It was a long, dirty, time consuming, hard job-but the french drain is complete! I really owe hubby for this one! Chopping through those roots was tough. He worked on this project every evening after work, and every weekend. This is a view from the gate coming from the side yard.
But this is the view I usually see as it is coming into the back from the driveway. You can see what a narrow yard we have. To re-cap: hubby dug a trench chopping roots as he went. The trench was about 16 inches deep and 10 inches wide. We then put down landscape fabric, laid the pipe, covered it with rocks, then topped it off with mulch. We used no-float, which is not my favorite type of mulch, but every other kind I tried always washed away.
After the drain was in, I took over and finished the area. I added some new plants, and moved a few plants. (The pole you see has a bird feeder at the top.)
The path winds down behind the flagstone patio. Notice anything missing? Flagstone stepping stones! I decided not to use any after all. I like the look and feel of the path with just mulch. I am hoping after we walk on it several weeks, it will look more like the "beaten path" that I always yearned for!
The path ends here. You can see the stepping stones that lead you out the gate.
So we come to the end of the path and look back. Over time, I will add more plants, but it's great for right now. I couldn't be happier with the results. It is such a comfort knowing the next time we have heavy rains, no more flooded areas! Of course, summer has hit here in Texas, so we probably will not have any rain for a while. But when the rain returns...we will be prepared!
It was a long, dirty, time consuming, hard job-but the french drain is complete! I really owe hubby for this one! Chopping through those roots was tough. He worked on this project every evening after work, and every weekend. This is a view from the gate coming from the side yard.
But this is the view I usually see as it is coming into the back from the driveway. You can see what a narrow yard we have. To re-cap: hubby dug a trench chopping roots as he went. The trench was about 16 inches deep and 10 inches wide. We then put down landscape fabric, laid the pipe, covered it with rocks, then topped it off with mulch. We used no-float, which is not my favorite type of mulch, but every other kind I tried always washed away.
After the drain was in, I took over and finished the area. I added some new plants, and moved a few plants. (The pole you see has a bird feeder at the top.)
The path winds down behind the flagstone patio. Notice anything missing? Flagstone stepping stones! I decided not to use any after all. I like the look and feel of the path with just mulch. I am hoping after we walk on it several weeks, it will look more like the "beaten path" that I always yearned for!
The path ends here. You can see the stepping stones that lead you out the gate.
So we come to the end of the path and look back. Over time, I will add more plants, but it's great for right now. I couldn't be happier with the results. It is such a comfort knowing the next time we have heavy rains, no more flooded areas! Of course, summer has hit here in Texas, so we probably will not have any rain for a while. But when the rain returns...we will be prepared!
16 comments:
Good deal! I know your husband is most happy it is done and no more wet feet. Ask him if he'll come do one for me?:)
Tina--he laughed! I think I need to give him the summer off! :)
A very nice job he did indeed! May it perform as intended :-)
What a major job, I'm sure it will be so great knowing you won't have any more flooding in that area. I have a spot in my yard next to to the patio we need to do the same thing. I'll show hubby your posts to help inspire him, lol ;)
Thanks Cindy--I'll pass along the compliment. Hubby and I are both glad this job is over. Just in time for the hot temps too!
Racquel--it was not an easy job because of all those roots, otherwise it was not too bad. So glad that worry is over!
Your yard is beautiful Linda. I love how narrow it is. Wish mine was.
A huge round of applause to both of you!! wow-what a project and the "after" beautification is so wonderful. Now it's time to enjoy your swing with a cup of morning coffee ;-)
I'll bet he is so happy to finally see that project finished. Good job!!!
Marnie
I'm so glad your project is finished. It looks great. That was a hard job but well done. Not let it rain.
I'm surprised your hostas are that big. Do you fertilize them? Mine doesn't seem to want to do anything.
Good evening everyone! It's been a long day for me! :)
Susie, that is sure sweet of you to compliment the narrow yard. I long for a big square yard. I am trying really hard to be thankful that I am blessed with what I have though! :)
Marnie--hubby is soooo glad it is over! It is really getting hot here--he couldn't have continued on with this heat.
Lola--I am also surprised the hostas are big as I have way too much sun for them now. I do not fertilize them. In fact, I ignore them now as I really thought there was no way to keep them with the hot sun pounding down. I think the size has to do with the type you get though. I bought a large variety some years ago wanting a really big one.
Congratulations on getting an important project finished. Hooray for those hubbys! They are often indispensible;-) Enjoy your newest garden area and as usual, I find your yard to be just lovely!
Oh yes, summer has definitely come to town! Nola always says she so enjoys looking at your yard on your blog because there are all kinds of interesting nooks and crannies there. I totally agree!
Brenda
Hi Jan! So good to hear from you. Thank you for such a sweet commment. I agree--hooray for these sweet husbands. I am so pleased to have this project finished, and yea..I get to plant more flowers! :)
Brenda--can you really believe this heat! And I guess you saw the forecast! Thanks for the kind words from you and Nola. My backyard is so small it's hard to have little garden rooms, so I do try and create nooks and crannies when I can. I am really pleased with the new area. (wish it would rain and I could watch it work!) :)
There's a definite feeling of satisfaction when a big job is done.
The garden area centred around the little birdbath is looking good, despite getting the extra sun, and your Hosta are holding up well.
Awesome! I love the view from the gate from side. Your hubby's so cool! You're lucky.
Chandramouli-thanks! I am so please with the way it turned out. And, you are right---I AM lucky to have such a wonderful hubby!
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