Backyard Progress......

Seven weeks ago construction commenced on the Pergola/Wall off the Alfresco in readiness for delivery of our Water Feature.  John with help from our son's, Jarrad and Luke worked weekends and the two days before delivery to complete.....a great job and thanks boys.  

Painting to be completed before we progress to fence painting, another Pergola over BBQ area and plants.



'Tree Hugger'
First Pergola post after concreting footings

  

Jarrad helps install Fascia Board





Luke helps erect Beams





Preparing for Water Feature base frame






Frame concreted into position and was packed with crushed rock

 



Cross Beams almost completed




Frame for Wall under construction

 

BonBon likes to get in on the action too!





Blueboard going up - front and back

 

Joins are taped and edge strips installed before grouting compound applied and smoothed





Dulux Medium Texture Render Paint in 'Aumbry'




This product exceeded our expectations - brilliant!



Guys from Water Features Direct
http://www.waterfeaturesdirect.com.au/





Crafted from volcanic stone, water shimmers down the 'Cherry Blossom' copper wall
enhancing the reflective properties of the metal
 A pond uplight at night is stunning




We shall 'Espalier' an Apple tree either side of the Water Feature
and train an
Ornamental Grape Vine on the Pergola  

 

Spring at Our Entrance

Coupled with the football season (fanatical Essendon supporter) including finals tickets and enjoying a wonderful Pacific Island Cruise; John constructed the deck to our front door.  A plantation shutter in the sidelight window completes the entrance.

In the garden 'Spring' rewarded our landscaping efforts with lush greenery and blossom on the 'Weeping Cherry'.  I've never lost a tree but it appears our 'Magnolia Black Tulip' has curled up its toes.....do we 'cut back, remove or keep talking to it'?

I absolutely love daylight saving; between tee times on the golf course and enjoying summer we will now concentrate on the back garden.

Enjoy....

Construction of the Deck.......



Picture Frame Edge



Fascia Board and Top Begins!





'Tools down' - off to the Footy!





Are We There Yet?



Last Board !!

Landscaping

What have we been doing???? 

Following boundary fences the aggregate driveway, paths and alfresco were poured with irrigation and garden lights conduit installed.

We have concentrated on the front -
Brickie constructed a 3 metre long planter/letterbox adjacent the entry path to conceal the water meters and taps; a saga equivalent to Telstra..........
but not before number two son (Luke) dug the foundation trenches and a tap was moved.

We then turned over the existing soil and installed treated pine garden edges.
Organic soil and compost was added to garden beds before plants and mulch.

Irrigation fit off was next followed by the spreading/levelling of gypsum, compost and sandy loam for turf.
Luke returned to help with turf laying.........wonderful to see green grass.

Lastly, feature box was waterproofed, filled with soil, planted and mulched; whilst the naturestrip damaged during construction was top dressed and re-seeded.

Front porch deck, leading from path and wrapping behind planter box is next on list.
Our transformation from dirt to green oasis.
Happy Gardening.



Our Blank Canvas

Pouring Aggregate Driveway

 

Before Wash



Alfresco Formwork and Aggregate Pour



Foundation for Planter/Letterbox

Brickie



John making sure that thing was 'square'

 

Brickwork before cleaning
Front Porch to Path and behind Planter will be Decked




Garden Bed edges in progress



Turf preparation



Turf Laying and Clean Bricks  - Finally some Green!!

Father and Son bonding moment!



 

Rolling Turf and John if he doesn't get out the way!

Are we there yet?

Clean Up Time



Our trusty 30 year old Trailer has worked hard

Ten days later......turf is establishing, Cycads are planted, Naturestrip is top dressed and re-seeded

Letterbox yet to have Stainless Steel Paper Holder and Numbers installed

'Cheal's Pink Weeping Cherry'

Cycads



'Magnolia Black Tulip'

These magnificent buds are enjoying a burst of sunshine

'Good Morning' from my bedroom window