Whose Idea Was This Anyway?

Look, Ma, It Squirts John Buttrell (day job, arborist) installs the requisite Water Feature.

When last we met I was halfway through my new garden, the design of which came together pretty quickly. It was a design that took its cues from a number of inspirations: the new fence, the minds of Jack Hayes and Jay Miner, and my overwhelming need to have a preponderance of hardscape and absolutely no lawn.

Somebody, please, bring back the lawn!

I only mean that a little. Mostly, I'm just exasperated. This garden re-do has turned out to be much more than I'd bargained for. I never had the money to actually hire a crew and get the damn hardscape "installed", so instead, I've been begging and borrowing friends' expertise and time. Let me tell you, it's a flawed approach. And an expensive one. The weeks are rolling by, the bills are adding up, and there's miles yet to go (thank God, though, I have still the friends!)

I'm not unhappy, really, I just want it over. And as you're about to see, it will be over, soon. A little more plumbing, electrical, cement work and soil prep, and all my precious plants now shvitzing in the summer sun will be mercifully back in the ground.

Pre-Plops

Post-Plops

The views above look south (in contrast to the views below). The rounded plops (dark gray cement pavers) are set in pebbles, and play a big role in unifying the garden. They will bounce right across the front walkway and tie in the other side (trust me on this). On another note, see that gorgeous Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' on the left? We moved it to a more prominent location. Once there, it promptly died. I am not proud.

Pre-Plops Again, Facing North

Here Come The Accessories!

Hopefully, you're starting to get the picture. And not that I'm obsessing, but if you look closely behind the red chair (soon to be painted something quieter), you'll see the dying 'Silver Sheen'.

On a happier note, check out the little yellow plants floating in the brown mulch sea (right photo, left corner). It's the first of Della's many toilettes. Imagine how pleased she'll be!

Do I look pleased?