Yard work...

[DMD123]

This poor tree cant get a break. The tree was burned from that ridiculously hot day a while back, despite the constant watering throughout the day. It was just planted this year so not fully rooted to boot. Now you can see the lean? This is now the 3rd time some critter has laid it over looking for I presume worms or grubs under the roots.

So I put multiple stakes around it yesterday and lightly tied it up to try and give it a fighting chance. It roots are alive and healthy and despite the burn is still strong.

 

[sir_keith]

This poor tree cant get a break. The tree was burned from that ridiculously hot day a while back, despite the constant watering throughout the day. It was just planted this year so not fully rooted to boot. Now you can see the lean? This is now the 3rd time some critter has laid it over looking for I presume worms or grubs under the roots.
View attachment 10067
So I put multiple stakes around it yesterday and lightly tired it up to try and give it a fighting chance. It roots are alive and healthy and despite the burn is still strong.

I'm just beginning to see symptoms of stress-induced damage from the hot, dry summer in several of the plants in my garden. Not much to be done now except to water and allow the root systems to recover over the winter. I always try to remind myself that the most important part of any plant is underground.

 

[sir_keith]

On a happier note, I had some garden visitors this morning at sunrise. Don't mind all the reflections: I took this pic from inside my bedroom...

 

[DMD123]

Next challenge is to finish the fence before major weather change. The first pic shows how far I got.

Second shot is the water bleaching from the sprinklers I need to work on...

So 5 panels left to stain (both sides) but water marks need to be worked on with about 3 1/2 of those panels. I got a special wash solution to try first then if that dont work I will try a light sanding. Then if that dont work I read of a half peroxide/water mixture to try. I know it wont be perfect but I know it will look weird if I dont try and blend it in better. Ive been working on sprinkler heads but I need 8' nozzles in two spots and and all the stores seem to be out of stock at the moment.

 

[DMD123]

I did a wood cleaner/brightener on the fence and it looks a bit less noticeable on the bleaching effect of the sprinkler over-spray

I was hoping to stain some more today but the wet weather slowed me down.

 

[DMD123]

I stained 2 3/4 panels both sides so now I just have the last two panels to go and then done with the staining!

 

[DMD123]

I was going to finish today but rain expected… so I am patiently waiting

 

[DMD123]

FINISHED! Staining of all new fence and gates done, yay!

If I get some stepping stones placed this week/weekend then I accomplished all I set out to do for the summer and then some!

 

[sir_keith]

FINISHED! Staining of all new fence and gates done, yay!
View attachment 10090
If I get some stepping stones placed this week/weekend then I accomplished all I set out to do for the summer and then some!

Looks great!

 

[DMD123]

Looks great!

Thank you! Was a ton of work this year but well worth it, the yard feels so much nicer and the backyard has a sense of privacy now.

If we save up some money next year we may take out that huge chunk of concrete and also pour a new back patio. But in the meantime I have tons of little projects I still want to finish.

 

[fishguy1978]

Very nice.

 

[DMD123]

Took the day off to finish up projects…


Pathway is done. The area needs a couple more plants to fill in empty areas but done with planting this year. Everything was put in the ground that was planned and then some! If I feel ambitious the sprinkler needs work but Ive already turned multiple zones off so no big deal now.

 

[DMD123]

I forgot I had one plant in a pot that was to be put in on the side yard.

This one

Very cool looking plant!

These are all areas where I feel plants could go. Thinking this plant will be to the left of the fence in the larger opening there.

 

[fishguy1978]

I have 2 vine maples out back.

 

[Betty]

The fence looks really nice. (I'm trying to see your gate hardware.)
I had a couple of posts and a gate replaced several months ago and they did not do a good job on the gate. The hinges they used don't seem adequate. With this recent rain, the wood has swollen and I couldn't even get it to close.

 

[DMD123]

@Betty, my gate hardware was just Lowes stuff. The one where it is a single gate is a self close hinge and the latch is easy to work from both sides. Even with the seal and stain, Ive got a little sticking in the double gate side. This weekend I finished installing hook and eyes to hold gates open that are frequently used.

 

[DMD123]

Wet weather was causing the double gate to swell and hang up a bit on each other. On Sunday I stopped ant Lakewood Hardware and bought an old fashioned block plane and then took a few passes to remove excess material and then cover those spots with stain. Will see how this works as it gets even wetter out this winter. I need to get in and out this side regularly to take out the trash, yard waste, recycling bins to the main street.

Now Im settling in for the winter thinking about next years spring yard projects.

 

[Betty]

I used a plane on mine too and can get it to close now. I've had to do that a couple of times, only taking a little bit off each time. Still need to get some better hinges.

 

[sir_keith]

Getting ready for an El Niña winter, with a firewood delivery today. Two hours to get it stacked up at four different locations around my property (the pile is bigger than it looks). Ouch! Perhaps some prophylactic Tylenol tonight? Wait! Hold the Tylenol; break out the Tanqueray!

 

[sir_keith]

Thought I'd better get a few pics of Fall color in the front yard before the storms blow everything away this weekend...