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10 June Favorites

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' With so much going on in the garden in June, it is hard to choose only ten favorites. I challenged myself and have done just that. These are plants that look good around the midway point in June, specifically from June 15-20.  I begin with Magnolia 'Kay Parris'. Believe it or not, having spent the majority of my life in the South, I never grew a magnolia. They are emblematic of the South, where magnificent specimens grace old plantation homes and stately homes in older neighborhoods. I always thought of magnolias as huge trees, not suited to a small garden, but things have changed, and more varieties are now available that are not supposed to grow as large.  We now have two magnolias in our garden, both of which were added recently. When one of the old photinias that line our back property line died, it left a gaping hole. I had been looking at magnolias at the nursery and decided a smaller one might make a good backdrop and create a good privacy s...
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First big project finished

I've finished my first major project of the year - redoing a pathway that runs alongside our patio. I had never been satisfied with it. The stones I had initially used were uneven and too thick to walk on comfortably. The dwarf mondo grass planted between the stones was full of weeds. Inspired by Pam at Digging, I decided to do it all over again, this time with large flat stones and making it a solid walk. I removed the old stones, the grass and weeds and dug down about six inches. I spread a layer of sand before laying the rock and used a sand topping to fill in the cracks between the stones. The sand topping (a Quickrete product) hardens after you wet it.



Like almost every project I attempt, I soon realized that it was going to be difficult to level because it goes slightly downhill (I am terrible at stuff like this!). I then decided to make the pathway in three sections with step-ups. I replaced the mondo grass between the patio and the path. I think I'm happy with the end result. It is not professional looking by any means but like I said, this is not my forte.






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  1. breannepApril 12, 2008 at 11:02 PM

    your new walkway is beautiful!!

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  2. GardenessApril 13, 2008 at 12:54 AM

    Oh my gosh, that's amazing! Great job. Want to come help with our path??

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  3. AnonymousApril 13, 2008 at 5:27 AM

    Wow! I think this looks great. I know this must have taken a great deal of time and effort, but the result is fabulous. Don't sell yourself short, I wish I could do as well.

    Jan Always Growing

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  4. AnonymousApril 13, 2008 at 6:21 AM

    I think it looks fantastic, Phillip. Well done! I had not heard of that Quickcrete sand, but it sounds like a good solution.

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  5. DaveApril 13, 2008 at 3:35 PM

    Phillip that looks great! We'll be starting a similar patio project in the next couple months. Do you have any advice to give?

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  6. UnknownApril 13, 2008 at 7:40 PM

    I think it looks amazing! We're working on pathways right now too and you've inspired me.

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  7. Phillip OliverApril 14, 2008 at 6:18 AM

    Thanks everybody! Dave, be sure and read Pam's post at Digging because she has some good advice. My biggest problem is always getting things level. This time I took my time and did it all in stages. After I dug it out, I spread the sand and let it sit for a few days before laying the rock, etc. If you use the sand topping product, you have to be really careful - you can't just pour it over the stones and sweep it in or you will have a major mess. Carefully pour it between the cracks and when you wet it, use a fine mist from the hose so the water won't be too forceful. I hope this helps!

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  8. tinaApril 14, 2008 at 6:59 AM

    It looks pretty professional to me!

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  9. KiApril 14, 2008 at 8:41 AM

    Wow, impressively large flagstones. You must have had a difficult time moving and placing those. Looks great!

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  10. AnonymousApril 14, 2008 at 10:05 AM

    Fabulous. I love your garden. Thanks for providing eye candy and inspiration! Karen H

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  11. RandyApril 14, 2008 at 12:01 PM

    Not professional? Phillip, I think it’s wonderful and I would proudly have it in our garden. You did an excellent job as always.

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  12. NicoleApril 14, 2008 at 5:09 PM

    WOW!!! I think you did a fantastic job!!! Looks awesome!!

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  13. AnonymousApril 15, 2008 at 4:00 AM

    Phillip: What a great looking walkway. You must be so pleased. You really can't see the change in elevation looking from the first direction. If that becomes a 'tripping' problem you could edge the lips of the changes in grade with a small 4x4x4 belgium block for a visual clue to the change and a finished edge. It looks wonderful. You must be so pleased. I loved your 'petals on the walk' post also. Thanks for visiting over at ledge and gardens. I hope to see you there and visit you more often.

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  14. UnknownApril 16, 2008 at 7:09 PM

    Oh WOW! You're so right--what a difference it makes to have that... expanse... of stone for the pathway. Lovely--great job!

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  15. Frances,April 17, 2008 at 2:54 PM

    Phillip, what a beautiful walk. Thanks for the tip about being careful with the special sand. It looks very professional and really plays up the surrounding plants, trees and shrubs. It also must be a joy to walk on. Thanks for sharing this.
    I am always gone on the weekends and get behind on the blog reading. This new set up of Stuart's at Blotanical with the fave's only posts lets them stay up longer so I can find the older ones when I have a minute.

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  16. Philip BewleyApril 18, 2008 at 2:32 PM

    Nicely done, Phillip! I love that it still has a naturalistic look, but easier to maintain. Good advice about letting the sand settle a few days. It sets off the existing plants well! Time to throw a garden party and show off your handiwork!

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  17. lisaApril 25, 2008 at 9:46 AM

    I think it looks VERY professional! You did a great job, and I thought it looked nice enough in the "before" picture. But now it looks...wow.

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  18. AnonymousDecember 15, 2008 at 3:41 PM

    I think it looks fabulous. Perfectionist much??

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