now i really need garden help

[keryx]

I have 7 months and a couple of days to create a beautiful outdoor space out of my slightly sketchy backyard. This is okay, since it's been a project in my head for this spring pretty much since the week before we picked out this house.

But now! There's a DEADLINE. Specifically, there is OMG SQUEE WEDDING in my backyard during Labor Day weekend (also, last year, the weekend I moved in... someone sing 'Circle of Life' right now).

So. I would like your advice on what things to figure out how to do myself, and which ones I'd be better served paying someone to come do for me. Also, if you're around and feel inclined to help, I will enthusiastically accept your offers.

The list, part 1 (things that must happen):
- Take down old rusty chainlink fence in back
- Put up attractive privacy fence, also creating 2 parking spaces behind the yard
- Groom broken pear tree
- Do something about general lumpiness of grass
- Ensure fence process does not destroy morning glories and Moses Myers berries, or plant more

The list, part 2 (things that'd be awfully nice):
- Disguise homeliness of under-porch and tiny basement area
- Plant something pretty around the stairs
- Create attractive yet functional composting area
- Create walking path from front yard to back (with what?)
- Hang plants & chimes on back porch
- Build beds & plant flowers around center trees
- Plant cuttings from parents' roses and great gramma's rose-of-Sharon
- Create small veggie and herb garden, possibly near or in flower beds

The list, part 3 (things I am torn about the desirability or necessity of):
- Replace less-rusty chainlink fence in front with something cuter
- Create ground-level sun patio with firepit and stuff off the porch (with what?)
- Remove unsightly phone cable that I don't think is used in house at all
- Install rain barrels
- Acquire and install swings
- Or a hot tub
- Or, like, a merry-go-round

Your thoughts? I'm guessing that, even though its expensive, it's a good plan to hire a fence person assuming I can afford it in March.

Comments

[quietdeath.livejournal.com]

Yes, all of that will be expensive.

[keryx.livejournal.com]

Well, duh. I'm not actually going to do all of it, just the things on the first list and a few from the second. I suspect, other than the fence - which will be hard largely because ripping out a chainlink fence is hard - that most of it could be done by me, though.

[quietdeath.livejournal.com]

Right. I am mistress of the obvious at times, especially when hungry. What I should have said is why it will be expensive. The fence alone is one thing, creating the beds and leveling the yard will be expensive just from the sheer amount of dirt you are going to need. I would start researching good dirt places around here. Also the stones or wood (I most certainly recommend stones) for your beds would be also first on my list to find. Oh and do you know which way your yard drains?

Would love to help you with garden/landscaping time.

BESO!

[snidegrrl.livejournal.com]

Rain barrels! I am surprised that is not on list pt. 2.

[keryx.livejournal.com]

I'm honestly surprised I haven't already done that one. It's on pt. 3 because if there's something I don't do pre-wedding, I suppose the thing that results in giant barrels all around the house would be aesthetically awkward anyhow.

But I really want to do rain barrels. I'm very much in favor of a conservationy yard.

[snidegrrl.livejournal.com]

I've thought about them but since we do so little watering of plants it hasn't seemed to justify itself yet.

I've investigated patio things, and I got paralyzed by the DIY vs pay someone thing. But you are more industrious than I, and I can totally see you wielding the dirt-tamping-device.

[doktor-jess.livejournal.com]

It's the ciiiiiiircle of liiiiiife!!!

[goodgothgirl.livejournal.com]

Jess and I will, of course, help you with as much as possible. We can't lift very heavy stuff -- between her shoulder injury and my back surgery -- but we can plant, weed, and strew rocks or whatever goes along the path. :) That's the least we can do for use of the venue!

[goodgothgirl.livejournal.com]

P.S. I vote for the merry-go-round!

[keryx.livejournal.com]

Me too! Or one of those things that you spin & then jump onto, from playgrounds.

Fire pit

[(Anonymous)]

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Firepit Rick