Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Holy Soreness Batman ...

If you have been reading this blog for long, you'll already know about the plans I had to put a reclaimed brick patio at the back of our property near the garage. If you didn't know that, you can read about it here, here, here, oh and here, and a little here, here, and again here.

Yes, I was all too excited to talk about it, but when it came to doing the labor that was necessary to clear the area for a level surface ... that was a different story. There always seemed to be something that kept Scott somehow otherwise preoccupied, and I just didn't have the courage to get started on such a large project on my own. Until ...

Sunday my friends Dorothy and Dan came over with a roto-tiller. Dan made a few passes over the area, in less than 1/2 an hour, the soil was completely loose about a foot deep. I of course thanked them over and over again, and then got started moving around the soil. Now, I could show you pictures of where the patio stands now - unfinished, but oh so close to being perfect - but I think it would be better to do an entire post on the complete transformation of the area on one of Susan's Metamorphosis Monday's.

For now, I found some great inspiration pictures that show off the herringbone pattern I fell in love with and decided to use for our project.

There isn't much about this gorgeous home and garden that I don't like - but I'm in love with the curved herringbone brick walkway weaving through the very happy garden. There is something about a washed gray shingle side house with beautiful gardens that always makes my heart go pitter pat.

And again here, the herringbone in a walkway - this time covered with a moss that is just oh so natural! I haven't quite decided if I would like this look for myself - but I'm sure if I were walking the path of this beautiful paved walkway, I'd be pointing out the moss to whomever were on the trail with me.
So there you have it. I can tell you that the patio is near complete ... a project 1-year in the making! And there are more surprises to that area, too! So stay tuned! I hope (weather willing) I can get everything finished in time for Share a Garden Sunday/Met Monday. Have a great Wednesday!

22 comments:

  1. Howdy
    Oh my pitter patter is right .
    Be still my heart:)
    Looking forward to many more awesome photos as you complete this amazing project.
    Thank you for sharing this incredible journey.
    Your gardens are simply divine.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Happy Trails

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  2. Truly Awesome pictures...What a Great project..puts mine to shame..lol
    Can't wait to see the finished photos!
    Hugs

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  3. Love the herringbone pattern. I can't wait to see the finished project. Hugs, Marty

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  4. This has always been one of my favorites!!! I can't wait to see the fruits of your labor!!!

    Enjoy...Artie!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  5. I wanna see! I wanna see! Jumps up and down in anticipation......

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  6. I can't wait to see the finished project Artie! I am sure it is goign to be wonderful.

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  7. Oh honey! We are having a hard time getting up he gumption to do a stone patio much less patterns. Of course yours will be stunning! Can't wait to see what you do.

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  8. Well, one thing's for sure..you have excellent taste! Can't wait to see your project! I bet it's going to be beautiful! You sound like me in the project dept.! I have so many plans and ideas! then no time to do them! Lauralu :)

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  9. I leave for a week and look what you accomplished! Incredible chair transformation, a Sunday garden party, roto-tilling, 200th post anniversary and absolutey wonderful tablescape! I'm almost afraid to ask but should I leave again? :-)
    G in CT

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  10. My muscles ache for you & remember their own hell from my own reclaimed brick pathway. They send their condolenscences. If you want a moss look do a buttermilk mosss watch & voila a monthlater...you'll achieve the look. Its scrumptious!!!!
    Oh & go to the a local tack shop & get horse linoment. its the best to soothe the ache. Heck if its good for race horses....
    Cant wait to see you're after...

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  11. Bricks BELONG in a garden -- and they give a garden such character. Even though I'm constantly picking grass from between the bricks at Linderhof, I wouldn't trade one of them for a pot of money -- I LOVE them!

    I cannot wait until Monday.

    I know Artie that your patio will be fabulous! (And I'll be jealous -- our 1948 patio is concrete -- brick colored concrete but concrete nonetheless -- sigh -- how I wish it WERE brick!

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  12. Hi Artie! I can't wait to see your completed project. We have lots of projects going ourselves, including putting up an iron gazebo and laying brick flooring in it. I am thinking of laying the bricks a little wider with no grout and growing either thyme or Irish moss in b/w...Christine

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  13. hey - that's gonna be cool!
    thanks for the play-by-play so far...
    and the photos that served as inspiration!

    herringbone rocks!

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  14. Artie, Your inspiration photo is beautiful & I love the curved herringbone pattern too. You might not want the moss though. I've heard it's slippery when wet...

    I bet you're thrilled to pieces to have the rototilling finished. ☺ diane

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  15. Artie!
    What wonderful friends you have! Jump start you into your fabulous dream. I love the herringbone design with the moss...it is faboo!

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  16. thanks for your kind comments on my blog. My lupine are doing well all on their own, I don't know what the secret is. That herringbone pattern IS something to aspire to, definitely!

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  17. Oh that moss on the brick is so yummy and with that curvy stair... heaven!
    I laughed and laughed at your "you can read it here.. here... here... and here LOL. YAY for good friends, roto tillers and almost finished projects! I can't wait to see this one crossed off your list, it's been a real bear!!
    xo Isa

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  18. What great friends you have Artie. Waiting to see the end result as know it will be fab! -Brenda-

    (Tip: A good blast with a Pressure Washer usually removes most weeds, that have grown in between Walkway Stones.)

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  19. This is lovely....too bad these great ideas have to break our backs....looking forward to seeing your finished product.

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  20. I loved the visit. Thank you for stopin by.

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  21. i do , i love the herringbone pattern too!
    great choice.
    xx

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