Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Ready for Spring


It's hard to believe that my front yard was covered in snow, just a couple of months ago.


Since now, it looks like this.


On Sunday, I decided to jump into cleaning up in the front yard for Spring.

The lawn was mowed and edged.








I trimmed the bushes and trees...





and we weeded the flower beds to get them ready for planting.

That little green bush you see below, is rosemary that I planted about a year ago. I wanted to see how it did before I planted more and since it's doing well, I'm going ahead with it.











That ceramic mushroom below, to the right just appeared in my yard one day, so I adopted it.

It's guarding my young rose bushes now.


On the other side there's some lavender and a few more rose bushes.



The garden beds look kind of empty right now, but they were full of nothing except weeds when I bought the house, so it took a long time just to get them in the condition that they're in now.

The lavender and roses were put in about 2 years ago and eventually, I'll plant bulbs and more flowers, but I wanted to get a feel for what the garden wanted first.

Sadly, one of the roses died over the winter, so the first thing I'm planting this year are daises, in it's place.




On the other side of the wall Periwinkle is growing.



The first flower bloom of the season :)


I also fixed up the rock area in front.


As I was raking the rocks, I hit something hard and started pushing some out of the way to see what it was.

I discovered that there was more flagstone cemented in underneath.


My guess is that the whole front was like this, but "the brown paint people" (as I refer to them now) must have thought it would be a great idea to throw a bunch of dirt and rocks on top, instead of fixing it up.

Ugh.

Those rocks are awful! They go everywhere... down the driveway, into the street, into my flower beds... and besides, desert landscaping does not belong up here in the mountains. It looks completely out of place and everyone either has grass or "natural mountain landscaping".

Well, just about everyone. The neighbors to the right of me have a yard covered in rock and only rock, because the people before them wanted something low maintenance. I keep hoping the new people will change it out, but they seem to like it, darn it.

Well, enough of that rant.

Since we're already out here, I'll show you the areas of the yard that you haven't really seen yet and some of the other work I did.


I don't think you've seen my little garage before.

Now you can see why Clarence won't fit in there.

It's tiny.


They weren't planning on 1950s size cars in 1930, that's for sure.

I would love to know what the original garage door looked like, but I have an idea, looking at old pictures online.

Going down the driveway, you'll see a little path back to the front of the house....



and from here you can see the little porch off of my office/ sewing room, the side entrance to the kitchen and the little steps into the backyard. More on that later.


On the side porch, the railing is not original to the house and needs to be taken down, before it falls off.

Eventually, I'd like to enclose it so that I can have the door open and let the dogs out there when I'm on my computer or sewing.





I love the little gate :)


The only original outdoor light fixture left on the house.

Isn't it cute?


The door into my office and both porches need paint jobs badly. That'll be happening as soon as we get past the last frost and before the rainy season. Probably sometime in May.


Moving past the side entrance to the kitchen is a little door about 3 feet high. I have yet to figure out why it's there.


And here's the steps that lead into the backyard.


That scary project is next on my list and I have a lot of plans for it.

Right now, it's a disaster, so we're not going down there today.

Off to the right of the garage....


Yesterday, I moved the wood pile from the right to the left, because I plan on putting another birdbath and bird feeder on this side of the house, along with flowers and herbs, so that I can have something pretty to look at when I'm in the kitchen.





The little path leads to my compost pile that I started about two years ago.


See that brownish orangish thing in the above picture, behind it?

That's the base to the original sink, that I found behind a bunch of brush that I cleared out.

I'm hoping I'll eventually find the top part and put it back, since it matches the tub, that's still in there.

Another "What were they thinking?" that I'll never have answers to.


Anyway, here's the planter underneath my dining room  window. 

The Irises are coming in nicely :)


And lastly, the view before I went inside to get dinner ready.


Ahhhh..... it feels good to have that all done, but boy, am I sore!

Later this week, it's supposed to rain, so I'll be finishing some indoor projects.

What are all of you up to this week?

xo
rue


56 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photos Rue! Your yard is looking like spring even if it isn't officially here yet. You house is so neat and I just love all the little details. One of a kind for sure...in a good way of course. Enjoy your evening.

    Blessings, Vicky

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  2. We use rocks in our landscape here in Phoenix and yes, they are all over the place. I agree with you about your landscape, perfect for living in the mountains. I'm looking forward to your projects for your side and backyards. Your house reminds me of a magical fairy cottage. Maybe the little door was used for the little elves? Kathleen in Az

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    Replies
    1. Perhaps it was! There seems to be no other explanation :)

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  3. Another fun, enchanting tour, Rue. I was thinking the same thing as Kathleen, that little elves used that wee door. Your mountain views are extraordinary. I adore the original light fixture, along with your irises and lavender. The winter killed a whole lavender bed in my yard, unless it sprouts from the bottom. I'm waiting to see. I restored a garden a few years ago, so I know the work is hard but satisfying (I took a lot of Advil.) You were wise to let the garden tell you what it needs. I'm looking forward to seeing what you plant.

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  4. What a sweet little house. I love the views and all the stone walkways. Plus, irises...sigh.

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  5. Wow, you've been busy! There's always so much yard clean-up to do in the spring, isn't there? Our snow finally melted last week and my hubby was in the front yard the other day, raking up all the dead grass and leaves and branches into big piles. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of rocks from the street that get thrown into our front yard from the snow plow all winter. Our grass is still brown with just a few twinges of green...and the mud, oh my gosh, the mud! It's everywhere.

    I love all the delightful, charming things about your home...that little door, the original light fixture, and the little side porch are all wonderful. And what a beautiful view you have of the mountains. I would love to live in northern AZ. Maybe when my hubby retires?

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    1. I hope you do and then we can hang out :)

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  6. So nice to see more of your enchanting place Rue. I love the little iron gate and the original light fixture too. It is fairy tale looking, hobbity, if you know what I mean. So perfect for your sweet home.

    Happy Spring ~ FlowerLady

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  7. There are so many charming details to your home and gardens, Rue! All the flagstone walkways and wrought iron details add so much character. At least the previous owners didn't remove the stone and pour concrete sidewalks! I hope you find the other piece to your sink!

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  8. -clapping hands- what a delightful tour, around the yard and outside of your beautiful home! thank you so much.

    oh and I see the vintage blue car, out front!!! would that be "Clarence"? :-)

    it would seem that you are the last house on the street. past your home, and behind it, seem to be a different level... quite a bit lower. or at least, that's how it appears to me.

    again, thank you for the delightful tour.

    and how lucky you are! snow gone. grass ready for cutting. things popping up and trying to bloom. we are so so so far from that time, it seems. -sigh- but it will come! after the mud season has "had it's way with us", for a while. ,-)

    Tessa

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    Replies
    1. Yes, that's Clarence :)

      I'll do a tour of my street someday, so that you can get a better idea.

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  9. and oh yes, your home is a Faerie Tale home.

    reminds me of homes I have read of, in Caramel, CA. lucky, lucky you!

    Tessa

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  10. It's so nice to see some things coming back to life in your gardens, Rue!

    What year was your house made? Could that little door be a coal delivery door?

    Loved the tour. You have the sweetest cottage home. I just love it.

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    Replies
    1. My house was built in 1930. The fireplace has always been wood burning, but good guess though :)

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  11. Thank you for the lovely tour Rue. All of the nooks and crannys are charming. I love your side entrance to your office/sewing room. Looking forward to see what all you plant.
    Lori

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  12. I'm loving that sweet gate...and that light! Great little details...I'm thinking that light be around in salvage places. Might be worth some additional research. Sweet cottage! ;)

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    Replies
    1. I found two online just like it for 500 buckaroos.... not exactly in my price point lol

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  13. Wow. You did such a great job on the beds and clean up. I need a major clean up down to the ground. I have some plants I want to replace but there is so much to do in the larger back. But I must remember we do it as an act of love. Love for the flowers, love for the beauty of nature.

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  14. Love the gate and light fixture ... love it all! You have the most beautiful home! Love the view of the mountains, too!

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  15. I am still cleaning up all the weeds from our garden and fortunately we have lots of flowers and bushes thriving.

    I absolutely LOVE your house, the windows, the cobblestones, the roofline . . . all of it!

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  16. Your home looks magical. Maybe the garage had similar trim around the door as to what is around front window. It would be wonderful if you come across an old photograph. My friend has a 1928 house, more pointed gabled than yours in the center, not softly rounded like yours, but I think the garage door on the stand alone garage is original. I think it is wood with six squares or rectangles trimmed out in wood; it sort of looks English. It also has a porte cochere before you get to the garage. ( However, the house next door to has a lot of similarities without a porte cochere.) He has a little door that leads to the plumbing in the original bathroom, but it opens in the floor of the bathroom. I don't care for rock up there; I prefer it green. I detest moonscapes.

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    1. That garage door sounds like what would have been there, without the porte cochere.

      That's the odd thing about the door. It's just under a staircase. hmmm.....

      "moonscapes" LOL

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  17. Oh it's just beautiful! That short little door (if it goes to a crawl space) ~ they might have used as a bit of a root cellar & stored winter squash and potatoes under there??? I too love your little light. It is such a perfect accent with the shingle roof. Thank you for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. I have a huge root cellar off of my bedroom downstairs. Odd, I know lol

      Thank you for visiting :)

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  18. Oh, I bet it feels so good to have things all in order outside! I love all the nooks and crannies and the stonework; although, I imagine it's scary in places because of loose stones. But it sure is pretty! And I think if you replaced that wood railing with some wire railing like your gate it would be so lovely. I love that gate, too!

    Thanks for the tour, Rue! I need to get outside and mess with my mess, too. ;)

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    Replies
    1. Hmmm.... I think I like that idea! Thank you, Kimberly :)

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  19. Your cottage is adorable, and I can't believe your trees are green already! So far all I've gotten to cleaning is my front yard and that took 12 huge yard bags full of debris and leaves. I like the short door and could it be a storage place? Love the cobblestone and flagstone and who the heck covers it with rock? Oh yeah, the previous owners.

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    1. I don't know what for. It's awfully small inside.

      Yes... the previous owners lol

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  20. How nice that you can actually work outside. You know what we've been doing?? Chopping and shoveling icy snow to make a path for the fridge delivery (long story).

    You've done a LOT of work already I'm sure. Weeding is so time consuming, but everything looks soooooo much better when it's done...at least for about 5 minutes; ).

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  21. The more of your cottage I see, the more it seems like a fairy tale cottage. The roof, the turret, the fixtures, the little niches...I could just picture little fairies and elves and woodland creatures living there. Hang on to that house!!

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  22. How nice that you can actually work outside. You know what we've been doing?? Chopping and shoveling icy snow to make a path for the fridge delivery (long story).

    You've done a LOT of work already I'm sure. Weeding is so time consuming, but everything looks soooooo much better when it's done...at least for about 5 minutes; ).

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  23. Neat as a pin, Rue! What a good steward you are of this lovely older house you live in. So much character there in all the little details, and all that rock and stone! Oh, I love that. And little paths here and there, charming. A house and yard like yours makes my heart go pitter-patter. And the flower beds to hold all your favorite flowers and herbs, and that gate!

    The little porch off your sewing room will be a sweet little terrace some day, too. I loved this tour. Thank you for taking time to photograph your hard work!

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  24. It's so charming and inviting, and what a view.

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  25. I love all of the stone walkways...such a pretty place, indoors and out. That little door...for a smal coal cellar or root cellar, perhaps? If not, certainly for fairies and gnomes :)

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    1. I'm liking the fairies and gnomes idea ;)

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  26. I love all of the stone walkways...such a pretty place, indoors and out. That little door...for a smal coal cellar or root cellar, perhaps? If not, certainly for fairies and gnomes :)

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  27. Nice post so we can see your surroundings. Your hard work is sure paying off! Love that little gate and lantern.
    Jeannette

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  28. Everytime i see it..."fairytale cottage"comes to mind! Love the gates out front and to the side and all the stone walkways. That little mystery door you wondered about?.....it must be a fairy door! I would paint it up and decorate it to look like one! A touch of whimsy....

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  29. Your house is lovely inside and out, Rue! I especially love the flagstone and your iris bed. My grandmother's irises are coming up too! Can't wait to see yours in bloom!! Have a lovely week!! :) ~Christine

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  30. And the yard is sprouting ceramic mushrooms!!! Magical im telling ya! Lol i do love those.....have one in one of my flower pots

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  31. Such a charming place to live! Really neat. The view you have, too, is amazing. I love how you have a mysterious mushroom. Someone just thought it belonged there! Thanks so much for your visits.

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  32. You are so lucky to live in such a stunning, quirky and original house. I love all its features, especially the iron gates. Close to perfect in my opinion x

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  33. Absolutely love your cottage Ru! The cutest! Love the mushroom too!

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  34. Some years ago now, on an earlier house move, the previous owner had left a ceramic mushroom in the garden .... it looked so good we left in there. We added to it with some more garden ornaments, nothing fancy, but they just seemed to add a little bit more to the garden.

    Your garden and house look great, thank you for sharing ....... you deserve a rest this week.

    All the best Jan

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  35. Some years ago now, on an earlier house move, the previous owner had left a ceramic mushroom in the garden .... it looked so good we left in there. We added to it with some more garden ornaments, nothing fancy, but they just seemed to add a little bit more to the garden.

    Your garden and house look great, thank you for sharing ....... you deserve a rest this week.

    All the best Jan

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  36. I love your house and neighborhood, Rue. You have a nice view of the mountains. Flag stone pathways are very popular here in older areas of Denver --I've always like them. I have a guess that the little door might have been where the house's coal was delivered, down a shoot? Did the house once have a coal furnace? I had the same detached gatage in Brooklyn! We used it as a storage and potting shed.

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    1. Nope, the house always had a wood burning fireplace.

      My garage is used for storage too :)

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  37. Rue, Your home is just like you.... full of character and charm! :)
    I'm interested to know how your Rosemary does...down here in Phoenix it grows like a weed!
    ~Liz

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  38. Hi Rue, I really enjoyed your Spring cleanup projects. Your yard is going to look beautiful when the flowers come in. I love all of the flagstones. Funny, I spent over two hours cleaning my flower beds and it was all I could stand. Talk about sore. LOL. Spring is really popping up here. We could still have a freeze so it is too soon to start planting. I have a long way to go before I am done with the cleanup though. Bill mowed for the first time today. He does NOT like gardening but helps some.

    Happy Spring and warmer weather soon to come.
    Hugs, Jeanne

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