Succulents

I got a lot of planting and other yard work done this weekend. One chore I was happy to do was to get these succulents planted. They were a gift from my friend Wendy, along with the pretty blue pot. I had the strawberry pot, and I like how the hens and chicks look in it.

Being succulents, I'm hoping this means they are more like cactus and won't suffer when I'm a slug about watering. Now to move on to the rest of the yard. It's turned into quite a jungle!

Sodbusting

My friend and neighbor, John K., just had sod installed in his backyard. He was thrilled, and so were the raccoons. Every morning John comes down to see whole sections of sod lifted very carefully by the raccoons so they can get to the grubs underneath. He ordered coyote urine (I don't know if this is where he ordered it, but this is what I'm talking about) and that worked for one night. He just put down some anti-grub stuff. We'll see if THAT works, since it is apparently the grubs they're after. Anybody have any ideas?

The Patio

I wish I'd done a "before" picture. I think the radiator adds a necessary whiskey tango element. I'd actually like to move it, but it's so damn heavy. And where would I put it?

The ivy started under the bushes and covered the patio to the point that you couldn't see any flagstone except at the corner you see here closest to the camera.

Temporary Guests

Can you see this guy? I intended to trim the bushes by my front door after I cleared the patio, but with this nest of baby cardinals there, I had to leave that chore for another day. There were at least three.

O.K., Things Are Starting to Happen

Found the patio today. It's been there, but it was almost lost to the English ivy that seems to want to take over the world. What I thought would be at least a weekend's work turned out to be a mornings chore. Wow! Wish I'd taken a before picture so the after would have some context, but, oh well. Trust me. You would have been afraid to sit down for for fear of being taken over the vines. If you could have found a seat. Anyway, it's progress.