Summer Landscaping Project

Since the planter has been put away (too late to replant anything now) we've gotten started on the landscaping around the house. It's getting kind of exciting! It's going to be nice to have an edge to mow against instead of up next to the siding of the house. This picture shows the guys getting the 8' x 8' deck started. We just want an area big enough to walk straight out from the screened porch without going down steps and just big enough for the grill to sit on. Then there will be steps all along two sides down to a patio that will go to the north edge of the house.

The deck is going to be the fake wood that lasts for years without staining, etc. We're trying to make everything as low maintenance as possible even if it means more $$$ !

Thursday Mom, Bill & I spent the afternoon going to Spencer with a borrowed trailer to get the heavy patio blocks, some more edgers and some perennials at Menard's and Del's Garden Center. Mom was very impressed with Del's. Many greenhouses and lots more plants outside! Dave there has done some plans for us to go by from our house plans - very helpful and he and others there know their plants!

This is the front. I'm not sure yet what's going to go along the sidewalk besides phlox but in front of the front porch will be 3 red knock out roses and some other things in front of them. To the right of that in front of the office windows are 3 boxwood shrubs. I planted some mini hostas on the north side. We'll work in a few big field rocks here and there too. Mulch around the plants and river rock will fill it all in.

Bill's 2nd cousin, Bryan, is here visiting for about a month so we all have some temporary help! He's helping with the deck & patio, helped me dig holes for some plants already and has done some of my mowing! Nice! He lives in Colorado and is staying with Tim & Bette Jo.

Mom, Diane, Lacey & I went to the fireworks in West Bend last night. More tonight in Pocahontas if the rain holds off. Happy 4th!