Summer = Great Weather for Digging (aka PHASE FOUR of the Master Plan)
As I've shared in previous posts, we have a multi-phase plan for our landscaping.
(My fifth iteration of the landscape concept, over Saturday morning coffee)
The ultimate goal is to eliminate our lawn altogether, but it takes time. We go old school. We have relied on hand tools, wheelbarrows and sweat equity for every part of this work. Aside from the ATV we used in an attempt to lug the 2-ton stone step pieces up the back yard, no Bobcats or heavy machinery have been used. There are three reasons. First, we don't really have much of a side yard. Second, the back yard grading is really steep - turned out too steep for even the ATV. But truth be told, it's mostly because I've been adamant that we not disturb the beautiful side yard cherry tree that came with the house.
The cherry tree - circa 2016
I'm not sure folks truly understand how much digging and pushing we've done this past four years. Ask our neighbors. They'll tell you we're gluttons for punishment.
(side note: Brian and I joke about opening a boot camp for NYC yuppies like us - something along the lines of 'you pay US to come to our house and help dig!' It's the ultimate workout! Better than CrossFit! Follow-up: any takers??)
Anyway, this year's project (Phase 4) consisted of adding a large bed to the right side of the yard. The bed will provide obstruction to our rear and side neighbors. Although we do love our neighbors, sometimes it's nice to have a little privacy.
In designing this new bed, we continued our concept of planting only perennials and plants that are, generally speaking, native to New England. We planted weigela florida (aka Spilled Wine), ornamental evergreens, white pines, blue spruce, juniper, rhododendron, and flowering dogwood. Next year, we'll do more juniper, catmint, lillies, salvia, and ground cover sedum, to continue some of the themes we have elsewhere in the yard, and to maintain colors throughout the seasons.
