Blue Castle Garden: Year 2

In 2006, house construction was completed. Several serious issues came up, preventing the planting of the actual garden.

My focus instead turned to collecting garden ideas and planning the overall design. At the same time, I worked closely with my neighbor to resolve our grade problem with the builders.

 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

House Construction Completed

House construction was completed in late January with no sidewalk blocks to the front entrance or top soil on the lot.

Resolved Grade Issue

Discovering a serious grade issue between my lot and my neighbor’s lot caused enormous stress and delayed the laying of sod.

Neither builder took responsibility until my neighbor threatened to sue her builder, leading to an offer of a wooden retaining wall to be built the following year.

Front Yard Tree Selected

I chose a Russian Olive tree for my front yard, rejecting two free builder provided trees. While considered invasive and illegal in some US states, this tree can struggle to survive in our city’s harsh climate.

No matter how many of these I would eventually kill, I don’t regret falling in love with this tree. The combination of black bark and lacy silver leaves is utterly unique.

CHALLENGES

Warped Wall Studs

Weeks before moving a huge bulge became evident on the exterior wall due to warped framing wood. Quick work by the builder ensured my move-in date didn’t slip.

DISCOVERIES

Buried Construction Debris

Years later, I’m still discovering house construction materials when digging holes for plants. This buried debris can seriously stunt the growth of grass and plants.

Surprisingly, the wood was still in great shape. Not something roots can easily penetrate.

Local Plant and Design Ideas

Great garden inspiration can be found in your own city. Long walks in established neighborhoods and city parks provided excellent plant and design ideas for my own garden.

Joining my local horticultural society and touring top city gardens also demonstrated what was possible.

These tall sunflowers inspired me to grow my own a couple years later.

My love affair with Daddy petunias began here, highlighted by a lawn of perfectly trimmed golf course grass.

REFLECTIONS

It’s important to keep your expectations low when dealing with new house construction. Your schedule is not the same as your builder’s. It was frustrating to realize I wouldn’t be planting for an entire season.

In hindsight, this forced waiting period was hugely valuable in designing a better garden. It gave me the time to ponder and investigate different options I never would’ve considered if things had gone according to plan.

This post is part of the Blue Castle Garden Timeline series.