May 25, 2008

Landscape crew

"There is no spot of ground, however arid, bare or ugly, that cannot be tamed into such a state as may give an impression of beauty and delight."

~ Gertrude Jekyll

Starting at the entrance

Surveying all that needs to be done

My mom...working away

our niece working with some of the grasses


a few empty pots...we planted 92 plants

Before-We bought the house/5 acres last year...(see here) began inside demo on July 5th, started on the outside this spring


After - less than a year later...and whole new look!


relaxing when finished!

20 comments:

A Wild Thing said...

I envy you, living in such a magical place. Living in Colorado with the view of Mount Evans out my bedroom window was a dream come true as was living in Florida next to a nature preserve on a dead-end road. But my little 6 acres in Iowa gives me the space to reflect and the sanctuary for my little critter friends to roam without fear of the developers tearing down their homes AND I can be close to my Dad. I treasure each moment spent with that crazy 80 year young man who always had a dream to be a bush pilot. Must be where I get my gypsy sense of 'on the road again' and dream to be a free bird.

Have a wonderful holiday Charmaine.
sharon

Angela said...

It looks amazing! And your niece is such a cutie.

Rosebud Collection said...

Beautiful job..It all looks stunning..You had wonderful help..

Hey Harriet said...

I don't see Diva doin' any work. I like your style! It's all coming along nicely & looks lovely.

Hope you are enjoying your long weekend :)

Ana said...

ohhh it lookes lovely!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

You guys never cease to amaze me. You must be so proud of all the work you've done. Definitely got the pioneering spirit! The house looks great and I love the new layout of the front yard. More natural and appealing. It will be nice when things begin to bloom and grow!

Anonymous said...

Well now you sure have a great gardening crew! I wish I could get some help around here!

Unknown said...

W.O.W. what a complete difference! The house used to just fade away into the background which was very plain. You guys made this a gem of curb appeal! The plantings will certainly grow to fill in nicely and the colors (especially the purple near the house) are a beautiful balance to the overall landscape & exterior. I am so excited to see you have moved along so far so quickly! Yea for family helpers! A job well done :~D

Gray Eyed Scorpio said...

I like the new aesthetics much better--a more natural look.

Tess Kincaid said...

Nice work!! Love the before and after pix. Wow, that red is stunning! What a difference!

The countryside where you live is unbelieveable.

Lavinia said...

Many hands make light work. You've put an incredible amount of time and effort into your place, both inside and out, and it shows. Its coming along splendidly, so artfully done....do keep us posted!

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

Looking great, Charmaine! I have to say your "work crew" is very well dressed! I look like a bag lady when I'm working outside :)

Victoria said...

Wonderful job, that's a lot of work, and it all looks great!

And how lovely to have family that is so willing to pitch in and help!

Mrs.French said...

I cannot believe how different it looks! Oh and your niece is absolutely gorgeous!

Mrs.French said...

Hey you need to check out my Saturday post...it is so up your alley.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow.. you have such an amazing place.. such a difference to London city!! .. how do you find going into cities? My boyfriend lives in a much quieter place than I do and it all feels so alien to me, but nice at the same time.

Unknown said...

now, that is a house i wished I stay in...plenty of land and beautiful house, so coooool :)

Miss Mish Mish said...

It looks so beautiful and peaceful! I can imagine all the hard work, but it's nice to do these things together with family!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

Your niece is beautiful! Such a great helper, too.

littlebird said...

back breaking work but when those plants a have had a chance to establish themselves it will look stunning i'm sure : )