This is a job we finished recently in August 2006. It was designed and installed by the Garden Crew. The need was to turn a yard into something they family could use. There was a slope down toward the house with rain and irrigation flooding to the house and into a low spot in the garden.

What we did is build a small wall and regrade the soil level behind it to control the drainage problem. we placed a Quarry Stone Paver patio from Cal Stone in front of the wall all the way to the house. We also built a walk to the front drive and then added plantings for more drama, color and to create some shade on the patio.

In the front we wanted to create a more dramatic entry that was compatable with the house. There was a substantial slope to the front so we put in 2 steps with a circular landing before going into an existing courtyard with a nice waterfall pond.
we also included a walk way to the street. Before you had to use the drive to get to the house and with two cars on the drive it was way too crowded.

This is a before picture.

And this is an after picture.

To see more go below the fold

Here is a series of before pictures including one from the front yard.

click on the picture for a larger picture.

And some during construction.

And some more completed pictures.

and the front yard

This is the time I complain about the summer weather. Well, I guess June and July deserve some complaints but August doesn't. Can we hope for nice weather this fall?

As the days get shorter you need to start cutting down on the frequency of watering. Remember, I said the frequency, not the amount of time. I start by cutting back to twice a week and then once a week as the weather cools. Remember to look at your plants and lawn for sign they are running dry. Grass turns a blue grey color under drought stress. If you see signs of stress check for sprinkler problems before you start bumping up the time so you don't OVER water.

At home I just finished my vegetable bin that is 4' by 12'. This is in a area that is about 15x20 together with my fruit bush planting. As I have mentioned before, I have an apricot, pluot , 2 plums, a peach, 2 nectarines , a Fuyu persimmon and a cherry AND a vegetable bin in the same area! . I enclosed an area in the front to protect it from pre-gleaners.

It is built using 2x12 lumber half filled with humus with soil from my yard to fill the rest. I lined it with plastic that goes below the lumber to keep it from leaking. With that much humus, I needed to add nitrogen fertilizer to compensate for the nitrogen the humus needs to break down. Our first crop will be sugar peas on poles, chard, carrots and some herbs. I will report on what happens.

At the nursery we are getting ready for the change in seasons. Fall vegetables, flowers, plants with berries and late blooming shrubs are front and center. In addition our wonderful collection of pots and pot-able and potted plants are everywhere.

If you haven't noticed some of the improvements done by the Garden Crew come on by. See the pond and waterfall, patio, courtyard wall plus the paver walkway using Quarry Stone Pavers from Cal-Stone. We would be glad to do something like it in your yard to make an outdoor living spaces for you.