With the picture perfect weather we’ve had this past week, I’ve been super busy working in the yard. I also took a three day photography class and a pastel class (more on that in another post) so I barely had enough time to take pictures and put this post together, but I’m anxious to show you the progress with the steps and driveway.
Yes, I said steps!!
The contractor found the time to not only do the driveway but the much needed (as you can see!) stone steps. He also came back the next day to put down some gravel I had requested at the last minute, and I think you’ll agree that was a good move on my part.
We have two entrances in the front of our house. This one is on the right side and is the one we use the most as it’s nearest to where we park our car.
Now can you understand why I’ve been dying to have these done? Davy Crocket called. He wants his steps back.
Pretty sad, huh?
Now before you read any further scroll down and take a look at the ‘after’.
I’m pretty sure your eye went directly to that light piece of wood, right? Let me ‘splain.
When the steps were being completed, I was at the above mentioned class so I had no input into placement. When I got home I was a little disappointed with the way they look because there’s too much space on the top. I also felt they should have been pushed back more so there wouldn’t be so much open space on the side. When the contractor came back the next day I mentioned it to him but unfortunately that bottom step is about 1000 lbs so it would have been difficult (i.e. expensive) to redo it, so he just put this piece of wood there in the meantime.
We were going to paint it but what we’ve decided to do is get some boards that are wider than what you see here and run them all across the front of the house. I’ll also plant a shrub or hosta on the side of the steps to fill in the gap. All in all, it’s not perfect, but it’s a HUGE improvement and overall I’m pleased. We need to do some reseeding also. No biggie.
These are the steps on the left side of the house. They weren’t even attached! Just a mess and I can’t believe I’m even showing them to you! lol Oh, and pay no attention to the dirty porch. Lots of pollen this year and tons of dust was created when they cut the stones, but nothing a broom can’t fix.
The walkway leading to the steps needed some sprucing up, so I had some gravel installed the next day.
I also felt this next area could use some help…
Better!
Now take note of the slope just behind the table and to the left of the lamp post and arbor.
This is what it used to look like not too long ago.
Here’s a shot I took a few days ago (before the gravel was installed) from the opposite side. We’re making progress, slowly but surely. I’m planting some hydrangea on the slope and they should do well since that spot gets some morning sun but is somewhat shaded in the afternoons.
And here’s just a couple of shots from the street of the driveway(s).
And just in case you think I rarely give Fisherman a break (guilty as charged), here he is before indulging in some toasted marshmallows and cocktails.
In other news…
We’re off to see Earth, Wind & Fire tonight at Tanglewood. On the menu, figs with goat cheese and honey; mozzarella with tomatoes, basil and balsamic; deviled eggs; lobster rolls; edamame salad; cranberry and apple coleslaw; spicy corn relish; chocolate cookies and of course, prosecco with a splash of pomegranate. I’m thinking I should take some pics of the figs because the recipe is soooooo easy and good I think you might like it. I’ll try. It’s always a fav when I bring them to gatherings.
I also want to share with you what I learned this week at the photography class so stay tuned for that.
I’ve picked up lots of perennials lately. Lupines, Delphinium, Roses and Phlox (among others) for this spot in our front yard. I’m trying to create a cottage garden with lots of color in this space because there’s so much green and brown we really need it.
Now I have to go to make sure Fisherman is digging holes for those roses ;).
Sharing At
Debbie from MountainMama says
Gorgeous!! Your home and gardens are looking so good, just lovely!!
Vera says
Doreen I love the rustic natural stone steps and with the pea gravel its added tons of interest and beauty. Looking forward to hearing about the pastel and photography classes.
xoxo,
Vera
Emily says
I love the stone steps Doreen, perfect for your beautiful home. You have been so busy since returning and accomplished a lot in the garden too. Love what you did behind the lamppost , looking beautiful. Hydrangea plants will look great there. Your evening sounds delightful……..Hugs.
Kim says
Your home is absolutely charming, Doreen! I don’t think I’ve ever seen the outside of it before. I am a rustic kind of cottage girl, so I am in love. The steps looks great, board or not, and so do your grounds. Wow…enjoy!!
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Your yard is looking great! Love all those pretty huge hosta plants.
Brenda
Al says
Those stone steps are so unique and charming. I love how they fit with the rest of your house, and I’m sure once you make the couple fixes you have planned, you won’t even notice the gap. Also, I can’t wait to read about your pastel course. I did a pastel art class once and it definitely wasn’t my thing.
handmade by amalia says
Oh, the garden looks WONDERFUL. And I was just thinking how much I like the (not so) new look of the blog.
Amalia
xo
Rita C at Panoply says
Doreen, I love your projects and all your progress – whew! That’s a TON (pun intended) of work! Your plans for landscaping sound perfect. Enjoy the fruits of your labors!
Cyn says
It is all looking pretty great! I admire your ambition and well thought out plans. I feel like a slug seeing all this! lol Great job and choices.
Cecilia says
What an improvement! I love the gravel y’all added. It really dresses up the walkway and yard. The stone steps are wonderful even with the gaps. Looking forward to that recipe and photography tips! Have a peaceful Sunday.
Hugs
Cecilia
AnnMarie says
Your garden and yard is what my dreams are made of! It all looks like what I have in mind for my next home, if that ever happens. I want to live in what looks like a quaint, cozy vacation home for the rest of my life. I’ll keep dreaming!
tammy j says
well that does it.
I am contacting HGTV
you totally need your own show.
I see it as a lifestyle show.
I’m thinking of the perfect name as I type this.
you are creating pure enchantment.
to see this rustic elegant cottage come alive under your expertise is
well… it’s magic!
and lots of sweat equity!!! LOLOL!
beautiful in the extreme.
and your picnic menu would make Martha JEALOUS.
XOXOXO♥
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Doreen,
Have fun at the concert. Sounds wonderful and your menu yummo!!!! Everything looks so great. Your home and surroundings are just beautiful.
Kris
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen I am so happy to see that you are feeling better and keeping oh so busy. Your steps look really great such a huge improvement over the before. And the grounds are also looking so much nicer and pulled together with the addition of the gravel. I’m looking forward to your future posts and the one about the figs. You know I have a few fig trees in my farm and would love to do something with them before they all fall off the trees.
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Phew you’ve (the Fisherman) done so much work and it looks awesome. Love the stone steps… they really add to the rusticness of it all. The gravel makes it all look so finished too! Would love to hear how you will control the weeds that peek up through the gravel after awhile! My backyard “patio” area looks like your “before” picture. I weed eated the weeds down to the ground, and then sprayed them all, but now all I have is a ground cover of dead, brown weeds! They didn’t go away! I guess we’ll have to put another load of gravel on top, but there is already a good layer of gravel there so not sure how to get rid of the dead weeds! Anyway…. the gravel path is so nice and your bank by the patio table will be so pretty with all the shrubs and flowers. Glad you are feeling better and good enough to do all that work! Would also love that fig recipe but don’t think I would like the goat cheese.. would put cream cheese in them instead! Take care and hope you enjoyed the concert. That group was always one of my favorites and love their music. Marilyn
kelly says
Your home is so pretty tucked away in the woods like it is! I bet it’s so quiet and peaceful. I love everything you had done. I know it’s a lot of work with a lot of property. Your garden area looks so pretty and I love your fire pit area too. I’ve been after my husband to speed things up with our fire pit. I still don’t have it! Ugh! Maybe someday.
Cindy says
Hi Doreen, I was busy drooling over the stone, I had to go back to look at the wood. Your grounds are beautiful. The Hosta is gorgeous.
With menu for the show you made me hungry. I LOVE Figs. The Prosecco with pomegranate sounded good too. Hope you enjoyed the show.
Fisherman had a nice fire going.
Can’t wait to read about your class
Cindy
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Your menu sounds delicious and everything looks beautiful outdoors!
Sandi magle says
What a gorgeous woodland oasis you have created. Tell Fisherman he is awesome and quite a catch, himself.
Great job and thanks for sharing, Sandi
susan says
Everything looks absolutely beautiful! A lovely country retreat – I’d never want to leave!
Sue says
Sold! It is just like a fairytale come true. Wish you could have heard my sigh as I saw the after photos. No apologies on the steps either, it’s all just a dream.
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh it all looks SO PRETTY Doreen!! I love, love, love the steps!! So cool! The driveway area turned out great, and all of your grounds and flowers look just beautiful. Great job! 😉
And that menu sounds heavenly. The figs sound especially AMAZING. And proseco anything is find by me! 😛
Have a great week ahead my Friend. xoxo
Karen@Beatrice Euphemie says
Love your new stone steps, Doreen! And your gardens……so beautiful! The gravel really makes everything so neat and tidy. Hope the concert was fun and oh, the delicious food……my mouth is watering! Happy Summer! xo Karen
Amy says
Where do I start, Doreen! There’s so much news packed into this post! I love the look of the stone steps, and the gravel idea was brilliant! The colorful garden is going to be amazing – can’t wait to see what it will look like when it’s all a-bloom! I’m really interested in hearing about the photography class – I’ve yet to find one that I’ve been happy with. And the pastel class sounds intriguing. While you were listening to Earth, Wind, and Fire, we were at a Hall & Oates concert at Bethel Woods. Your menu has me drooling! Please do share that fig recipe!
Jemma says
Good Morning Doreen!
What a fine morning it is too in your beautiful, charming, wonderful cabin in the woods!
You live in paradise girl! Look at the terrain and your gardens are so green, abundant and full.
Love what you did with your steps and may I come visit soon??:)
Fig recipe oh yes, now we are talking!
This is my new happy place, right here with you:)
xxx
Jemma
Karen says
Your yard is fabulous Doreen!! The stone steps go so well with your porch too! Thanks for sharing your piece of paradise 🙂
Julie says
Hey Doreen, your house transformation is looking wonderful. You are doing a great job with all of the improvements. It’s a lot of work owning a house and there is always something that can be improved. Your house looks beautiful in the woods. Take care and enjoy the end of the week and weekend.
Julie xo
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Doreen, I remember the yard excavating stories from last summer, lol. Look how far you two have come. Those stone steps are so rustic and pretty. What a statement everything makes. So glad you’re feeling better and back to concert going! The menu sounds enticing, I could only hope to be sharing a lawn blanket with you all xox
Kimberley says
Doreen,
I love the new steps, and I see what you mean with the lighter board filling in the space, but I don’t think it looks bad! I think that’s a great idea about running a larger board along the front of your house to cover it. The large stones for steps are so pretty! And adding the gravel was a great idea, it looks so nice under your table and chairs now.
Your home and your property are beautiful, what a magical place to live!
Earth, Wind and Fire sounds like an amazing night and your menu looked sooooo good!
I can’t wait to see all the rest of your flowers planted! You have a great Fisherman! 😉
Enjoy your weekend my friend! Hugs!!
Linda says
Hi Doreen,
Your log cabin looks so cozy nestled in the woods and your yard is just lovely! Did you say Earth, Wind and Fire! That sure takes me back….have a nice weekend in your magical spot in the woods!
Linda
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
The rustic stone steps look amazing and that spot with the iron table is so inviting and romantic looking.
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, your stone steps looks great! It would be so nice to have all this greenery around your home! I love your white table and chairs, and that yellow watering can is darling. Your whole area is coming along nicely. I noticed the sweet angel in the garden. Jemma has one similar to it. Did you get that from her? I enjoyed seeing these pictures, thanks for showing us your neck of the woods. It’s wonderful.
~Sheri
Cindi says
Omg. I’m loving it all!
Love those stone steps.
Everything is so pretty!
xoxo
Vashti Q says
Wow! You and Fisherman have done an amazing job with the cabin. It looks like a little piece of paradise. 😀 xx