This project has been a long time in the making.\u00c2\u00a0 Here’s a high level overview of the timeline of key events:<\/p>\n
Summer 2009<\/strong> – Attend “Planning Your ‘New California’ Garden” series of workshops at Madrona Marsh Nature Center.<\/p>\n March 2010<\/strong> – [1] Using props (trashcans, garden hose, chairs, etc.) in front yard get an idea of space for landscape and patio layout.\u00c2\u00a0 [2] Kathleen Brown, Landscape Consultant – discuss design, strategy, resources and options, what plants to save and how, prioritizing future activities.<\/p>\n April 2010<\/strong> – Collect rip rap (broken concrete) from nearby construction project to support mounds of soil near sidewalk.<\/p>\n July 2010<\/strong> – [1] Cut down hedge in one long exhausting weekend. [2] Contact utilities to identify water, gas and electric lines on property. [3] Bobcat used to remove stumps and roots of hedge and plants near house.<\/p>\n August 2010<\/strong> – 1-day rental of chipper\/shredder to mulch all unwanted plant material\u00c2\u00a0 (This was another incredibly long and exhausting day!)<\/p>\n October 2010<\/strong> – [1] Collect river rock from friend’s back yard. [2] Consider placement of fence. [3] Purchase split rail fence materials. [4] Wash slate to prep for sealing (prevented by cool weather and rain). [5] Collect more rip rap. [6] Play with cardboard cut to the size of the slate to consider layout designs. [7] Remove existing metal railing between front porch and yard. [8] Find and collect brick. [9] Determine slate is not the correct material for this project.<\/p>\n November 2010<\/strong> – [1] Discover and begin collecting pink concrete chunks. [2] Number and photograph each piece of collected pink concrete and bricks.<\/p>\n December 2010<\/strong> – Work with printed pieces of concrete and bricks to develop path and patio design on paper.<\/p>\n February 2011<\/strong> – Place actual numbered concrete and bricks in position according to the design on paper.<\/p>\n April 2011<\/strong> – [1] Collect more pink concrete. [2] Get quotes for patio installation; decide on Mike Ragels for project. [3] Shorten length of outdoor water faucet pipe. [4] Flag and document existing sprinkler heads (their corresponding zones and solenoids), existing gas line and placement of future electrical line. [5] Find and collect more brick.<\/p>\n May 2011<\/strong> – [1] Begin installation of path and patio. [2] Collect more pink concrete. [3] Install split rail fence.<\/p>\n June 2011<\/strong> – [1] Collect more pink concrete. [2] Complete installation and sealing of path and patio. [3] Remove rip rap. [4] Run and install electrical.<\/p>\n July 2011<\/strong> – [1] Patriotic Potluck Patio Party & BBQ!\u00c2\u00a0 At Independence Day 2010 I set a goal to enjoy the 2011 festivities on our COMPLETED front yard patio.\u00c2\u00a0 We did!\u00c2\u00a0 Still no plants, but the red, white and blue streamers looked festive. [2] Lisa Fimiani, Master Gardener, Environmental Restoration Specialist, provides drought tolerant plant consultation.\u00c2\u00a0 I’ve got the rest of the summer to prepare the terrain to be ready to plant in the fall when the rains come.<\/p>\n August 2011<\/strong> – Realized I really need to address the leaking bay window area and rotten wood during the summer.\u00c2\u00a0 Scrape paint from bay and coloured glass windows and all woodwork; caulk, repair wood & select paint colours.<\/p>\n September 2011 <\/strong>– [1] Paint.\u00c2\u00a0 [2] Select plants.\u00c2\u00a0 [3] Prepare landscape by removing grass layer, putting down newspaper or cardboard to smother remaining grass\/weeds, put good dirt on top of the paper, build two mounds near sidewalk.\u00c2\u00a0 FYI…none of this happened in September as I was still working on prepping the woodwork and windows.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n October 2011<\/strong> – Well, I haven’t gotten to plant selection or yard preparations yet.\u00c2\u00a0 I have removed old, crumbling glaze and horribly chipped and peeling paint from the windows and woodwork, and stripped and sanded the wood.\u00c2\u00a0 Glazing – DONE!\u00c2\u00a0 Priming – DONE!\u00c2\u00a0 Continue to use and enjoy the patio – CHECK!<\/p>\n <\/em><\/strong>November 2011<\/strong> – Painting.\u00c2\u00a0 We’ve had wet weather which made testing possible paint colours a bit of a challenge.\u00c2\u00a0 With a week plus of hot sunny weather I’m finally getting the painting done.\u00c2\u00a0 Will post photos when complete.<\/p>\n April 2012 <\/strong>– Remove turf; select and install initial plants; water deeply throughout the summer to encourage deep roots.\u00c2\u00a0 Enjoy the work completed.<\/p>\n …to be continued…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This project has been a long time in the making.\u00c2\u00a0 Here’s a high level overview of the timeline of key events: Summer 2009 – Attend “Planning Your ‘New California’ Garden” series of workshops at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. 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