The landscape is forever evolving here at Swallowtail Cottage.
I moved here fourteen years ago, (brother how time flies) and have lived to see the initial plantscape mature to the point of necessary major editing. Last summer numerous spent shrubs were removed, leaving considerable voids to fill. This winter, the back row of cypress had declined to the point of intervention. At least with board fencing, this problem will have an instant solution. Not so in the front garden, where I must wait five years for the new shrubs to mature.

the rear row of Leyland Cypress branches began to die from too much shade, exposing my property to light pollution, road noise, wild critter invasion, and nosey neighbors

with a little elevation pruning by me, the rear row of cypress became the backdrop for the new fence

everything in its place. Two 16′ boards at a time, each crew member carried material (on their shoulder) to the rear of the property, carefully avoiding dormant perennials. All supplies were hand-carried to the project area. What a considerate crew!

ready, set, go…notice the amateurish built fence by my neighbor a few years back. Rotting boards (not pressure treated) will soon fall down. Perhaps they will hire a professional fence builder next time…my fence will outlive me.

thirteen 4X6 posts placed, leveled, and tamped. Varying heights were necessary to comply with the terrain

finished fence…11′ tall at low-end and 7′ tall at high-end…pine needles make a nice mulch in this area, raked from the school grounds around the corner

back side of 90′ long fence with room to return with solid stain later in the year. Weeds should remain at bay too.

time to take the gloves off and enjoy another completed project. Winter is a great time for such outdoor schemes, sans ticks and other biting insects that plague central Virginia nine months of the year. Bracing morning air was invigorating too, keeping me from hibernation mode.

this morning’s view from the rear terrace, across the turf. The shrubs really pop even when dormant and have improved light and air for their growing seasons ahead
Another successful home improvement project is under my belt.
Since 2001, projects here, both indoors and out, require my full attention — the reality of owning an older home with a needy landscape.
Applying my design and communication skills, employing a sense of humor, and being somewhat tolerant of budget overruns, keep me honed and motivated for the next solution/design project. Furthermore, as the designated primer/painter here at Swallowtail Cottage, this homeowner stays in shape too.
Next up, the much awaited pergola at the rear terrace. Now that will be a much welcomed addition. Will I ever say UNCLE??
Stay tuned…
Copyright © 2015 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
Ok- How’s that pergola coming? 🙂
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Wendy, Still buried in snow here, yet that pergola is hot on my brain! Keep posted! 😉
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Wendy, that pergola may never manifest, as hard as I try, my favorite builder has gone the way of all builders here. With another building boom at hand, small projects like mine fall to the bottom of the pile or off his table altogether…
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For some reason my comment didn’t go through earlier so I’m stopping by again to let you know what a great job your fence guys did…you don’t find good workmanship like that too often.
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Thank you Karen. I am grateful to have found this company. During the 6.5 year home renovation, I quickly learned to strap to one hip a 45, then in the dominant hand, carry a big stick! 😉
It only took me 14 years to find great teams. Now I am SO ready to move on where life is easier. I follow your progress with much interest! Keep those blogs coming! Diane
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It really is a nice improvement and you get much needed privacy from nosey neighbors. I had that issue too and solved it with arborvitae and fencing. Your fence will be fun to plant vining plants.
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Donna, I plan to stain the fence back and front with Oxford Brown, probably in September, when boards have time to dry out. I may hang something on the fence, yet already have enough plants to manage, so no vines…;-)
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Oh I meant vines on your pergola, a misprint on my part. Maybe no vines though, huh?
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Of course, the pergola! No vines there either, as I am sole caretaker here, and as much as I love climbing roses, wisteria, and the like, I ain’t getting any younger! 😉
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These guys do a really terrific job – so nice that you put their contact info from their truck on the blog. 🙂
Jeanne
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Looks great. You must feel so accomplished.
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Thank you Cynthia. Yes, indeed I do. Fun project with great team. Can you tell I am addicted to HI projects? 😉
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Diane,
I absolutely love your article and cannot wait to show my dad Joe! Do you mind if I share the link on our Facebook page and post your pictures?
Thank you for your kind words and beautiful pictures!
Bethany
~sent via email
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Fence looks great! These guys did a splendid job
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Chris, we both have great new fences! I adore projects that are flawless!
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So do I. Especially ones that keep the varmits away….
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Both two and four legged varmints!!!
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Diane,
Great looking fence!
Mike
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very nice… i like the boards parallel. good idea!!!
~sent via email from Peggy P
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Your fence looks great and the tips were educational.
~sent via email from Jackie
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Hmmm…needs a few openable gun ports.
~sent via email from a NC friend Tom
LOL!
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the project is a great D-Fence for a very “Off-Fence-ive” neighbor!!
Mr. G.
~sent via email
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NEVER cry “UNCLE.” The fence looks fabulous. Just reading about the project was invigorating! I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, put on my gloves and get to work! And, I will in about 4 weeks when the hand is better! Keep at it girl–you are inspiring!
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This looks fabulous. It is much more fun to see knowing exactly the spot and trees you are talking about. Congratulations!
Suellen
~sent via email
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