable-living-blogs/. My name is Maria Northcutt. I´m a Swedish nature freak. I met my soul mate that happened to be American. We both dreamed about having our own ranch growing organic fruit and vegetables while living with our horses and learning more about the nature that surrounds us. We got our 85acres ranch in The Sierra Nevadas, Auburn CA in January this year. We love it!!! The wildlife is rich and everything we need for (survival)food is already growing on our property. We´re in the learning process of exploring viable options in organic farming and sustainability. My blog is about that process and our family life in the wild.
ReplyDeleteThat was a few lines about me. I´m really looking forward to be inspired and learn from you!
Right now I have a poll on my blog about names for our new alpacas. I would be very happy if you took time to vote. It´s a picture and some name alternatives from my blog readers on the top right corner. http://discoveringranchlife.blogspot.com/
All the best,
Maria Northcutt