After a week of proctoring the OGTs, I needed something to bring peace to my soul. What better way than to make flower beds. The weather was perfect, 40 to mid 50's. Pat and I have talked about doing something in the front yard almost since the day we moved in. The area with the gravel and flat stones was some kind of archaeological find. Where the stones are now was a hole 3 feet deep with brick and timber sides overgrown with ivy. Five tons of dirt, a couple tons of gravel and a whole bunch of flat stones later Pat and I had a place to hang out in the front yard. That was a couple of years ago. We started our turf grass elimination project Friday. Pat laid out the design and I dug the grass out. You know how there is no project too small to be made big? This is such a project. Saturday Pat laid out a second pattern to enlarge a small bed we threw together last fall. There are still two more of these beds to create in the front yard. We had to stop because the temps are back in the 30's and it's raining. Spring break starts next week, so hope springs eternal.
We're going to plant crocuses in the kidney shaped bed among other things. I was inspired by a post from
Shirls Gardenwatch from March 17. I have never seen so many crocuses. If you have not visited, you are missing something special, but finish my post first please.
I'm using the sod as a base for a new berm we're building in the back yard.
Now I know how snowdrops got their name. OK, so, I'm still new.
Lona at
A Hocking Hill's Garden has daffodils blooming. We are about a week behind her.
I'm using the sod as a base for a new berm we're building in the back yard.
Now I know how snowdrops got their name. OK, so, I'm still new.
Lona at A Hocking Hill's Garden has daffodils blooming. We are about a week behind her. 
17 comments:
Wonderfully exciting isn't it..creating new beds..they look fabulous! Enjoy! I am sure they will turn out beautiful! OOh.what lovely ducks..so gorgeous!
What a treat to see..beautiful post!
Kiki~
I like Pat's designs. I can see the kidney-shaped bed with some lovely crocuses next spring. You are wonderful to take on all of these projects, Jim. :)
Crossing my fingers for good weather during spring break. (We had horrid weather today, and my parents south of Atlanta reported *snow.* This spring has been a bit insane.)
You have ducks at your house?! How cool is that?!
I love seeing your ducks that visit your garden. I absolutely love taking areas of turf in order to plant a new garden. A large bed of crocus will be just beautiful.
It's looking great Jim (and Pat!) can't wait to see the beds bursting with flowers! Heidi.
Making new beds is so satisfying. This year, I'm planning on joining some areas together, to make less mowing for my longsuffering spouse, and to create a little more continuity for my own evil plans (bwah ha hah!)
Thank you for your comment on my ugly garden post, and also the one I saw you left at Tina (Hobbit)'s post. I know exactly what you mean about garden club snoots. I belong to one that is two hours from home because I love the people there (though I only get to a meeting once a year). The local club is just the sort to discourage new gardeners, unfortunately, and I have no desire to become enmeshed in their politics. Gardening is for joy.)
Hi Jim and Pat. I love the shape you have redone to the bed. Good job Pat! Way to dig Jim! LOL! Isn't it a lot of work but it feels good to be creating again. I can almost see the crocuses in there. That will be so pretty. Those warm days really sped up my daffodils. We had 75 degrees Sunday and they burst right out in bloom. Today is another story weather-wise. ;-)
Hi,
I commend you on a job well-done. I can relate to the labor required to remove grass. Most of the area of my two lawns is filled with Bermuda grass. While you call ivy the spawn of the devil, certainly Bermuda grass must be a nasty brother to it.
Keep up the good work, and then head out here to help me, okay?
Annie
Looking good there Jim, delighted to hear you are adding crocus to your new bed. They really are becoming one of my Spring favs especially planted en masse... enjoy yours next year :-D
the yard is starting to look like spring! I haven't seen you in weeks at work! glad your camera is working out well!
Happy new beds Jim! What fun and I look forward to seeing your crocuses next spring!
You're a week behind Lona, I'm six weeks behind you. All those new bed projects look like lots of fun (and maybe a sore back or two). I really must plant some snowdrops this fall....
Christine in Alaska
Your project is looking good. For inspiration while removing grass just remember the more you remove now the less you have to mow come summer :-] .
Good man yourself, shunning linearity for a kidney-shaped bed! I tend to go for random shapes, predominantly because I often struggle to get things to line up!
I think this is going to be really beautiful. There is nothing like a new project to make you feel young and vigorous. (And well worth all the sore muscles and joints!) I like the ducks, too!
This is going to be a cool garden area you started. Can't wait to watch it and see it grow this spring.
Did you all get the snow like we did in BG tonight. OUT LIKE A LION??
BGgarden BLOG
Hi Jim - your project looks like it will be wonderful. I really like the look of your pics in the sidebars - very nice Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog -Gloria
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