Summer Projects

One of the projects that we've worked on this summer has been the landscaping outside our house. It was a complete mess when we bought the house (random flowers growing behind bushes, etc.). This picture doesn't do complete justice, but you get the idea...
                      

I can't really show the after pictures yet because when Don was in Canada our new camera was ruined. Thankfully, we had the foresight to purchase the insurance which covers everything, even water damage caused by excessive excitement when fishing... this is not the first time this has happened, hence the need for the insurance. Anyway, when we get the replacement camera, I'll take pictures of the updated landscaping. For now, here's a little taste of the work we've done. 

                       

First, we cleared out the area (even the bushes in the back were taken out), then we planted a Japanese Maple tree. Our first tree for our first house- kinda exciting! Then we planted these pretty little Dogwood and Hydrangea buses. 

                       

               

And last, these little Astilbes. Many thanks to my servant-hearted mother who helped me with all of the digging and planting while Don was in Canada! I don't think I've ever sweat so much in my life!

                       

Here's the pile we ended up with after we had pulled everything out. After a few weeks, I was convinced there was something living in the pile and refused to even walk on this side of the house!