First you ....

remove the old patio and a lot of sod.

We started our garden in the late spring of 2001. Our children would soon be building their own lives, one was already in college, the other would soon graduate high school. They didn't hang out in the backyard anymore other than to sunbath or mow the lawn. My husband talked to an associate about helping us design an "after-work get a way" in our own back yard.

Anita was an avid gardener and a wonderful friend. Her home was nestled among flower and vegetable beds. She once raised sheep and had the best soil I've ever seen. I won't go into the compost pile, but I will tell you sheep leave the best fertilizer behind! She really created our vision with graphite and paper. Unfortunately she passed away before she could see our shared vision fully grown. She was truly an inspiration with a fork and hoe, but her spirit lives on everyday in what I see out our window.

Our house is nestled in one of the oldest planned developments in CNY. You know the kind where the houses are similar 2 stories, built on small lots and your neighbors wave when you get the morning paper.

Our first task was to remove our patio. It was originally a simple square patio made with rectangle chunks of heavy blue stone.

In the first photo you can see the corner of the small stone patio. The shed was there when we moved in. We didn't know at the time that the large shrub next to it was a viburnum. A couple years later it would be gone with much regret. Live and learn everyday a motto for LIFE!

The second photo is a better shot of the small patio that will be transform by some back breaking work.