30 August 2009

Full Frontal

More progress on the hardscape for the front garden this weekend. The spent Mexican feather grass is catching the morning sunrise next to the new front patio below, filled with pea gravel.


We started putting pea gravel along the paths, which really changes the overall look from something that was decidedly Texas (with the decomposed granite) and with higher contrast to a look that's a bit more subdued.

The simple stairs we built to bring people up the path from the driveway.


And the FRONT WALL!! I can't believe that it's basically finished.



Full disclosure: we could've never done this work without a great guy named Pedro. Last weekend, when we were sitting outside admiring our work, he drove up and in very stilted English pitched himself to us as someone who could build the wall. He showed us pictures, and I got a good vibe from him, so I agreed. Right then and there--last Sunday morning--he got to work. He came back again yesterday and finished the job. He knocked out the second section of wall in 4 hours flat. Amazing. His skill level is high, he's very nice, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for some help.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a metamorphosis your your front yard!
Love your idea and the result.
I just can't wait to see how it will look by next summer.
By the way, I'd love to get Padro's contact to hire him.

Pam/Digging said...

It looks great, Lee. Really sharp. I'd love to see another post with before and after pictures juxtaposed so we can really see the changes.

Unknown said...

you are seriously giving me tons of inspiration! great job! it's looking beautiful and so inviting..:)

Nell Jean said...

The stairs however simple are just grand to me. Perfect.

Rock rose said...

Fabulous.

Bob said...

Wow, that has a nice look to it. By next summer you should have plants trailing out over the walls and it will look like it has always been there.

TexasDeb said...

Absolutely awe inspiring. Makes me want to get out and start moving paths around and building walls. Second the request for a before/after photo side by side. What fun!

Lee said...

Thanks for all your comments! I can't wait to look at the before and afters myself.

I think I'll hold off posting those until the project really is more complete (there's still a lot to do, detail wise. New front steps, filling, spreading, etc...).

Nancy said...

I love your blog - it gives me hope for my poor yard. It gives me a chance to dream about what could happen when I get off my butt and get out there. You make Austin beautiful :)

Unknown said...

How amazing that Pedro found you just when you needed him. It looks really good!