After we pulled out all the plants, it was time to move the fence forward about 6 feet.
The HH thought this was sort of crazy seeing how we plan on replacing the fence in the spring. But I told him we should do it anyway for two reasons:
- It will help us to visualize the new {larger} garden space we’ll be planting in the spring.
- It will quietly establish a new boundary and get people used to NOT walking their dogs 6 feet into the yard {which is what they’ve been doing forever because the fence was so far back}.
Not a fun project, but in the end we were both glad we moved the fence forward.
One of the fence posts was encased in cement and the other two were rotted.
We were one panel short for the look I was going for {an even amount of fence panels across the front} so the HH built an extra one which we’ll be able to re-use when we build a new fence next summer}.
Luckily we had some leftover fence stain in the barn so I was able to brush a fresh coat on the entire fence. The fence looks much better than it did before. 😉
This is what the yard looked like after we pulled all the plants out.
And this is what the front yard looks like now after we’ve moved the fence forward 6 feet. It made a HUGE difference {space wise} don’t you think?
See those stepping stones?
I put those down as a visual border of where the new garden will come out too. Basically the entire front of the place will be grass and a large flower garden. Plus some vegetable plantings squeezed in, along with some new window boxes.
We have our work cut out for us, that’s for sure. The plan is to remove all the cement and asphalt in that area, grade the front and then install a simple brick walkway to the front door.
It sounds like a lot of work {and it is} but I think it will be totally worth it in the end.
Thank goodness winter is right around the corner. 😉 I think we’re both ready for a break.
~Mavis
Cindy R says
Your arm and back muscles look fantastic. Who needs a gym membership with all of the projects you have going on! Once you reach a good point it would be great if you could post a photo of the two houses “before” with the shared driveway and then an “after” photo with all of the changes you have made!
Brianna says
It is concrete, not cement. Most people get it wrong. I got a detailed explanation from my boss when I first started working in the trades about it and it was a huge pet peeve of his.
It looks like you nearly tripled the size the front yard and I think moving the fence was a smart idea. I have a yard with a 10’ easement and people always walk their dogs along it and let them do their duty. It disgusts me, but we live with such strict county ordinances that I haven’t been able to find a suitable solution.
SueD says
Short term solution to the ‘duty’ problem is to get a ‘no pee, no poo’ spray and spray the area. You’ll need to do it at least once a week. I had the same problem with 1 person and his dogs. He used to let them ‘go’ in the flowers down by my postbox. It’s doubly aggravating as I do not allow my pups to go on anyone else’s property.
carrie says
I kept wondering if the front was going to be vegetable garden space…aftr seeing this I am guessing there must also be a back yard or side yard…I know you’ll reveal it all in time!
Sue says
So much hard work–you guys are gluttons for it! Acquiring that property next door for a studio is an unbelievably good piece of luck, and very much worth the work.
But maybe don’t remove that sloping cement “ramp” to the door? It makes the entry ADA-compliant, doesn’t it? Might be an asset you will want for your studio, and for selling down the road.
Mallory says
I had the same thought Sue. They could always paint or overlay with another material to make it more esthetic. Mavis, maybe a few open-to-the-public days are in your future, buoys and kits, maybe a class or two, would probably be a big hit during the tourist/holiday season.
suzanne says
I bet we would all love a Birds Eye view of all this. Can’t wait to see the new gardens and projects to come.
James Doolittle says
YES :), I was thinking the same thing! Mavis, ask HH to give us a drone shot :).
andrea d says
I’m always so amazed- and inspired- by how much you accomplish in such a short amount of time. Thank you for bringing us along! Hope your hiking trip is going well.
Dot says
How is the hiking trip going? Can you give us an update?