t7months

This post is sort-of like the 't0' for outside.  Since we first saw the house in July, and then moved into the house in September, we really hadn’t ever seen the property in its spring-time glory.  So as the warm weather approached, I was as giddy as a kid on Christmas Eve to see what bulbs were planted where, and which bushes bloomed when!  

Let’s start on the back patio.  Right off the bat my green thumb excitement was tempered by the general messiness of the property.  There were pool supplies stored out the open, mismatched stepping stones, and oh the rocks…they were a mess with dried leaves throughout and weeds popping up everywhere (wait until you see what they look like after an hour with the blower!  Hmm … that sounds a bit inapprop?)  Despite all that, the most obvious eye sore is definitely that gigantic blue pool tarp.  You'll have to try and ignore it for now (yes, I know that's hard...trust me, I've been there).  Or maybe you're distracted by the lovely pool pump?  Fortunately for our neighbors, there are several bushes which shield the eye-sore from them, but unfortunately for us, we can see it right out our kitchen window.  That will need to be addressed. 

As for the plantlife, there is a single rose bush and three rhododendruns in the back right corner (if you're looking our the kitchen windows.  Unfortunately though, you can barely make them out from all the Iri’ (plural Iris?)!  Mom taught me that these things spread like wild-fire, and have to be dug out with diligence!  

Aren’t those pink blooms on the trees in the back of the property beautiful?  They only stay that sweet pink hue for about a week, but for that week my day always includes at least one awestruck gasp.  

The tall evergreen hedges were certainly looking a little worse for wear after the heavy winter snow, but surprisingly they kinda just popped back up by the end of the spring.  Somewhat more surprising however is the spacing the previous owner chose for these bushes around the pool.  Maybe it’s just me, but they don’t seem to provide much privacy when planted individually versus in a solid line like they are on the opposing side of the pool.

There is a property just down the street from us that is lined with these and from the outside it seems like some sort of enchanted secret garden.  I always try to sneak a peak inside!  I don’t mean to invade on them, but it’s just so enchanting.  Back to the patio (and yes I am aware I have a bad habit of getting off-track, thanks for bearing with me).

If you turn and look at the house, you’ll immediately notice the light post which is both chipping and leaning like the PA version of the tower of pissa.  Behind it are the ivy ground cover and holy bush which are engaged in a fierce battle for the most invasive award.  I’m not sure if you’re picking up on it, but I was feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point…so much to do!  And since we were still adding to our list of projects indoors, I began to feel torn between the two.

Thank goodness the front yard was a bit less overwhelming!  If you’re looking out the front door, the yard is triangular shaped and is bordered on the west by a line of mixed trees.  Most are evergreens, which is nice because they keep the property somewhat green during the winter months.  

If you turn and look back toward the house from the west point, there’s a sweet pear tree (non-fruit bearing) framing the house.  Then along the front there is a nice symmetrical balance with a few fushia azalea bushes, some low blue conifers flanking the sidewalk and then two yew shrubs on either side of the front door.

If you continue in a circle around the property (working your way back to the garage area) you'll see  another bright fushia azalea that is in serious need of a trimming, and then the big oak tree which shades the house, pool and garage area.

I must say my favorite part the property are the trees.  I’m particularly smitten with this oak as well as the maple one in the front.  I’ve got no idea how old they are, but they make my heart smile just thinking of all the lives they’ve seen.

So that’s how it all began.  We haven’t done anything major, mostly just small stuff here and there to try and clean it up a bit.  Not to downplay the effort though, it was quite an undertaking!!