SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

With all of the snowstorms we have had in the Richmond, Virginia area this winter, it's difficult not to think about spring--the season when hope springs eternal! To whet your appetite, I'm featuring a hardscape project from two years ago that was started in January with the before pictures and the after pictures were taken in May. So here we are "before" in late January. There had previously been an old concrete pad for a patio that was cracked and too small. A brick wall at one end really "fenced in" the area.





It was a great team effort that produced a beautiful and enjoyable outside space! First, we had to design it. Bloomin' Gardens, Inc. considered the type of usage, homeowner's budget, type of gardening, low maintenance for the hardscaping and the plant care.

Then we contracted with Classic Hardscapes to demo the existing patio and build a new one including seating wall. We chose Hanover Pavers for the patio pavers. These man-made concrete pavers are 6x6 and 6x9 in size and a 50/50 mix of the colors Gettysburg Gray and South Mountain Sand. The seating wall is called "Garden Wall" in a mix of several colors that Classic Hardscapes had on hand. This allowed us to have the most natural-looking wall possible.

After Classic Hardscapes did a incredible job of installing the patio, we had Illuminations Landscape Lighting do their magic. They are true artists that use the smallest number of low voltage lighting fixtures to achieve the same light intensity of a beautiful harvest moon.

With that accomplished, we also had a gorgeous cedar shake, outdoor shower built by Bob Windsor General Contractors and his talented craftsmen. The homeowners are real outdoorsy people and when coming in from kayaking or hiking or gardening can leave all that dirt outside while having a refreshing hot shower outdoors. Inside the private shower, a bench, towel hooks and all of the amenities make it easy. Located just outside the backdoor means easy access to inside the house.

Then it was time to decorate this wonderful space. Wrought iron chairs made by Meadowcraft and repurposed teak table and chairs by Laneventure complete the look. A huge and wonderful 9 ft umbrella from Tuesday Morning keeps the sun and rain off of diners. The umbrella is adjustable making it easy to block those hot rays any time of the day. New cushions were made from high density, but soft foam rubber and covered in a black check. Large down pillows cushion the chair backs. A lovely arbor built by Swift Creek Garden Furniture has several climbers planted on it--"Golden Rain" Rose, moon flower vine, and clematis.

Last but not least, it was planting time. Plants purchased from and delivered by Glen Allen Nursery were planted by the homeowner after compost, screened topsoil and sand were tilled into the beds. Tucked amongst the ornamental shrubs and perennials were herbs and veggies such as bush green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuces, basil, parsley, rosemary, blueberries and strawberries....a true urban, edible garden!

In eight months, this project went from concept to completion and just in time for a fun rehearsal dinner for the homeowner's son and new daughter-in-law. Yes, it can be done and we would love to make this happen for you too!

I hope to see you soon!

Get out and Garden! Katherine :)