Front Walk

We worked on moving the rocks that were next to our driveway, we assume to park a car, and made them into a path for us and the mail carrier. I like how it turned out! Now what to do with the holes from where we got the rocks, underneath the sod and rocks is a sheet of plastic, hmmmm.

Foundation Planting start

I put those plants from the Farmer's market to start my foundation planting. I can't wait to see how they do. I still need to remove those boxwoods... but where to put them?

Farmers Market Score

This morning, walking to work through Federal Plaza, I was pleased to see the farmers markets have started in Chicago.

One of the stands had oodles of native perennials! I was so excited. I bought Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum) and Nodding Wild Onion (Allium Cernuum). For a very decent price from a couple from Niles, Michigan. I also got some mint, cilantro and basil for my herb garden.

I may head back there on my lunch break for some more.

Note: I did head back there after lunch for some more Joe Pye Weed, Nodding Wild Onion and Bee Balm.

Lawnmower

Lawnmower
Originally uploaded by nicole radja

Last weekend we bought a lawnmower. Needless to say, our neighbors were excited that we finally cut our turf. We got a craftsman with the big wheels in back to handle our not so flat yard. It runs like a dream, happy with it so far!

Ro-to-tilla

Today my father brought over a rototiller to begin our gardens with. He graciously tilled the weed garden that will become our vegetable and herb garden as well as our berry patch and rose garden. My husband dug some holes where cemented posts once held a pool deck and my mother, son and I removed rocks, weeds and wasps in what will be our back flower garden.



My mother, a wonderful gardener, (dad is too), gave me lots of great plants from her garden. My sweet neighbor also gave me some plants. She also has a very ambitious vegetable garden that I can't wait to see in full bloom. Today I planted Rudbeckia, Hostas, Black Eyed Susans, Peonies, a grass and some others.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Things growing I did not plant

I was surprised to see all these flowers come up that I did not plant. Thank you previous homeowner for these. For the lumpy back yard and the dandelions and weeds, no thanks, but for these, thanks!

Anyone know what the plant is in the top left of the grid?

Plastic Lawn Removal

This weekend I enlisted the help of my mother and husband to remove the plastic netting that covers a good portion of the lawn. The previous owners had a swimming pool-apparently filled with sticks-that was removed and in its stead was placed grass seed, some green straw looking stuff and a plastic net. My mother and I pulled up the netting while my husband raked the remnants.

We have this stuff on the side of the garage, and all along the back. I think it was fine for winter, but I feel that the plastic had to go, and if it sits any longer, it will suffocate the grass. A couple more days of this, and we should have lawn.

Now to dispose of the stuff.

I used part of it to make a toddler wall on the side of the garage so my boy can't run down the driveway to the street. Eventually a fence will be put here, but for now, the toddler wall will be made of, well, whatever this stuff is.