I passed this "in process" garden a couple of weeks ago and snapped a few photos, vowing to keep an eye on how it develops. There are many interesting details that I'm sure will explain themselves over time.
If you have a photographic memory the house might seem familiar. The image below was part of a post I wrote in February of 2016. I thought the tree was getting moved, but it was actually pulled and reinstalled.
That was then, this is now. That tree is history (you'll see the corner where it used to be in photos below) and new landscaping has gone in. Did the house change hands again? Did the owners just decide to change things up? I dunno. I do like this pathway though. And the curved copper pipe seem to hint at lighting yet to come?
This is the biggest head-scratcher. A sunken gravel "living room"...with a steep soil entrance? So many questions.
They really went to some trouble to dig out, and then shore up the walls.
Nice detailing too...
What so you suppose they'll use this space for? It's mirror on the other side of the front pathway is all above grade.
The plantings are all good solid choices, repeated for effect, like this Choisya sp.
And several Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress'.
Here you can see more of the copper pipes I mentioned previously.
I love it when the companies involved put out signs, I wish they all did this.
Maybe Cedrus deodara 'Cream Puff'?
An Arctostaphylos.
On the left, just slightly out of frame is where the burlapped Maple would have been.
A new Metasequoia, via Friends of Trees.
A final look at the front landscape..
Before we stop to admire the pile of empty pots, I love this kind of thing.
There's the sadly departed Maple. Just a bunch of twisted branches now.
Hip carport and storage at the back of the property. One to watch. I will be filing future reports.
*update: I spoke with one of the homeowners and she reports the sunken area is indeed going to be a sort of patio/living room where they can be outside and interact with the neighborhood. The maple was a sad loss, they had hoped to save it.
Weather Diary, Dec 4: Hi 46, Low 38/ Precip trace
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This is fascinating! Looking forward to seeing what's going on with that sunken area, and the copper pipes. I would love to have some of those lovely, twisty, moss-covered maple branches. I wonder if they're still going to use them in some way.
ReplyDeleteHoping to get back to you with a branch update later today (Wednesday).
DeleteThat sunken area is a head scratcher but someone clearly has a master plan! I've been watching a house up the street - its renovation took 2+ years (I exaggerate not) but, other that a couple of sago palms and a pathway, landscaping is still non-existent - maybe it'll proceed at the same pace as the home's renovation.
ReplyDeleteThe sunken area is indeed to going to be come a patio/living room feature. I spoke with the homeowner yesterday. Work has been slow because the company doing the install is in demand. The project should be back on track this week.
DeletePoor maple. They had it all nicely dug up too. Could have probably sold it if they'd taken better care. I get sentimental about trees.
ReplyDeleteI'll be curious to see what happens next!
The homeowners were sad to have lost the maple (I spoke with one of them yesterday), they tried to save it but it was too far gone by the time the property became theirs.
DeleteSad about the maple. Can't wait to see the sunken area mystery solved. I'd be tempted to call Pride and Joy and inquire.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it will be a patio area...fun!
DeleteSad to see that large Maple's demise. The rest of the work in the garden is promising, good plant choices, but like you I can't figure out the sunken area. It doesn't look like a rain garden, nor a fire pit. A spring revisit and post is a must.
ReplyDeleteWord is that it's going to be a front yard patio. There will be steps. More photos will be shared!
DeleteHmmmmm...if the "hillside entrance" is a wide set of stairs-in-progress (maybe planted in-between), I think I like it. The retaining wall will create perimeter seating and a feeling of additional privacy for the patio. And might the copper tubes be conduit for path lighting? Show us more as it completes!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think you're on the right track with all of these ideas. And yes, more photos for sure!
DeleteThis looks quite promising. Maybe a sunken patio? I'd actually like that.
ReplyDeleteI often drive by a front yard that had concrete formwork for a good six months, with nothing happening. I was hoping for something nice, but no, they simply poured massive pathways that criss-cross the front yard. More than half of the space is concrete now. Grrrrr.
Do you think the concrete will be softened by plantings? (fingers crossed)
DeleteI do remember that shot of the balled up tree (memory that is selective, not at all photographic). Glad to hear you will be keeping us posted on progress. I very much like what I see thus far.
ReplyDeleteI think Patricia shared photos of that tree too. It inspired a lot of concern.
DeleteI like to imagine the copper pipes are a fun irrigation system that doubles as a visitor deterrent! I wonder if Pride and Joy Landscapes would answer the "what is the gravel pit?" question if you called or emailed? Hmm...
ReplyDeleteHa! That irrigation system would be a hoot. The "gravel pit" is indeed going to be a sunken patio, I talked with one of the homeowners yesterday.
DeleteOh, I am intrigued! I love the colors of the house & that carport in the back. I also like how the black gravel & pavers go with the house. That sunken area sure is a head scratcher, though. It would make sense to me for a seating area if not for that soil ramp going down into it. Please report back on what they do with it!
ReplyDeleteIt's all terribly good looking isn't it? There will be more photos I promise.
DeleteWill definitely be curious to see what happens. Might they install pond liner and put in a formal pool in that sunken area? It looks promising, whatever it is!
ReplyDeleteWow...I would have never thought of that, what fun a pool would be! I did talk with one of the homeowners though and it's going to be a sunken patio.
DeleteThat front raised treatment sure is interesting, though not obvious what the plan might be. Grump that I am, I, of course think they should have used gray stone instead of wood to repeat the house color and front stone walk.
ReplyDeleteI'm no wood expert but perhaps the wood will grey out over time? I see a lot of fences around town that go silver quite quickly.
DeleteThis is a great post full of suspense, Loree.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed!
DeleteThat is certainly a new take on a sunken garden. I'm going to take a look on their website to see if this a signature design.
ReplyDeleteAh...good idea Jenny!
DeleteVery interesting. I am curious about what will become of the raised/sunken areas.
ReplyDeleteI got word from one half of the ownership that the sunken area will become a patio. Cool eh?
DeleteSuch a shame about the maple. It looked venerable. Alas, progress must be made - onward ho!
ReplyDeleteThe homeowners were sad to see it go (I got to chat with one of them).
DeleteLooks like a good project. That Cedrus is lovely.
ReplyDeleteHoping for an update in a few months. Work like that mostly stops for the winter in your region?
Nope, in fact this crew is back on it as I type. They project was slowed due to the fact the team doing the work is so in demand.
Delete