“The man [or woman] who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the whole world.”

Charles Dudley Warner

Progress continues in the epic Maul-Hall front garden project. My last report noted the grass installation (Leaves of Grass). Then the new sod was more than happy to enjoy some good rain this past weekend.

Now we are seeing the results of a couple of days dedicated to planting and mulching. Gene and Robert were busy for several hours over Monday and Tuesday and the effect has been satisfying to say the least.

This is very much a departure for us, style-wise. Our past three homes had good-sized yards that were established, though sadly neglected, when we arrived. So our approach was essentially that of sculpting and taming and modifying and developing the existing landscape.

But here on Saint Patrick Street both the house and the lot were essentially a wasteland. Our plan, then, has been that of complementing the house restoration by establishing a landscape design from scratch and in what amounts to a very small space.

We have never before even imagined something this tailored or traditional in terms of form and neatness. But I really like this, and what we are doing absolutely fits… complements… honors the era and the streetscape of an urban historic home.

I think I have mentioned before that this is very much our grand vision for what Saint Patrick Street can offer the historic district. There is such amazing potential here and we want our home to be both an encouragement and an inspiration.

So here are a few photographs from Wednesday afternoon. I have to say it’s beginning to look like this design is exactly the right approach.

And, for those of you who have been holding your breath… all I can say is that paving the driveway could very well happen sooner than later!

What a journey and a privilege this home continues to be!

– DEREK