• The Grounds 2006
• The Grounds 2007

This was, by far, the most work of the homemaking experience. The property, though small, had lots of overgrown shrubs. First, we removed the two hemlocks that were far too close the house. We then added circular beds in the areas covered by the trees (convenient!).

Next we set to work cutting out the Chinese privet, Japanese honeysuckle, invasive rose and forsythia. Brandy was given lots of perennials by her parents and so we planted them in beds around the perimeter of the house. We added about fifty bags of mulch to keep down the weeds.

In Spring 2007, we built a raised bed from a composite lumber kit to begin our first vegetable garden. This has been quite successful. The two shrubs in the back were removed and plans for this area include a seeding annual bed. A black raspberry patch has been planted and Mike built a fire ring for entertaining.

Plans for 2008 include adding a blackberry patch, more raised beds for vegetable and strawberries, and increasing our native perennial collection.