20090928

Living Patio part 3


A major setback on the planting. Because it is late in the planting and growing season in the Rockies, I snapped up as many plants from the local nurseries then I ordered different varieties of thyme from different companies. The flat of woolly thyme was intended for the main section of the patio but came dead and look almost melted. The company ships from New Mexico, claimed that they should have waited a week for cooler weather and made a mistake, so gave me a partial refund. Regardless, it looks like the patio will be uneven with empty spots until spring. Oh, the ups and downs of gardening.


20090921

Living Patio, part 2










Creeping thyme get planted in the seams. I chose lemon frost thyme for its aromatic and flowering properties at the far end of the patio. I chose nutmeg thyme for its red stems and bright flowers to go along the border and spill into a neighboring bed. The bulk of the patio - especially near the back deck - is woolly thyme which is super hardy, looks good even with snow, and doesn't flower so it won't attract bees near the back door.

The parallel lines of perforated irrigation hose minimize watering demands plus spare patio furniture from sprinkler watering.

Many thanks to Adam and Tom with Sticks and Stones for perfectly installing the pavers. They rock! (Yeah, that is my worst pun joke ever. Heh.)




20090918

Living Patio, part 1


In my never-ending battle against the kentucky bluegrass that is not native to this semi-arid mountain climate, I had the weedy patch in back tore up.