Making Progress

Getting a few projects finished here at Cottonwood Court. The before photos of the park bench and chair say, “help me!”. So , with a little elbow grease, sanding, cleaning, and painting, we’re happy now. I couldn’t get the color in the chair photo true to color. It tends to look gray, however, it is bronze and cocoa, same as the bench.

I chose to use the bronze and cocoa instead of more color such as turquoise, green, yellow, etc. so as to not distract from the flowers in this area. The furniture is not the key element.

Anyway, another project done. YEAH!

In the top photo, it is obvious that the fence needed repair. Replaced the two panels and prepared the garden. First, the ground got tilled, pretty hard and packed after winter. Next, we added a really good, natural compost. Then we planted and covered with a straw and wood chip mulch. Our weather is dry and hot in the summer and to cut down on the watering, a good mulch is a huge help, also, cuts down on the weeding

We planted tomatoes, green beans, carrots, peas, squash, onions, chile, cauliflower, and a few flowers to bring in the pollinators. I plant Cone Flower, Bee Balm, Jupiter’s Beard, and Sweet Joe Pye for the bees. And, finished out hanging some Petunias on the fence for “pretty”.

We have beautiful pink wild roses in bloom which are so pretty and the fragrance is breathtaking. I love the wild roses because they smell like a rose should, don’t get that with hybrids. The Hydrangeas are also in full bloom. These two flowers don’t stay in bloom for very long so we really appreciate them while we can.

Yup! Another project lined up. These will get cleaned up and sealed not only to look sharp but preservation. Because our climate is hot and dry, mostly sunny, wood needs a lot of care outdoors.

The wood slab coffee table was a gift from my husband. He cut the slab from a cedar tree trunk, cut the legs from the branches, and doweled them in. It will be around long after we are gone.

So, back to work. We’ll get the swing and table done and see how the garden progresses. The big projects should then be finished and we will continue on with our summer to enjoy. Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and happy summer. Next blog after the swing and table are finished.