Landscaping

More House Projects

Several other outdoor housekeeping projects were completed this month, in addition to the rock bed replenishment and re-leveling earlier in the spring. Early in July, I started re-staining the cedar canopies over the front doors, as well as the side garage door. In mid-July, I hired a company to do a professional wash and clean of all glass window and door exteriors, something that I used to do myself once a year. I was so pleased with their work that I will continue to hire them every year from now on.

I also solicited quotes for a pressure wash cleaning of all the ground concrete surfaces: front walkway, driveway pad, and the courtyard perimeter walkways. But the quotes came in so high that I decided to just buy a gas-powered pressure washer and do it myself. I completed this project over a few days in mid-August.

Rocking the Landscape

[18 May, 2024]

The rock beds along the house’s front walk have settled and I spent the afternoon ferrying literally over a ton of ‘Alabama Sunset’ stones and raking them in level with the concrete walk. It was quite a workout, but I think worth the effort in the end.

Courtyard Landscaping

Spring is underway, and so are landscaping activities in the central courtyard. The citrus plants (Meyer Lemon and Calamondin) are outside and re-containered, and the 4-yr old juniper bonsai is out of its winter hibernation and now comfortably in its new ceramic pot. I also put together a new succulent centerpiece for the outside dining table. Continuing: a season-long battle with weeds!

Overall, everything’s looking good, so here’s to a great growing season!

Address Pillar, Revisited

I can’t believe it’s been over 4 years since I worked on this Address Pillar project. The thing is looking a little tired and now needs a makeover. So today, a 2-coat re-staining was in order. Here are a few before and after pictures.

Next year, I’ll need to spruce up the plants around the base and add a little more color.