Firepit paver seating area

Pavers Part One

The firepit area will be 12 by 17 ft. I am just getting started setting the pavers. These are the dominion concrete pavers from Mutual Materials. I will have about 2 inches between the pavers and the retaining wall. I know that there are easier ways of doing this but I like setting each one…

California Lilac Dark Star

California Lilac

This magnificent evergreen shrub Ceanothus ‘Dark Star,’ commonly known as California Lilac was planted in 2012. I love the stunning royal blue flowers and bees seem to enjoy them as well. This variety offers a splash of vivid color to your garden in the late spring and early summer and the flowers have little golden…

Front Yard Ground Cover around flagstone

Ground Cover

Our ground cover is getting better each year. We use a combination of Thyme, Moss, Sedum, and Corsican Mint. I love low-growing ground cover plants the biggest reason is that I don’t need to mow. When used correctly, they may significantly improve the appearance of a front yard. Use ground covers to cover up trouble…

Stackable Toolbox

Stackable Toolbox BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST60500APB Stackable Storage System – 3 Piece Set (Small, Deep Toolbox, and Rolling Tote) Rolling Toolbox with Small Parts Organizer Two Piece Bundle Robust and stackable: Robust Auto-Lock Latches Make It Simple And Quick To Connect These Stackable Units

Brick Wall Support Bracket

Brick Wall Support Brackets

Brick wall support brackets or ties serve as indispensable elements in establishing a robust connection between your brickwork and the underlying structure. By delivering additional stability, they contribute to the overall strength and reliability of your wall, effectively safeguarding it against potential hazards and ensuring its enduring structural integrity. Brick wall support brackets or ties…

Brick Wall Weep Hole

Retaining Wall Weep Holes

Retaining walls and other ground-draining structures all have weep holes. Weep holes offer a drainage outlet that enables any moisture that may enter the wall from behind through penetrating, capillary action, or leakage. The installation of weep holes in brick masonry also acts as a ventilator, allowing air to reach the back of the wall…

Winter Raised Bed

Winter Gardening

Growing food in the winter is easier than you would think. First step is to start early, around late July through early September. Make sure your plants are sturdy before the low light of Fall sets in. the cool weather will prevent bolting so if you plant correctly you can harvest until early spring. Another…

Arugula

Arugula

The first thing to be harvested from our cold frame was a bowl full of peppery arugula. We planted through August and we were able to keep cutting leaves through the winter. Arugula can be added to just about anything, my favorite is on pizza. I also love to add arugula on this Chipotle Burger….

Backyard with grass

Getting Started

When we purchased the house in 2011 the backyard was covered with grass. I really do not like to mow so my fist step was to dig up all of the grass. This is what the back yard looked like after I was done digging up the grass.