My garden odyssey: Paths all done

EPISODE XXXVI

SHE SAID: Old bark mulch covering 200 feet of paths in our garden removed and sifted: Check.

Dirt and roots removed to provide a three inch bed for the new gravel paths: Check. 

Prep work all completed and awaiting gravel delivery: Check.

Both LInda and Mark all ready to transform the garden with new paths: Ooops! 

Of course, I planned on helping put down the gravel — no matter how small my loads or slow my work. Alas, that was my plan before my third doctor's appointment to try to cure my vertigo/dizziness. That treatment seems to be helping but, in the short run, I was told not to move my head, to restrict sweeping movements, sleep sitting up — you get the picture. Four hours after my doctor visit, 14,500 pounds of stone was dumped in our driveway and Mark went to work alone. (The picture at the top shows half the original gravel pile).

The paths began to take shape very quickly from my point of view; very slowly from Mark's. Luckily he wanted to change the paths from bark to gravel enough to do most of the work by himself over a week's worth of vacation. 

On the last day of putting down stone, I was able to fill my little barrow, push it uphill, dump the stones, and spread them by hand. I didn't do enough to make a dent in the stone pile; but it was enough to understand how much Mark did and what a hot, heavy and exhausting task it was. 

We wore thick gloves, long pants and shirts and headgear. Part of that — the gloves — was protection from dealing with all the stones; the rest was to deal with the mosquitoes. Mark actually did some of the work covered in a hooded sweatshirt. I wore my straw hat with mosquito netting that fits around the crown and has loops that fit under the top button of my shirt.  

Once the stone was all in place, we started moving wheelbarrow loads of the soil that Mark excavated to make a berm. This was in the front garden in a spot that's been waiting years for us to have a pile of dirt that wasn't already ear-marked for another project. We used some of the dirt to re-do the edges of the beds where they met the paths, to raise low spots and generally spruce things up. Next, I immediately started moving clumps of European ginger that has self-seeded around the garden to a new bed by the dry stream. 

We knew stone paths would add a degree of polish to the garden that wood chips lack. What we didn't realize was how sharply defined the hills and beds would look. It's as if everything — plants, paths, perspective — was slightly fuzzy and is now suddenly in crisp focus. Mark is exhausted, I'm thrilled and the garden looks fresh and new!

HE SAID: Thirty-six weeks ago we decided to dedicate our Wednesday post to narrating the history of our gardening life together. When we started we called it "My Garden Odyssey" because we thought that Linda would be telling the story. As it turned out, some of the story involved technical knowledge that Linda lacked. So I was enlisted to  write those chapters. Sometimes we both contributed our own particular memories. It's been a rewarding look back for both of us.

The garden isn't finished, of course. As the wizened old Japanese gardener responded to a compliment: "Come back in a hundred years. It will be much better!" 

But we have run out of history; this story is taking place in real time. From now on we will continue to document and share new garden projects; but they may not appear every week; and they may not be posted on Wednesday.

Linda and I want to thank all of you who commented on our journey, especially for the compliments. Gardening is, in many ways, a private pursuit; and it helps to hear the occassional encouraging word.

SHE SAID: Amen.

Comments

[Katie]

Wow, the path looks stunning. Excellent job!

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

Thanks Katie and hi to your punk partner. I was just reading about your winter gardening project. My first thought was that you were thinking of how your garden would look in winter. Clearly I was in Wisconsin mode. And whiskey and peaches: a wonderful sounding combo with two of our favorites.

[Pam/Digging]

Your paths look wonderful. Congrats on getting it done so quickly (a week sounds quick to me).

I look forward to your continuing posts in real-time. I know you'll have no shortage of garden projects to share with us.

[Lisa at Greeenbow]

WOW. The path really sets off the different areas it pases through. It calls one to come hither... I will be looking forward to your continued odyssey no matter when you post.

[Les]

That was quite a herculean task, but every good picture needs a frame. I did the same thing with pea gravel years ago. The wheel barrow broke on the second trip and the rest was done with an old 5 gallon bucket.

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

Thanks for all the comments. We still have the front garden paths to do but that is for another year. And yes, Pam, no shortage of other projects. There will still be plenty to write about.

Les — you carried it in buckets! That makes our project sound easy. I can't imagine doing that.

[MNGarden]

You did an excellent job. I am thinking my paths need work after seeing your.
Donna

[elephant's eye]

We have gravel paths, but it isn't pea, it is crunchy. I think the wood chips were easier and quieter to walk on?

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

This isn't pea gravel and is fairly quiet judging by our oldest stone path which has settled and is firm. My favorite for walking and quiet is pine needles.

[Barbara H.]

Fantastic! Congratulations on a wonderful transformation that took a whole lot of work! I'm glad you are feeling better, Linda, and especially that you were able to get a taste of the experience. It adds so much to our appreciation of what the other person has accomplished.