More Work at the Big Build

Finally there was a break in the rain long enough to pour the patio by the pool. We are starting to make progress on more permanent structures in our outside living space! The table is still the two slabs of rock held up on cinder blocks. But that is next. The latest plan is to pour a concrete table and polish it like the headers and sills in the house. I think that will make a very nice dark contrast with the light grey color of the concrete patio. Note the patio is polished and scoured like the basement floor. It looks very nice! And it was all done in time for the Labor Day party :)

More Permanent Structures Taking Place


To the right is the path way leading into of the pool area. This is also getting very close to it's final state. The crushed granite mulch will be the theme in the area between the car port and the pool area. There will be random plantings of Agave, Verbena, Cactus and various other sun loving drought tolerant plants. Around the stepping stones, I'm will be planting "Walk-on-me" Thyme. This plant grows a mere 3 inches and when walked upon releases a lovely scent. It also produces a pretty pink flower. The desert region folks are known to plant an entire "lawn" in this manner. We'll see how it takes to my desert garden.


Below is a picture of the path looking out of the pool area. Beyond the large rock is where the car port will be located. Not as nice. Still needs lots of work. But the big stone is in it's final resting place. I plan on planting English Lavender around the base. Hoping that takes well to the hot and sunny location. If that doesn't work out, I'll replace it with Latana, Verbena, or Sage. The two stone columns are the beginnings of a trellis. The plan is to grow Honeysuckle up the inside steel columns (not completed just yet), up onto a rectangular steel structure that will sit on the top of the stone and the steel columns. Can you see it? Well hopefully it will be complete before winter sets in. But not too sure about that ...