Sunday, July 1, 2018

Cha Cha Changes

If you have read my blog very long you will have seen this water feature. I made it 21 years ago by digging out a hole and filled it with concrete. I think it took 3 bags of concrete. It has been so long ago I hardly remember. I also smushed rocks, shells etc collected on trips into the edges while the concrete was wet. My Garden Journal for that time doesn't mention how much concrete but I remember having to go back for more than I originally thought I needed.  I initially was disappointed because I wanted a shallow spot where birds could bathe. Since I made it a little deeper and larger than I anticipated I put a pump in it and let it go. I have a soft spot in my heart for it as it hasn't ever cracked and we have seen so many birds come to it. 
The area slopes down from the patio to this area so I put a little dry creek in. Now the times are changing and so am I. I hated stooping down to clean it out etc. Couldn't be that I am getting older.? No surely not. After so many years I wanted something different.
Since I didn't really want to get rid of it I figured I could find another place in the garden for it. That is  IF we could get it out of the ground unbroken. If it broke apart as we pried it out of the ground that would be it. It must be tougher than a chunk of iron. We got it out and moved it to this spot by the screen house.   I like the way it looks like a big mushroom sitting there.
The hole left behind had to be dealt with. I didn't have enough compost to fill this hole and level it.  I had to purchase  4 bags of 2 cuft of garden soil. That pretty well filled it.  Then I planted some ferns, moved some rocks etc.  The area is still evolving.
With the birthday money I got from my Dad  I bought this fountain. I love the sound of the water trickling. I really like the ease of cleaning it and keeping it full. 
After the Gray Catbird heard the tinkling of the dripping water...
She gave her tail wave of approval. I am quite pleased with this new arrangement too. 
If you look off the other end of the patio you see what might first appear to be a big black hole there too. Naw not really.
It is a beautiful new pot I also acquired this week. I found this pot as I was shopping at a nursery for some plants to put around the new fountain.  
I planted some of my mini hostas in it. Blue Mouse Ears in in the center and the Church Mouse is the other dark green one on the right. Are you seeing a theme here? 
I can tell you that I need a new rock that says Mouse Trap instead of Garden of Weedin. 
I still have some plants that need planting, rocks that need moving, mulching and other changes.
It is too hot to carry on with any more changes right now. That gives me something to look forward to when it cools down again.  Are you doing any changing in your garden?


42 comments:

  1. You have been busy! While I loved your original water feature, I think your new features are wonderful too. Change is good, at least as long as you're the one driving it. I haven't made any major changes for several months now but it's inevitable that the itch will strike eventually. I just hope that'll be driven by my own motivation (e.g. to tackle my back slope) rather than in response to one of Mother Nature's interventions.

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    1. I hope your changes are due to your itches. Mother Nature can be cruel.

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  2. I love the new pot! The shape of the water feature above ground is intriguing. I bet it was no easy task getting that up out of the ground. Also bet it's so rewarding to sit in your screen house and admire your accomplishments. It's all looking lovely.

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  3. It is such fun to make changes in the garden. Your lovely fountain should bring you lots of enjoyment and I like your new planter as well. There's nothing like going to a nursery and coming home with something new! Enjoy!

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    1. It is especially nice when you aren't thinking about a certain item and it just jumps out and says take me home. You have a use for that.

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  4. I like it when something old becomes something new! Good ideas and good implementation, Lisa!
    I've had several projects done in May and early June, and now, I have a break, as you!
    Have a great July, Lisa!

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    1. Yes, it is that time of year when it is too hot to get out much. I will just have to watch the flowers grow.

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  5. Hearing water in the garden is a wonderful thing and it is a must for the birds. You will love the fountain and I am glad you found a new home for the basin.

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    1. Now that the birds are used to the dripping they love the fountain as much as I. They were leary of it at first. Yes, for some reason I like that old basin.

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  6. Happy belated birthday, Lisa. I wish much successes in your garden plans realization.
    I see you're very busy doing your garden cozier and prettier. I love your 'mushroom' near the gazebo, it's interesting decision.
    Happy new week!

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    1. Thank you Nadezda. I hope you are enjoying the week puttering around in your greenhouse.

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  7. It is always great fun to change things! The garden instandly looks different. Groetjes Hetty

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  8. Super job of repurposing your old bird bath. Love the new one with the running water. Your garden looks like a lovely place to visit. It is always so nice to see the new changes you are doing. Happy birthday late Lisa - hope it was a great one.
    Thanks too for your visit to my blog. Not sure if they were rescued animals. I just touched the tip of the ice berg in photos of the hundreds of animals that roam the farm. There were bison, water buffalo, antelope, deer from Japan, kangaroos and huge turtles, and gorgeous birds from all over the world. Fascinating to be up close and pet the animals too. Take care friend and have a lovely 4th of July. Hugs!

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    1. Hi Debbie, I always worry about exotic animals that are not in their home territory. I wonder what will happen to them.

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  9. Lisa girl you are doing a grand job with design here .. putting the pond pond there is a wonderful idea .. you will be able to watch little creatures from the screened area as they come for a drink or dip in the water. Your new fountain is gorgeous ! We love the sound of water running in the garden (it is so soothing), it gives it such a natural atmosphere and it does attract birds/insects , all sorts of creatures really in the garden to those focal points.
    I love your mini hosta .. I have a couple of Blue Mouse Ears and have been amazed with how tough they can be and look beautiful while being that way .. I have a thing for mini me plants .. have a few little ferns too .. you would think I would do a fairy garden up right ? LOL ... I am switching plants around (when it isn't too hot ) .. no major changes though .. well, not really ?
    I just made my bulb order and I know I am going to groan when they come in the Fall .. each year I say to myself "Don't order so many!!" .. and do I listen ? haha

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    1. Hi Joy, Happy Canada Day to you. I haven't seen any mini ferns. Probably just as well because I am so attracted to those mini plants. I just read that there are mini daylilies. Gee, the world is shrinking.

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    2. LOL ... I haven't heard of mini daylilies ! and yes ! the world is SHRINKING !

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  10. It looks so lovely Lisa,
    Well done you, your artistic talents always shine through.
    What a pretty water feature. It will be lovely for the birds to bathe in during this hot summer we are having.
    I also love the new pot.....it will look enchanting once the plants grow Miniature plants always look so pretty.


    We are in desparate need of rain. We have reached 30C and there is no sign of changes for the next ten days :(

    I am wilting, along with the garden and poor Nella hides in the cool of the house. Thank goodness we have an old house that is cool in Summer. We will not mention Winter :))

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  11. Thanks Cheryl.
    We are having much the same weather here. It is considered a heat wave. The weather people don't have to tell us this. When it is over 32C for days on end you know it. UGH... We would be sick if we didn't have air conditioning. You are lucky to have a cooler house in the summer.
    Our grass is starting to go dormant. I don't think the Zoysia ever recovered from winter yet this year. I wonder if we will lose some.

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    1. Our grass is turning yellow.
      I try not to look at it :))
      They cannot see an end to our heat wave.
      We are not used to this in UK.
      I must admit I struggle in the heat. Must be my Celtic roots, I much prefer it cooler.

      Take care my friend.

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  12. Your new fountain is wonderful! I’d love to add a water feature. I have a huge retaining wall being built in my backyard to deal with a big slope and massive tree roots.

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    1. While they are digging out roots etc have them make you a water fall. Sounds like a perfect place. ;) I know easier said than done.

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  13. Love all the changes and know just how you feel. Can't stand this hot, buggy weather and the garden looks like a jungle. Any kind of water feature is such a bird draw. And I am a big fan of those mini Hostas. Did not think I would be but I have three and am definitely needing more.

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    1. I am definitely a fan of mini hostas. I think I will next acquaint myself with mini ferns.

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  14. I love your new fountain and pot! It's much too hot to contemplate changing anything in the garden right now; maybe when it finally cools off, I will get ambitious enough to do something other than watering. I really like your miniature hostas; I have a couple in my miniature Japanese garden, but don't have any elsewhere, because I know they would get quickly overtaken by the bigger ones. But in a container--you've given me a great idea for next year!

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    1. I am glad to give you an inspiration. It is terribly hot. I won't be doing anything other than watering now.

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  15. Change is good! Impressed that your concrete water feature could be moved without breaking - must have been solid construction! And I like the new fountain - good for bird wading!

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    1. Thanks Jason. The birds still like it even though it was moved. Any water is appreciated now.

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  16. Wow! Lisa you have been busy and it all looks so lovely! Beautiful work!

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  17. Thanks for visiting and commenting ~ hope you are enjoying your beautiful garden !

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  18. The garden is always changing! I love your new fountain and the big black "mouse trap"! Your garden looks very lush. As if my garden was not already large enough, I am planning a major expansion into a previously undeveloped area of our property. It will have a winding path through beds of easy-care (I hope!) perennials like pink muhly grass, Joe Pye weed, rudbeckia, monarda, and hardy geranium. I am very excited about it, got those garden juices flowing...

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  19. How exciting to be doing a big new area in your garden. I will look forward to seeing it evolve. I am sure all of the bugs and birds will appreciate all of the native plantings. Have fun.

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  20. Change in the garden is a constant. I love the way your water feature looks in the new location. The fountain, the pot of hostas - it's all wonderful. Fortunately, summer temperatures here are mild enough that we can play outside most of the time. Nothing much new in my garden, just trying to catch up with all the maintenance that didn't get done when it should have.

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    1. Yes, you are lucky to have such cooperative weather. You have so many more plants than I could ever hope to have growing in your garden. Such fun. I love seeing your wild and wonderful garden.

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  21. Good to see you and having you visit and comment ~ enjoy that lovely garden!

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  22. Dear Lisa,
    I like your new water feature, though I also liked the old one. Must be nice to listen to water tickling in your garden. I don´t have a fountain in my garden, but I made a hypertufa water feature for my garden this spring. I am always so excited when making changes in my garden.
    Best wishes,
    Lisa

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    1. I too enjoy making changes in the garden. It will be fun developing this area even more.

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  23. The old one was good, and looks charming in its new location, and the new fountain is really pretty. You make your garden better and better!

    Cool photos of the catbird, too.

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  24. Had to stop by …
    Enjoyed seeing your photographs, it looks so nice, well done.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Jan. Glad you enjoyed the photos.

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