Happy Tuesday dear friends. I am so excited as I look at this week’s autumn-like weather forecast. Our temperature was predicted to be 53 this morning with a high of 82 today. With low humidity, we should have bright blue skies and sunshine through the weekend!
““If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
John 14:15
A few weeks ago I shared the beginnings of our garden expansion. My RM has made a lot of progress!
The arbor is completed! When RM decides to start a project, he doesn’t stop until it is finished. On the other hand, I was trying to insist he pace himself while working in the heat and humidity. You can see who won that discussion!
In the previous post, the weathered fence had not been removed. On this side of the garden it only came to the side opening next to the stone pavers. The new fence expands to the front of the garden and added 14 feet in the rear.
The lattice work is finished and there are plantings on each side that will climb up the arbor. Can you guess what we planted? If you said Lady Banks roses, you are correct. We both love their beautiful yellow color and their cascading branches. The arbor needed lighting of course, and RM finished that quickly.
The above photo is from 2020. The roses bloomed but were definitely in decline after being blown over by high winds.
2018 was the last year they performed well.
It was a major job for RM to take down the old arbor and remove the deep rooted roses.
With one stone paver already in place, four more were added to the side entrance.
The old fence that was directly behind the limelights and ligustrums was removed to allow the space to be added to the back of the garden which now includes an existing raised bed.
The garden was extended in width by approximately 12 feet on each side.
Looking south into a portion of the newly added space…
…accessed easily via a new opening behind the garden table!
Achieving an opening was simple after old fencing came down, a top layer of wall stones were removed, and a paver was added!
Where the enlarged space joins the cottage garden, a small gap was left to allow enough room to step through or squeeze by with the push mower.
You can see the small gap here. RM is considering adding a narrow gate that swings both directions but will wait until this winter.
Any time new edges, turns, structures, and inside corners are added, a lot of maintenance is also created. I am not sure why RM keeps adding work at a time when we should be looking at doing less? He says you just do what you can for as long as you can…and thank God for each day He allows us to enjoy it!
This fall we will be deciding how to use the new spaces. Plantings, sitting areas, etc… and RM mentioned it would be nice to have a fire pit with a sitting area near the cottage. I think he has truly lost it!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a delightful week!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Looks so nice! Love the new Arbor. Can’t wait to see how the space progresses.
Thanks so much, Lynda!
How exciting to add more garden space Pam! I’m so glad you planted another pair of Lady Banks…they were so dreamy cascading down, filled with yellow blooms. I know you appreciate Butch’s energy and enthusiasm. I think a fire pit and sitting area sounds wonderful. Happy Tuesday ♥
Thank you, Mary. It is a lot to keep up, but it does have its rewards!
Quite apart from the anxiety of the added work this increased garden space would give me, I am in love with EVERYthing RM has done. It is a fabulous garden, and he’s got both the vision and skills to make it truly heaven on earth. As the grandkids are growing, I think the firepit would be a wonderful way of using the garden in the cooler and cold months, adding year-round interest! Enjoy the new beginnings. It’s what every gardener loves doing, I believe.
I have to admit sometimes all of this makes me anxious and excited at the same time. RM has been wanting a fire pit for quite a while, I am sure it will happen!
Butch’s energy and enthusiasm is amazing especially in the heat and humidity. The new arbor and fencing look great. That was a huge chore getting the old roses up.
We have worn out quite a few fire pits and on our second chiminea. I’m sure you will have a more permanent fire pit in a nice location. Our is on the patio and is moved in the summer.
Enjoy the nice weather.
Bonnie, I wish I had 1/4 of his energy. I think a fire pit will be coming!
You guys are amazing! I’m really super impressed! Honestly, can you please bottle up a bit of Bruce’s energy and talent and send it my way? I am in awe!
Butch has a lot of energy and his work ethic is amazing. Thank you, Jeanie!
Your energy isn’t so shabby either! I’m thinking he might do the heaviest lifting but you’re no slouch!
Jeanie, he is also a runner! 3-5 miles per day.
Pam, it looks spectacular! Seriously, if you could bottle Butch’s energy and sell it, you’d be rich! I vote for the fire pit! I have really enjoyed ours and have actually used it all by myself quite a bit. I’ve learned to build a great fire, and sitting by the pond and watching the sun go down in the peace and quiet is soul recharging for me.
Roxanne, I agree if I could bottle his energy, we would be rich! I just know there will be a fire pit.
Wow it looks absolutely beautiful. Butch has done such a great job. I think a fire pit and sitting area is going to be so nice and enjoyable for you and Butch. Go team Butch and Pam!
Thanks so much, Kris. I see a fire pit in our future!
Bravo! I’m so excited to see the progress. Truly wish I lived in your neck of the woods so I could pop on over and see it in person. I agree with Butch and many of your readers — a fire pit would be a good addition. My grandchildren are getting older now. While they have outgrown some of the things they loved to do at my house, I think that having a cozy place like that would be a wonderful place to gather and stay in touch with what’s going on in their lives. God bless you and Butch in your endeavors to create a beautiful space together.
Thanks so much. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to share coffee and conversation, if only you could pop over! He is going to build a fire pit, not sure when it will happen. Knowing him, it could be next week! I hope your week is going well.
So lovely Pam, and I’m so happy you will have Lady Banks Roses again! A seating area with a fire pit sounds dreamy, you and RM have quite a paradise here!
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna. He will definitely build a fire pit, not sure when!
This looks beautiful! Enjoy every minute in this expanded space. A fire pit adds a fun cozy touch(I have one) Many happy times will be had in this newly expanded garden space! Blessings and joy!!
Thank you, Caron. I think a fire pit is gonna get built 😉
Oh, Pam it is simply gorgeous. You all will enjoy it so much. The arbor reminds me of the arbor Mike built over our back gate in VA. I had New Dawn roses climbing over it. I do believe you all would enjoy a fire pit and certainly the “little ones” would. Have a great week.
Thank you, Sandra. I know the “little ones” would love a fire pit!
You all are going to have such a showplace!
A lot of sweat equity has been involved!
How gorgeous! Congrats to Butch! Hugs and blessings dear friends.
Thank you, dear one!
Looks absolutely gorgeous. What an amazing job. I think a fire pit would be awesome.
Thanks so much, Judy!
This expansion is really beautiful. I am so excited for you. I held my breath hoping for Lady Banks roses. I remember those beautiful tables and these yellow roses cascading over the table. Yes to the fire pit. When my grandchildren were younger they absolutely loved it. Butch is quite the architect. Enjoy every moment!
I received both comments 🥰
Such a beautiful expansion to your garden. So glad to know you planted Lady Banks roses. Some of your best tables were created under these cascading roses. The children would love a fire pit…the adult children also. Butch is quite the architect.
Thank you, Dianne. I decided we had to do Lady Banks again!
Pam, Your garden is beautiful as is, but with this expansion, it will be absolutely stunning! The Lady Banks roses were always so pretty, so we’re glad to get to enjoy them once again. Just thinking about having to to dig up the old rose bush makes my back hurt! 😂 That is a job! The weather is fantastic! Wish it would last but we’ll take it as we can get it! Enjoy your week! Clara❤️
I couldn’t imagine anything but Lady Banks on the arbor. We are back in the 90’s next week ♥️
Butch is truly amazing. We admire his work ethic and his passion for gardening and landscaping. Can’t wait to see what plans you have for the new beautiful spaces!
Thanks so much, Shirley. Butch has an amazing work ethic and any project worth doing is worth doing well is his motto.
The new arbor and fencing looks beautiful! I always admire your beautiful landscaping and gardens. A fire pit with sitting area sounds like a wonderful idea. I can’t wait to see what you do with your new space. Enjoy your week, dear friend!
Thanks so much, Shannon. A fire pit is probably going to happen!
“You do what you can for as long as you can …and thank God for each day He allows you to enjoy it.” It is in the doing what he can that RM is so amazing and then his gratitude for what results… to
God be the glory. What lessons are learned in your beautiful garden. So pleased the Lady Banks roses were chosen to grace the arbor again… What a labor of love this grand project has been, given the toil it required, especially in the heat. With the Pam-approved fire pit, the area should bring years of contentment and enjoyment for the entire Family.
Thank you, Mary and it is a labor of love. I think there will be a fire pit in the future.
I love the changes. He’s so neat with his work you can hardly tell where the changes were made!
Your comment came in twice.
I love each change and he’s so neat you can hardly tell where’s he’s been!
Thank you, Liz. Feel better soon.
And here we are talking about downsizing ! Whew, what energy that guy of yours
has. I worked in the small planting are behind the porch this afternoon and I’m done. Praise God at least I was able to do it plus prune a small amount of shrubby. Your gardens are beautiful but since Butch retired I’m pretty sure they are going to be magnificent.
Alice, he is amazing at 71. I am so glad you could get out and do some gardening. Take it easy, dear one!
Oh it has come along nicely! I’m so happy you planted new Lady Banks! And a fire pit and sitting area is perfect for evening s’mores with the littles!
I am enjoying the progress!
Happy Week to you!
Thank you, Nancy. As I am typing this RM is out there working on a gate.
RM sounds like my sweet man!
Pam, it must look like I am totally crazy but I have had trouble sending my comments. That’s why you have two. 🫢
It is not crazy, it has been happening all over blog land. Your first one came as anonymous and I approved it. Your second comment was fine. 🤷🏼♀️
So much work, but so worth it! It is turning out beautifully!
Thank you, Penny. Yes, much work.
Monumental project!
Yes, it is. Thank you for your visit, Michele.
Pam your garden is stunning. I’m excited for you and your loved ones to get to enjoy it for years to come.
Thanks so much, Maria for your sweet visit!
Pam it will be lovely when you both are through with all the planning, planting and enjoying…and as been said, if it makes RM happy and content, so be it. I know you will enjoy it too. The Captain keeps taking on new entrepreneurial projects too and just makes me tired as he ventures even further into areas that are unknown, much less understood by me! Sigh! Investments, finance and such are his bailiwick while I am content to be and let be. Guess that is why we fit together so well. LOL Blessings dear friend
Thank you, Kari. Your Captain sounds like RM! Happy Weekend!
Oh, how beautiful! I think it is all so wonderful to see your husband so energetic and still able to do these things. Good health is so precious. May you both continue to be able to do the things you love for many years to come! Just my two cents worth, but wouldn’t it be so neat if he created a special prayer garden spot, too? I can just picture what that could look like. Thank you for sharing your beautiful lives with us here!
Thanks so much, Cheryl. A special prayer garden spot is a lovely idea!
Your garden expansion is lovely. Love the arbor. It frames your gardens. So much for being retired. LOL We know the feeling. Have a lovely week.
Thank you, Linda! Yes, no retirement. LOL
Blessings,
Pam
Pam, the garden expansion is gorgeous! RM is indeed a hard worker, but if it brings him pleasure then all the better. The stone pavers must have weighed a ton but oh my, they look stunning. I’m glad that you decided on the Lady Bank’s roses again – they are so pretty. Enjoy your lovely new garden!
Thank you, Kim. It is an ongoing project that RM enjoys. Wishing you a lovely day!