New Landscaping Wall at the Cottage

It’s time for the reveal of the landscaping wall project! Last week, we got our annual application of mulch to all of the flowerbeds. So I took some fresh photos to show you what the new the retaining wall looks like. It was built while we were away on our April journeys. And it was a big surprise to see the change when we got home! 

This is what our front left flowerbed looked like before the project. (That's my office behind the window, and a thistle sock is hanging from the glass.)

The original flowerbed installed by the builder looked okay from the front view. But our home lot is situated on a slope. As a result, the back of the bed, near the house corner, was a problem area and too steep for the mulch to stay put. 

So we contracted with the landscaping crew to install a stacked block wall that retains the back slope and wraps around to the front walkway. And this is what it looks like now! Isn’t it a beauty? (Note that the thistle sock has been replaced by a hummingbird feeder.)

We were thrilled with how it turned out! The two different color tones really go well with our cottage. 

And it handsomely sets off that corner! Our next-door neighbors loved the final result as well. After our wall was completed, they had the crew build a similar one for them too! We plan to split one of the daylilies later on and plant it to the left of the foster holly. That will provide a little spot of color there and keep the lavender plants company. 

The next project at Grey Havens cottage will be the refinishing of our wood shutters, columns, and corbels. That task is scheduled for late July. We’ve chosen a dark solid stain that will enhance the craftsman styling. It’s a pity that the builder’s painting contractor did such a poor job on them originally. The surfaces are peeling like crazy after just two short years. Sigh. As every homeowner knows – it’s always something!