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!

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