As viewed from the garden side ... not much of a garden at this point, but stay tuned.

Doors, siding & roof in place ...

Afternoon of the same day ... the roof is taking shape.

Trusses delivered this morning (unloaded by crane)

Nothing but a slab

Four walls - progress!

Nothing like a blank slate ... I find it inspiring!

Bloomtown Under Construction

(Click on the image for a larger view!)

After much talk and lots of planning we have finally embarked on a major remodel of our back garden area. This has involved the demolition of our existing garage (unfortunately it was not salvageable as a remodel). We have begun building a new structure that will serve as my office & design studio, and when that is nearing completion we will begin construction on the new garden which will be rebuilt around the new structure.

The construction has been under way for approximately a month at this point and I am happy to report that we are seeing visible progress; we have walls! Next week we'll have a roof! Seeing the footprint evolve into a 3 dimensional shape has been exciting. The studio will be light and bright; it will include three skylights and will open to the garden on two sides. There will be double french doors opening into the space from the new dining patio. A second pair of french doors will open into a courtyard & casual seating area.

Of course, the most exciting part is yet to come - rebuilding the back garden. The garden, while still informal, will have stronger lines & a bolder shape. A newly constructed seat wall of natural stone will frame the courtyard opening to the north. The dining patio will be bluestone square & recs (if budget gives out, gravel for the first year). The vegetable garden will be expanded to run the full length of the south side. The angular raised beds providing functional, yet artfully arranged growing zone for the vegetable garden. For those that know the garden, you will notice that the pond has been removed; the secret garden under the Linden trees is still there and the front garden remains intact.

Keep checking back here for progress shots. I can’t promise pretty pictures for a while, but watching progress can be fun. In the end, I am confident that the gardens will develop as I have pictured them in my mind. I look forward to sharing them with you.