Brick Garden Path: Part 2

Check out Part 1 here.

After dumping 250 lb of sand, I started laying out the bricks, I do have to admit that the need for Masonry Work Services here was very clear. I used a rubber mallet to level out the bricks in the bed of sand. It really worked much better than I anticipated for evening out the bricks.

I edged the path with a row of bricks and filled in the center with the herringbone pattern.

You can see I still have a bit more to do. I need to get out my handy brick set and make some partial bricks to fill in the triangles. I am definately going to fill in the large triangles at the bottom but I’m tempted to fill the small triangles on the sides with a bit of potting soil and some thyme. I’ll see just how hard cutting the bricks is!

After the partial bricks are in place much like this site does on their fireplaces, it will be time to fill the cracks with some Polymeric Sand. This is the stuff I’m planning on using. It’s a bit pricey ($20) but available at Home Depot which makes things easy.

I’m looking forward to getting the last bits of this project settled.

Sarah

Early Spring Garden Update

The bulbs are poking up in the front.

The croci are blooming in the back

And the grass is greening up.

The parsley I started a few weeks ago is ready to go outside.

There is some cool fungus on the lilacs.

This Coreopsis is sprouting.

I’ve planted some pansies out front.

I love spring. It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter and seeing the bulbs pop up has been great fun.

Sarah

Brick Garden Path: Part 1

In about 2 hours I dug up and moved about 6 wheelbarrows full of dirt.

After digging the dirt, I installed some cheap plastic landscape edging…we’ll see if It was worth it. Part of me is just annoyed by it.

Next was the gravel. 250lb worth.

I’m sore as can be but excited about the finished product! I’m planning on herringbone!  I love herringbone!

I’m hoping to get the next layer, sand, pored and get at least a decent start on laying the bricks before the week is up. As always, I’ll keep you posted!

Sarah

Houseplant Update

Lots of changes to the houseplants since the last time I posted. These pictures are a little old but they should give you an idea of how things progressed over the minnesota winters with severe conditions that include strong winds and several feet of snow.

My Christmas Cactus finally bloomed!

It’s gotten pretty big.

The succulents are doing great as well.

This guy isn’t as big as it once was but it seems to be recovering alright.

And the bowl of succulents is looking good

This one even looks like it might bloom soon.

I got this little guy from Stefan for valentines day. He’s looking good. I need a new pot for him. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for more milkglass planters.

And this one is too tall for the shelf and should probably be split or re-potted soon.

As for my baby, the Meyer Lemon, I’ve got lemons!

He grew a bunch this winter. I think he really likes being full in this sunny window. There is one long branch that may need to be pruned but tying everything to a stake seems to have really helped him maintain his shape, I also add some Ornamental plants to add some decoration to the room. I can’t wait to see if those lemons reach full size!

Another few weeks and it will be time to move the Meyer lemon outside. Having fun houseplants is great! I keep thinking about getting another dwarf citrus tree but I just don’t have enough sunny windowspace! Perhaps once the 3rd floor is ready for plantlife. Then if you’re looking for other nice options for your garden have you ever considered buying fruit trees? They can look great and provide you with fresh fruit so are one of our top recommendations. I actually love them a lot, it helps me eat a lot healthier.

Are there any must-have houseplants that I’m missing out on? I think we need a good sized palm in the den to give the space a little life but that will come once the Den is more settled. Anything else?

Sarah