Happy Thursday sweet friends! Last week I shared The Summer Garden and mentioned that my Renaissance Man was planning to enlarge the space. He wasted no time!
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!”
1 Chronicles 16:8
Sometimes to be “in with the new” means “out with the old”. This arbor is almost 40 years old and at one time was in the front yard and supported a swing. After being relocated it has been home to Lady Banks Roses. Storms have wreaked havoc on the roses on two occasions. Once we were able to trim and then pull the vines back into place and reshape. The last time however, the roses had to be cut back to almost ground level and the arbor repaired. The roses grew back over the top in two seasons but have not bloomed as well after the major pruning. This will all be removed…sad, but it’s time!
RM has a tractor with an auger that would dig holes but he chose the old fashioned way. I wondered about his sanity until I asked a few questions! The tractor is a little too heavy and he did not want to drive it into this part of the yard. I guess that makes sense.
The old weathered fence will be removed. We hope to think of creative ways to use it in other places (RM never fully disposes of anything).
When completed, the enclosed space will be a lot larger. We are not getting any younger and need less to keep up and maintain…so I’m wondering…why in the world does RM keep creating more to do? He simply wants to enjoy it every day that God allows and has the mind-set to “do it until you can’t”!
The 4 foot wooden level being used here belonged to RM’s grandfather, Papa Kennedy. (EK is Emma Kennedy). We don’t know how old it is but likely at least 50 or 60 years. It is a very heavy, solid wood which looks like mahogany. While it is not used a lot, sometimes it’s just special to get it out and make it part of a project.
Looking from the garden at some of the progress on the west side. The Sunshine Cottage is on the other side of the garden and construction can now begin in that area since last Tuesday’s post, Tea In The Cottage Garden + Giveaway is completed. Speaking of a giveaway, there is still time to enter. If you missed it, check it out here!
After lattice is added to the arbor, we will have to select new climbing plants for each side. We have enjoyed the Lady Banks Rose on the old arbor for years. It is a stiff and woody type vine and maybe not the best choice for that reason, but the April show of yellow blooms might be worth dealing with the hard to control vine!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
It’s going to be even more beautiful!
Thank you, Rachel!
A lot of work, but the results are beautiful and well built.
Yes, lots of work still to finish. Thank you, Deborah!
This is going to be nothing short of MORE amazing, Pam. While I might question expansion, I certainly understand RM’s comment of doing it while he can, and while you (and we!) still enjoy it. It makes all the sense in the world to purge and start fresh on plants that have matured beyond their peak; it’s just hard to do when the surrounding plants are so much bigger and full of life still. I totally get it. It’s where I felt most of our garden at our former home was. It made me tired just to think of spring coming each year. With RM making the arbor so sturdy, I think replacing the Lady Banks again is a great idea. Love the update.
Thanks so much. I am excited, just hope we can do it all. I do love the Lady Banks, we will mull it over for a few weeks. Your comments came in anonymous, so I don’t know who I am replying to 🥰
I visited the Spot of Tea website and left a comment;, and I also visited the Follow the Yellow Brick Home blog. I like all the blogs you suggest, and I really enjoy your blog about your garden.
It is always inspirational to visit your garden. Thank you.
Thank you, Miki!
RM is so smart and the garden is going to be so beautiful. Enjoy while you can because the day will come when you have to decide what goes and that is HARD! Blessings today and always.
Thank you, Bobbie. Blessings always dear one!
Wow, Butch made impressive progress…in the AL heat and humidity no less! It will be such a beautiful addition. A sweet, young farming couple at my church is building (literally) a new home. All of his late grandfather’s tools were stolen a few weeks ago. They were heartbroken. I’m sure Butch thinks about his Papa Kennedy every time he picks up that level.
Butch never stops! Heartbreaking about the tools being stolen.
It is looking great! How wonderful that level. I can imagine so many memories were made using it!
Lots of memories, thank you Penny!
It is looking so pretty. How sweet about the level. Happy Thursday to both of you.
Thank you, Kris!
RM is an example to all gardeners. Hard work never killed anybody and he is making God’s world beautiful. Can’t wait to see it in all is glory.
He is definitely a hard worker. Thank you, Alice!
That’s quite an engineering project, but good bones make for a lovely face! – or something like that. You know what I mean. (I shouldn’t comment before coffee).
Yes, I know what you mean. I can’t do anything before coffee.
So pretty! When my Mr Wonderful is working, I sometimes ponder those exact questions too 😉
Yes I understand, Sue!
It’s going to be beautiful Pam! I know you hate to get rid of your roses but I know whatever you decide on will be prolific bloomers. I am almost inclined to get rid of all my roses as we don’t get to enjoy them as the Japanese beetles come raid them every spring and it’s become a battle! lol Hope you’re getting to enjoy the cooler weather. Last evening was glorious! Enjoy the rest of your week. Clara ❤️
Thank you, Clara. I understand about the Japanese beetles. They attacked my white crape myrtles and stripped the blooms. The weather is really nice today ♥️
I can’t wait to see what RM has in mind for your gardens…I know you will have input and that is what makes it special….a combined effort. He is definitely a hard worker and his efforts have paid off big time as we discover more of God’s beautiful creation in your hearts and minds. Have a glorious and blessed day my friend.
Thanks so much. RM is a hard worker and I am amazed at his energy level. Happy Friday!
What an ambitious project RM is undertaking. It is looking fantastic. I had to look up the ‘Lady Banks’ rose, as it’s not something we grow here in Zone 5a. What a dreamy rose! I do look forward to seeing what you decide to plant in your new space. I have no doubt it will be beautiful.
Lady Banks is a beautiful climbing rose with its soft yellow blooms. Thanks so much. RM never stops, always has a project of some sort going on!
You already have such a beautiful space but I can imagine you’ll enjoy it even more with the changes to come!
Thanks so much. It is a lot of work but is brings a lot of joy!
Pam, such a lovely addition. Sorry about your Lady bank Roses. Sometimes it’s time to change out plants. Butch is so handy like my hubby. Paul always says to me “Death by projects.”
Thanks so much, Linda. We are most fortunate to have handy husbands!
There is no doubt in my mind that the finished product will be beautiful and amazing. Girl, our men have the same mind-sets. I keep reminding mine that he is no spring chicken. But, he told me recently that he agreed but the OLD ROOSTER has to keep moving. LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Yes, our husbands are hard workers. Thank you, Cindy!
Oh how wonderful this all will be! And using the special level makes it all come together with sweet memories intertwined throughout!
RM and Sweet Man are kindred spirits… they don’t know when to stop. But it keeps them going!
I am looking forward to see what flowers you choose for the arbor. Lady Banks are quite beautiful, just saying.
I also enjoyed your a tea in the Gardens post!
Yes, we both have husbands who don’t know when to stop. Thank you, Nancy!
The garden looks great, Pam. And kudos to Butch for keeping on keeping on. But eventually the crows come home to roost and you’ll have to hire a gardener! Till then, enjoy every second.
Thank you, Jeanie! I know he won’t always have the energy he has now. Happy Friday!
What a beautiful garden area! It is wonderful that your husband can and will do such creative hard work. You seem to be a great team!
Thank you, Caron. He loves being busy!
Delightful post sweet friend ❤️
It’s looking great ☺️
Bless you both, Jennifer
Thanks so much, Jennifer♥️
Good Morning Pam, I lost my first comment so if it duplicates, please delete. Butch is a workhorse! Expanding your garden is exciting and I know it will look amazing. Removing your Lady Banks from the arbor makes me sad…sniff. I’m eyeing the patina on your weathered fence with envy thinking of projects to do with those weathered boards. 🙂 Wishing you a happy weekend. ♥
Thanks so much. I am having lots of comments show up anonymous as yours did. I am not sure why it is happening. I am sure we can find lots of uses for the weathered boards! Happy Friday!
I love a good project! This is looking great. That old roses looked so woody it looks like it was breaking the old arbor and I love the statue standing next to it. Is it a school child? Now comes removing the sod which can be a big job! Can’t wait to see it all!
The Lady Banks rose is very old and is actually dead on the opposite side. There is a pair of the children. They are solid iron and very heavy. Yes, there is a lot of work to be done, and we will take it slow! Thank you, Liz!
I notice that Butch is in good shape. The task he has is great…
It is always a pleasure to read your post, besides being nice you learn a lot. To me especially because I am totally ignorant in matters of gardens. I love it, but I don’t go beyond taking care of potted plants… (I’m pretty good at it…)
A cordial greeting with much love
The new fence and arbor are beautiful, RM is such a hard worker! I hope you can plant a climbing vine that you can enjoy as much as the beautiful Lady Banks roses you had before. Your garden is both of you and Butch’s happy place and it brings much joy to all of us! I look forward to watching the progress. The old family level is special indeed~
The garden does bring us joy, and Butch has worked tirelessly since March. Thank you, Jenna!
Great projects for your always wonderful garden! Congrats to Butch!
Thank you, Maristella!
Pam, I didn’t think it could get any more beautiful around your outdoor space, but this is going to be gorgeous! I can’t wait to see it when it’s all finished. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my dear friend!
Shannon, you are always so sweet. Thank you dear one!
Your garden is going to be even more beautiful. I am so happy for you. My mother believed that we need to keep moving and she had amazing gardens well into her 80’s. Oh, how I have loved your Lady Banks roses!
Thanks so much, Dianne. Yes, keep moving!
Oh, Pam! It is going to be gorgeous. You all will enjoy it so much – we will too! I hope RM takes several breaks during his hard work, especially since he is working in the heat. Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
Thank you, Sandra. I am doing my best to get him to rest. Happy Weekend!
Your new fence and expansion plans looks and sounds great. What a neat story of the level. I look forward to hearing about your upcoming decisions in the new phase of your garden.This is Bonnie if the anonymous thing comes up. I noticed Linda @Lifewithlinda did a post about this problem about a month ago. I read it but can’t remember the details.
I lost my comment also. Bonnie
Pam, the new addition to the garden is going to be lovely, I just know it! The new fence and arbor are beautiful. It will be so much fun choosing all the new plants and shrubs for the new space. I hope you have a lovely rest of the week and that it cools off a bit for Butch! Its Kim from thecatswhiskerz.com is this comes up anonymous.
Thanks so much, Kim. I am excited about the garden addition. It is a lot of work, but hopefully there will be a good return with flowers!
I love your husband’s attitude that he will keep doing things until he can’t. That is exactly how I feel about things. We just have to keep pressing on, enjoying every moment God gives, and being grateful. May He continue to bless you and your family!
Pressing on and enjoying every moment that God gives is a gift of grace. Blessings ♥️
I love it that your husband is living his best life! That’s the way to go, man! Just live it and have a great time!!! I also love it that he finds ways to repurpose stuff. That’s important, especially in present days. And that he still has that 50-60 year old level…awesome! I have one that was my Grandad’s, and I am so proud of it! I don’t let anyone else use it for fear something might happen to it. (Stingy, perhaps, but I don’t care!😈)
Everything looks stupendous!!! What a blessing to have such talent!
Alycia, the hubby has not stopped since his retirement. I try to get him to take a day of rest, but it never happens. Thank you!