The front of the house needed some work.
First of all, since we always drive on the grass here to park, we decided to pave this area.
A little extra beside the driveway.
It extended to the front patio area, up to the steps.
But then we noticed the steps were not in good shape.
So Doug jack-hammered them out.
And new steps were made.
And then a new planter box was constructed.
New door, some plants, and it is a great improvement.
Last year was the first year of bloom for the sweet shrub.
Or Calycanthus floridus if you want to get fancy.
But this spring there were lots of buds.
Quite lovely in bloom.
And it’s really hardy here too. Such a beauty to look forward to every year.
I planted a silverlace vine on the pergola about 4 years ago.
It did really well there. Maybe too well.
On the next post is a Wisteria, and the silverlace was starting to take over that space too.
I spent some time last fall and this spring cutting a lot of the silverlace back.
And I was thinking, this is going to be a big job every year, keeping this plant under control.
But then this happened.
This spring, there was no growth.
In the mass of branches, I couldn’t find any sign of life.
I dug around at the very bottom of the trunk.
Maybe it was girdled by the rabbits? I don’t know for sure.
But I did know I now didn’t have to feel bad about ripping it out.
So I got some help.
It was quite a job to cut it all out. And to dig out the roots.
I planted some morning glory there, and now the wisteria will have lots of room to spread.