Gardens are not made by singing “Oh, how beautiful,” and sitting in the shade.

Rudyard Kipling

I believe we can confidently say that the epic street-side landscaping project here at Maul-Hall is now complete. I will pause for a moment and let that sink in… because it has absolutely been a while. Now the story will be all about nurturing and growing the plants, making sure we stay ahead of weeds and me not killing the grass!

The first shovel-load of dirt was moved back at the end of April. In the beginning – as is always the case with restoration and reimagination – the emphasis was on demolition. Many cubic yards of dirt and debris, careful finessing around the gas and the water, amending the soil.

Then laying granite blocks for the retaining walls, going deep with a Bobcat for the driveway foundation, moving trees, laying sod. Finally waiting for the pavers, grading and regrading, laying the driveway and then more sod to tie it all together by the end of October.

“That’s a long time!” people say. And it really is. But then I think about Michelangelo. He didn’t paint the Sistine Chapel over a long weekend! Art takes time.

And this really has been a project of not only heavy labor but also artisanship and art too. From imagination through consultation to design and planning and then implementation there was a lot going on.

So kudos to our friend Gene Sorie and his employee Robert, who did a lot of the work alongside him. Gene is as thorough as can be and we know all the work is first quality.

The grass needs to get established and then springtime will show us the way forward in terms of fleshing out all the plantings. Rebekah is a good gardener and I follow directions well so there is a lot to anticipate in the New Year.

This really is a part of the entire restoration project. Not just redeeming the house but the entire property. We know we will never be completely finished, but we are absolutely well on our way!

Enjoy this abbreviated slideshow (advance through 24 photographs) that hits the highlights, from the very beginning to today. Grateful for our home – DEREK