Spring Planning

The garden is going to be terrific. Cold weather has delayed us a bit. Trimming and planting perennials is going to have to wait for warmer temperatures. I think trumpet vine will look good on it. I am not sure it will get enough sun after the Pecan tree greens up.

Painting the wrought iron and trellis is going to have to wait for temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Actually I don't mind - I hate painting!

Growing

The plants are home! Four new Mary Nell hollies were planted by North Haven Garden's subcontractor. I know they look small - but they were too big for us to transport in the Jeep. The new dwarf burford hollies will make a nice hedge after they grow a bit more.

Progress

The old garden has been removed. Branches, roots and trash are piled up on the street for our monthly pick-up.

New plants are ordered and standing by to become part of the garden. We have a slight delay in planting the Mary Nell hollies from North Haven Gardens. Luckily, it is only 2 days.

Even the old trellis has found a purpose in the new garden. It will be perfect with a new coat of white paint.

We cleaned up the old wrought iron fence using a wire brush. Thank goodness for electric drills! It really sped up the job. Painting on the other hand took longer than we had hoped. About 2/3 of the fence is done. The remaining will have to wait.

President's Day

Wow! I am so sore and tired. The new garden is coming along nicely. Tons of progress. I cannot wait for the new bushes to arrive on the 24th. I spent the entire day trimming all the existing hedges and shurbs. That is what I get for listening to 1080 am radio and the Neil Sperry show yesterday. He inspired to me to get busy before all the evergreens start growing this season. I hope I beat the clock!

Plenty of work today but no pictures. I ran out-of-steam and then it was dark.

Helpers

Plenty of help today working in the new garden. Funny the pups were absent when all the digging was required. Here they are helping with the final clean up.

The Look

This is the new look for our back garden. I am working to capture the same look and feel as our side garden. I think it will look good when it is done.

Progress

We may never be the same! All the ancient Photina bushes are gone We even pulled out most of the root balls. The rest are dust using our neighbor's chain saw. I need to reapply sealer to the fence while it is all clear. Also, we found a great use for this handmade lattice from a few years ago. Now - I am so glad we saved it.

New Green

I love NorthHaven Gardens! I has to be one of my favorite places to visit and spend time. I am the proud owner of four new 15 gallon Mary Nell Holly bushes. They are perfect for my new backyard garden. I broke down and decided to have them planted on February 24. That gives me two weekends to prepare the garden. I had better get busy!

First step - pulling out all of the old shrubs. Whew - this is a ton a work!

Looks like work!

Simple Facelift

A few simple nip and tucks and the front yard is looking pretty good. Just in time for Spring and warm weather. Next step - some Spring color! I cannot wait.

Relocating

The Chinese Mahonias have been moved replacing the 'grape leaf' variety that frankly were not doing very good. These guys were taking over their original location in the front garden. I think they will like their new spot better. I certain like how they fill out this spot.

New Beginning

Well - the old garden has seen better days. These old 'red tip' photinias are not doing so good. The new plan is to replace the back garden just in time for summer. It is going to be a ton of work. I cannot wait to get started.

Paris Plans

So what? It seems like we just got home from France. But I already miss it! I set my alarm clock for midnight so I could buy this year's airline tickets. Yes - I am already booked. Best of all my niece and her husband will be joining us this year.

Refresh

So - this is the year to refresh our backyard. I am starting to create a plan for the new work. One item - replacing the old bird bath/fountain. The top cracked and could not be replaced.

This is a photo of the new fountain. It was 50% off at North Haven Gardens. A good deal - but pricey all the same. Boy, it is heavy!

Installation was not as easy as I had hoped. Of course, our old pump did not fit! I ran across a new fountain pump a few weeks ago for $24 bucks at Lowes. Luckily - I grabbed one and had it in the garage.

Finally installed. The new fountain looks great. It makes a terrific sound and the birds are already loving it. It also splashes a lot of water out on the surrounding area. The wood fern will love the extra water.

Civic Pride

Today I am sitting at the Crowley courts building. No. I am not I'm
trouble. It is time to give back to support the democracy I enjoy.
Yes, jury duty. I am overhearing plenty of complaints and woes. Funny
thing is that I am really cool with it and hoping I never need a jury
of peers. Knowing that if I do need one this process works - makes it
all worthwhile.

Sent from my iPhone

George & Laura

Time for the former President to return to Texas and yes - my neighborhood in Dallas. This weekend brought sign after sign welcoming George and Laura to Preston Hollow.