Landscaping dreams

So we finally got the yard mowed today after 3 weeks of neglect. Last weekend we raked leaves, branches and miscellaneous debris from the front lawn, and I believe we put winterizing fertilizer down right after we mowed the last time. Our yard looks lush and green now, funny, mostly because our autumn has been so wet. The sump pump continues to push the ground water out of our basement and right into the back yard. I'm grateful that the system is working as it is meant to...but our back yard is really mushy and wet. The grass was hard to mow back there. My hubby even had the nerve to ask me if it was okay to mow over my hostas. I reminded him that he did that last time anyways, so what's the difference? We laughed. I have landscaping dreams for the backyard. These two little hosta plants are just starters anyhow. I got them from a friend, so not a big deal if they don't survive. I planted them beneath the back patio deck and I figured the shade would be a good place, but I didn't give them any special soil or put them in a place all their own. I simply dug a couple of holes in the yard and planted them.

I love our home, and the wonderful screened in porch and enormous patio deck that is attached to it. We live outside on that screened in porch all summer long, that now since it's been a bit cooler, I feel like my living space has shrunk...and in all practicality, it has. Maybe I'll now get motivated to clean up the lower level - naw - I'll wait a little longer.

Anyhow, I have dreams of making the space in the back yard even more suited to entertain in/on. I want to add paving blocks and create a terrace section off of the stairs from the deck, and down into the sand pit. You see, the sand was left when the previous owners removed the above ground pool. The large deck that we now enjoy is where the deck of the pool was, and they just finished it off to complete the rectangle. So, we get to enjoy the adjustments, and dream about what the area could be. All this summer, my kids played in that giant kitty litter box and really enjoyed digging, planting weeds and maple seedlings, and making sandy mud pies. The wood retaining wall that holds up the section that surrounded the pool and sand is slowly giving way. Eventually it will need to be replaced, and it's already becoming a hazard to whoever steps near it. I am dreaming of a beautiful stone or brick retaining wall surrounding a paved patio with a possible bonfire pit. I'm looking forward to actually creating something to hide what's under the deck, and bring it up to the bottom of the deck, and plant those hostas and some annuals right across the top of the wall. Hmmm...I wonder how some vines would look crawling up a retaining wall. Maybe some morning glories? The wall would also lead to ease in mowing, and no questions on whether or not to mow right up to the edge of the brick or stone wall.

A friend of mine has a beautiful home in Minneapolis that he had put in a large stone retaining wall in his front yard next to the sidewalk. The pictures are gorgeous, and I would love something like that. The rocks are about 24-36 inches across and stacked like the side of a huge cliff on the north shore of Lake Superior. Rocks are symbolically meaningful to me, and there's a huge one in our back yard and one in the front yard garden. They were signs to me to purchase this house. Signs that God was present, and that he would provide for us. So far, 10 months in, we're feeling settled, safe, and comfortable. If He is present in my dreams for this backyard like He is for me in so many things...then I'd better take it seriously. I mean, really, I love to dream. But, finances have always gotten in the way. We make a modest income and enough to pay the bills each month and put away a little money for emergencies. We need to budget for a project like paving blocks and retaining walls. This is going to require a large sum of cash. And since cash is the only way we pay for stuff now, I'd better get started. It may take us a few years, but if I can just consider doing one section at a time, and building on it little by little, perhaps I'll have enough time to really get educated and learn how to do it ourselves.

I'm also wondering about that wet, soggy spot in the grass. I wonder if we could manage a rock water run-off and a lower spot for another garden section for native plants that thrive on soggy conditions. Next year's budget may include money for a rain barrel as well. If we get any rain early in the season, it may help to off set the city water bill we pay. I'm planning a spot for a compost pile next spring, and if our neighbors stick around, it may be for 2 families. Grass clippings, dry leaves, branches, etc. I'm so intrigued by greener, more self-sufficient ways to live in the suburbs. It's not easy, nor is it cheap. But, theoretically, it will save money and be healthier for my family and the planet. That rock water run-off sounds pretty, but maybe difficult to mow around, too. We'll have to sketch it out before we make any real plans.

Speaking of which, I'll purchase some graph paper and get started on these dreams this winter. It should be fun to wonder about the spring while watching the white cover the world around us.

I'm almost ready for it now. A week ago it was too early. But, after having some Indian Summer this weekend, I guess I'm okay with letting the cold temps come. Maybe lots of snow would lend to better soil options for my gardens next spring. Oh, the possibilities.