Well neither Nick or I are real fans of cutting down a lot of trees but we had MANY in our backyard, which unfortunately in the height of summer would have created a very shady and unusable yard. So we had Alex Scott, Certified Arborist and Faller from Horizon Urban Forestry come to fall our gigantic maple trees.
There are 3 large Douglas Fir trees each 50 + ft high straddling the edges of our backyard. Nick 'limbed' them the very first week we were here as their limbs were so long as to touch the ground and were near 20 ft in diameter making the yard appear small and dark. Even just taking out the large boughs which swept the ground made an enormous difference in the amount of light!
We had Alex our Arborist come through to give us a quote about falling the three large maples. And interestingly enough he said that the maples were much more hazardous than the large fir trees. The maples were each 40 + feet high but had been 'topped' about 5 years ago. Unfortunately they were 'topped' haphazardly (not by Alex!) thus creating unstable trees. As it turns out two of the three maples were starting to rot and were extremely dangerous. So we were happy to have them taken down.
We now have three GINORMOUS stumps which will need to be dug up and grinded out but that will be an on going project!!! We also cannot seem to sell the maple which is laying where it fell in large rounds. Nick has started moving and stacking so we can get on with the rest of our plans!
The yard itself is actually quite square in shape. Initially I had wanted the very back to be used as the garden but alas the house is full West facing so there would be too many shadows to place it there. We have decided to put in a raised bed along the south fence. This will ensure full sun for the veggies but creates a more rectangle shape for the rest of the usable yard. ... I'm sure I'll get over this but I truly had had different visions in my head!
We're starting with a raised bed 12 x 12, Nick bought 1in x 12 ft planks of fir and made a square (ain't he clever?) tomorrow we should be able to start filling it with dirt.
We've found TONS of veggie plants grown by locals at the Farmer's Market, our only problem now is to narrow down our choices!!
Nick's been busy making shelves for his 'Wine Cellar' underneath the stairs. We still need to build a bench for the garage and get another wooden rod for our winter coats to be stored.
We've been given a bedroom suite from Nick's Dad (thank you!) which I am planning to paint (the dresser and a night stand) hot pink for Ruby's room. Also have picked up some laminate flooring for the dining room. Currently it has carpet but we're due to receive a wonderful dining room suite which was Nick's maternal grandmother's (thank you!) But before the suite comes I really want to put down the laminate so as it's easier for me to keep this place clean!
NO rest for the wicked! Much, much to do! But we're having fun and enjoying ourselves emensely!
Kate
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