Last Updated: 19-AUG-2018
How did all this start ? A few reasons.
First the addition changed the back of the house. The patio that was here was not useable as it was way too small.
We wanted a walk that was useable when you had cars parked in front of the garage doors. The old walk was to close to the house as when you had a car parked you had to walk in the grass to get around it. Now its 25 feet to the walk. Also, we wanted a way to get into the house with only 3 small steps so when we are old we can avoid the steps.
What we are making will serve as an outside room as it will be used a good bit.
And finally our yard is large enough to support this size patio.
So, the project started on 30-APR-2012 with a goal of Memorial day to be done.
25/29 APR 2012 - The before photos
Mary and I removed the old patio bricks (They will be used in other projects)
04 SEP 2013 - Beautiful day. Even got berries on the winterberry holly.
Picked up a Big Green Egg grill. Decided to go with a large.
25 AUG 2013 - Wet summer and everything made it.
02 JUN 2013 - Front area done and new edging installed
27 MAY 2013 - Decided to add a bit in the front as it was hard to mow.
Planting done. Went with a variety of hardy plants as this area is hot and dry.
25 AUG 2012 - Mulch done & rock stream in
Because of the amount or water that was draining on the walk I added a drain next to the walks using colored gravel. Was tested this past weekend and no problems.
Really came out great ! All ready for fall & spring planting
27 JUN 2012 - Starting to landscape
So, we transplanted two trees from the property. We knew it was not the right time of year to do it. But, with watering every day we think that the larger leaf tree (on the right) made it. The one on the left did not. Also, picked up four shrubs from BJ's and planted them under the windows. We had 10 yards of mulch delivered on 13-JUL so this will all be done soon.
31 MAY 2012 - All done. Now its our project to landscape !
Excelent job. I got the wiring done. Even had a small fire in the fireplace to test it.
Orange cat is hard to see on the fireplace
The table / chair adventure
Went to Lowes... The set we got was not cheap ! But the table was dented, one chair broke and one bent. But after a few weeks of dealing with them (at no cost to us) we got two new chairs and a new table. So, we have some spare parts !
26 MAY 2012 - Excellent week and almost done ! Only one day of rain to slow us down !
Patio in. Compacted and the sand in. Walls done. Fireplace 1/2 done
I picked up the new table and chairs. What an adventure. The table has a bad dent in it and one of the six chairs was broke. So, Lowes will be replacing some of the items. Picked up a good two burner commercial grill and built it today. Also picked up a cheap charcoal grill to last the summer. We will get a "green Egg" grill in the fall when they go on sale.
Testing the LED lighting system. Landscaping time !
New grills
Fireplace progress
19 MAY 2012 - Excellent week ! Only one day of rain to slow us down !
Patio in. Still have to compact and add polymeric sand. Starting on sitting walls and fireplace.
Looks like the cats have accepted the new patio
10 MAY 2012 - We were both gone on TDY's so work continued with rain issues.
The side wall is done. The wires you see are for the LED lights that will help in this dark area. Enough room for another patio ?
The crush and run for the patio is in. (first layer) the expanded area is where the fireplace goes.
The patio and patio walls ready to go
The side walk taking shape. 3 steps to the house !
Various views
Not good for the yard
Its higher that I figured. It will take time to adjust to it.
Edging
Stone colors
04 MAY 2012 - The wall continues.
The weather has not been dry here so its slowing progress.
01 MAY 2012 - Stone wall starts from driveway
We got wall !
30 APR 2012 - The work starts
The gas line was not deep enough
Orange inspects the work
Found the drain line
Hopefully it will all line up !
various views
Gas line again. But, its still a foot down to it here.
