Just the Two of Us

Just the Two of Us

After 35+ years of marriage, two wonderful sons, living and working in Australia, Sweden, UK and USA we are now 'just the two of us' plus a very spoilt Shitzu.

Following five years at The Sandhurst Club it is time to downsize. Our criteria - build a new home in a development within ten minutes of John's Sandhurst Golf Club, access to Monash and Eastlink Freeways, all new infrastructure and proposed services, recycled water and no Management Company or Body Corporate Fees.

We invite you to view our journey as we build with Carlisle Homes our 'Savannah 28' at 'The Avenue at Casey', a masterplanned community meeting all our criteria.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Landscaping

What have we been doing???? Cartoon of a Thinking Sun with His Hand on His Chin clipart

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..........
Clip Art Image: Man Digging Hole with a Shovelbut 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.
2467-Royalty-Free-Woman-Gardener-Drives-A-Barrow-With-ToolsOur 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

18 comments:

  1. And what a spectacular garden it is Deb & John! You have done a wonderful job getting this done so quickly.

    How we will miss seeing you both "on display" out there on our weekend visits (lol).

    I only hope all that hard work rubs off on us when our time comes.

    Looking forward to seeing John's deck to complete the picture. Then you can start on the back!!!

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  2. Yep, still on 'display' with the Deck...John the chippie and me the lackie!
    A labour of love and ever so sweet to now water and watch grow. I am in awe of the Magnolia with our burst of sunshine....bring on Spring.

    My back needs a rest before the back landscaping.

    You'll be rearing to go before Xmas.

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  3. This is a wonderful job. Well done. And thanks for uploading very detailed set of pictures!

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  4. Fantastic Deb! It looks gorgeous - a wonderful transformation!!

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  5. omg gorgeous just gorgeous!!! it all looks so neat and tidy..you have done an amazing job!

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  6. Looks better than the display homes Deb. Credit to you and John for all of your hard work...stunning. And that Magnolia... :)

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  7. Luv the strategic position of the brick plantbox with the cycads. Luv the look of the turf, and the Magnolia, and the aggregate, and the ... ok luv everythin you've done... really!!!

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  8. wow you guys have done a great job with ur landscape. Love how quickly you have done this. Magnolia are a stand out feature on your landscape.It's a lovely sight through the bedroom window :)

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  9. It's absolutely lovely... my only issue is that it sets the standard for my street pretty high, and I don't think I'm going to be able to even come close! Of course my offer of another yard for you to play with once you are done is still open. 8-)

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  10. Thanks to everyone.
    To my fellow bloggers about to embark on landscaping projects or those still building with landscape dreams......make it a labour of love and enjoy.
    Keep the photos coming after Handover; turning the house into your home is exciting and rewarding.
    The Magnolia buds are bursting open in the sunshine; I will update with Spring foliage and front deck.
    PuzSol - I'll pass and play in my garden but shall wave as your working lol.

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  11. Hi Deb,
    Your front garden is lovely! Isn't it a fantastic feeling to come home and see your hard work each day? The first couple of weeks after planting, I was inspecting each plant, checking that they were still healthy. So paranoid about them not surviving :) I love your brick planter box, and that Magnolia is to die for. I'm waiting for my buds to open! It's going to look beautiful in Spring. Are you decking the area remaining between your front door and the concrete path?

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  13. Shelley, quite a number of hardworking weekends but yes all worthwhile. Lawn has taken albeit very wet; waiting for Spring to warm the soil up. The Magnolia 'Black Tulip' has done so well for its first season...buds opening profusely and the most beautiful colour. I love your Little Gem and intend planting some in the back. Yes deck from front door to path including wrapping behind planter box. Construction underway and will update later.

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  14. Wow!
    What an amazing job you have done!!! What colour is your exposed aggregate?

    B

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  15. Thanks B - Melbourne finally having some sunshine; turf loving it. So happy to see some landscaping.

    Aggregate is Mentone Mix 'Richfield' (Melbourne)
    your in Adelaide?

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  16. Deb & John, have a wonderful time on your cruise, I was just saying to David that I was going to call around on Tuesday for a cuppa, as I have to be down there to wait for measuring of flywire screens & security doors etc. Bummer!!!!

    Havent seen you for ages, but who cares, if I had the choice between a cruise and coffee with me, I know what I would choose!!! Ha Ha

    You both deserve a lovely break, with nothing house related to think about!!!!! Catch up with you when you get back.

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  17. Loved the postings...and the house! can't wait to see it in person one day....many blessings to you and John in your new home.

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  18. Hey Arlene,
    Look forward to our Texas friends sharing a drink and aussie BBQ with us one day.

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