So that you can keep up with our progress, here's some important information.
Goals
Remove big hunk of backyard to reduce grass mowing.
Increase the growing space for fruits and veggies.
Plan
- Mark off area using strings and stakes.
- Move established plants.
- Dig up Spirea Vanhoutte (I'll miss you!).
- Remove grass in the new garden area.
- Cultivate entire area.
- Build raised beds from wood that will last more than a couple of years (bad gardener!).
- Place weed barrier on paths.
- Cover paths with pea gravel.
- Fill beds with garden soil/compost mix.
- Move rain barrel to new garden.
- Build 2-3 bin compost system for back of new garden area.
- Build short fence around new garden area.
- Build Arbor at entrance of new garden area.
- Create path from patio to new garden. Material undecided.
- Wait for Spring!
I do not have a timeline established for this project yet on the count of my real job is sucking the life outta me. But, it's on the way! Stay tuned!
Your project sounds like one I need to start. But I'd have a hard time deciding how much yard to subtract. I look forward to following your progress and seeing all the pictures. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWow! Some ambitious goals! And here I was feeling great that I merely managed to stay on top of my weeding so far this year.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
We're gonna need some before and after photos...
ReplyDeleteVery cool...and very well thought out! You're on your way!
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of an ambitious project! Be sure to take before and after pictures, as well as during pictures.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your work and the finished project!
You're going to be a very busy woman, Gina! I look forward to watching it happen.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a lot of work but it also sounds like it will look great when you are done! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow that is quite a list! Are you doing it all tomorrow? I agree with Jim - we need before and after pics! Those are always fun!
ReplyDeleteTo save work, why not smother the grass with newspaper & then build the raised beds on top of that? There are few chores I hate more than digging up grass. Sounds like you'll have good weather tomorrow for your ground breaking. (I just couldn't resist that one.)
ReplyDeleteBuy some gatorade, you are going to need it. I would use newspaper too. I had slugs badly with the weed barrier.
ReplyDeleteI concur with Mr. McGregor's Daughter and Anna, you should spread about three layers of newspaper on top of the grass to save from having to cut sod.
ReplyDeleteWow, big project! Can't wait to see what you do.
ReplyDeleteHi there! Just found your blog while looking for gardening blogs from other folks in the Chicago area. I need to do some serious revamping of my garden for spring, too, and plan on copying most of your to-do list! We're taking down our 10x10 garden (2 raised beds of rickety wood) and moving it to 5 4x5 boxes along the back edge of the yard, plus I want to start composting and try planting potatoes in a garbage can next spring, too. I look forward to seeing your progress!!
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