June 8, 2012

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 (Note that the thistle sock has been replaced by a hummingbird feeder.)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!

15 comments:

  1. What a handsome solution to a real dilemma. It looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The retaining wall looks just gorgeous. They did a fabulous job.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love it! It just finishes off the front area. They did a great job.

    Have a lovely night my friend.
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes with a home it's always something. Love the wall. Great solution. Love the day lillies.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the change the wall makes. Your home is lovely but this adds something special. Someone told me that the highest compliment someone can pay is to copy your idea. What a compliment that your neighbors followed your lead! Can't wait to see more of your wonderful home and landscaping.
    ~Adrienne~

    ReplyDelete
  6. I see what you mean now; it does look very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I got excited when I saw there was going to be pictures of your house! They did a fantastic job!! Your house is just gorgeous, Donna!

    ReplyDelete
  8. It looks gorgeous, Donna! Walls make the difference, that's what we've done here to keep our land on our slopes instead of out in the street. :) Good call on your part!

    ReplyDelete
  9. WOW! I love this! Especially the two colors of stone...Just beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice job!!! Love how you hung the feeder on the window! Hadden' thought of doing that!
    hughugs

    ReplyDelete
  11. This looks fabulous! I love retaining walls and am going to attempt to done myself. You have such a lovely home!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Do I see a screened in porch at the back? How nice to sit there, free of bugs!

    ReplyDelete
  13. That really does look nice! You have such a beautiful home. We need something like that to define our flower beds here. It looks so much nicer!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a lovely home you have!!! That new retaining wall is fabulous... I'm jealous :D Just a tiny bit :D
    Hope you and Sir DH are doing ok?! I send you love, hugs and all the positive energy in the universe focusing on healing Sir DH.
    Always your friend,
    Beth P

    ReplyDelete

Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!