Sunday, November 27, 2011

The rock wall is complete, well almost!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend filled with family and friends. I hope you all had the same. And the weather was just spectacular! We got outside and prepped the gardens for winter, put up the Christmas garland, worked on a really cool furniture transformation (details coming soon) and I finally had a chance to take some pictures of our new rock wall. Yes you know the one, it's been months in the making. We're still hoping to put in lighting before the ground freezes and the rest of the planting will have to wait for spring. But for the most part, this project is finally complete. And we are just thrilled with the result!





Here's a reminder of where we started.




We had a slim timber wall that had served us well for over 20 years. The chipmunks just loved it, but it was crumbling before our eyes!





But the new wall would be made from rocks, really big rocks.




And now this is the entrance off of our driveway.





And an overview of the complete wall.











We have plenty of space for seating and dining on the patio, but loved the idea of creating another little seating area for right in the new garden.




It will be so cozy nestled in among the plants to come.




And the new wall has great curves. Yes I love curvy walls just like curvy furniture!



And some built-in seating for one.



Or more. And it's really comfortable too!





The pond was our very first rock project a few years ago. We were lucky enough to find a landscaper who loves rocks just as much as we do, maybe even more. As you can imagine, this was not a diy project.




A set of stone steps leads from the driveway to new garden.





And the path leads right across the top of the waterfall and right through the garden. Can't you just imagine perennials blooming everywhere?





The pond is home to Bubba and his friends.




Bubba had many more friends until a family of hawks moved into the neighborhood.











This is Bubba when he's hungry.




And Bubba when he's pouting. Who knew fish could have so much personaliity?






I love the sound of the water. It is so peaceful and relaxing. Kevin had to talk me into the pond, but he was so right!











The raised bed planter boxes are for vegetables - that would be Kevin's domain.



They are filled with rich organic soil and come complete with irrigation. Hopefully we'll have a bounty of vegetables next summer!






There are new natualized beds all around the yard with a variety of new shrubs and trees. And of course more boulders.



The rhododendron are already loaded with buds. They will be absolutely gorgeous in the spring!



But I think my favorite new plant is the birch tree. I love the peeling bark. Maybe it's a little like distressed furnitre - perfect in it's imperfection.





But I think this is going to be my favorite new spot! Smores anyone?




So there you have it, our new rock wall and gardens. Our backyard was pretty much a contruction site for the last four months or so. But we have the very best landscaper and crew and we appreciate every minute of blood, sweat and tears that went into this project. Thanks guys, you have definitely exceeded all expectations yet again!

I'm linking to...
Funky Junk's Sat Nite Special





12 comments:

Katie @ Wildwood Creek said...

Your new rock wall and gardens are beautiful!

Amanda Lee said...

Your wall -- all your landscaping -- is gorgeous! And Bubba is so cute :)

Cassie Bustamante said...

wow!! it is looking so amazing! even though we are heading into winter, i bet you are so excited for the spring to get out there and plant plant plant!

Katie said...

It looks awesome Sharon!! I bet it'll be so nice, even with cool weather! I love the pond!

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

It is unbelievably beautiful! I have no doubt you will love it for years to come.

deborah@confessions of a craigslist junkie said...

It's beautiful -- and will be even prettier next spring!

Kellie Collis said...

How gorgeous! It must have been lovely to hear the sound of water gushing. Enjoy the beautiful day, Kellie xx

Ali Richardson said...

Oh my, it's SO beautiful! Everything looks perfect! I can't wait to see it when everything is in bloom :)

Mariella said...

Lovely and Big project , too!!
It looks "Magical"
Congrats!!
(* BTW, how do you do to link up all those sites below on some of your posts??*)
Cheers!

The Frosted Gardner said...

Oh my goodness - it is all beautiful! Just wow! I can imagine you and your family will enjoy it all for a long time!

Melody said...

Sharon,

I really love reading your posts.
Your pond is a magnificent work of art and if I had the lot size I would duplicate yours right down to the last detail. It is perfect, and a dream of mine. You'll have to forgive me if these are stupid questions, but I live in Southern California and know nothing about freezing weather. How do you keep the pond from freezing? Bubba is so darn cute, how do you protect him from other predators, raccoons, etc. I have a very tiny pond with a couple of very fat goldfish, but I have to cover it with a metal grate to protect them from raccoons, white egrets, and even overly curious cats.
Enjoy your beautiful rock wall (I seriously love rocks also) and your pond, my tiny one has brought me many peaceful moments over the years.

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Hi Elizabeth, I'm visiting from Funky Junk's outdoor linky party. Your stone wall and your stone water feature are so gorgeous. I showed my husband your Adirondack chairs on the stones because I'd like to do the same in our yard. You are probably planning your new gardens now.