We started with 10' long junipers encroaching on a crab grass "lawn" with buckled brick walkway that was 3/4 buried extending approximately from the middle of the parking area in front of the garage to the patio steps.

We set a goal of spending no more than $500 per year including everything, and we've pretty much stuck to that. It certainly could've happened faster with a bigger budget, but in a few more years when the seed-sowns are mature and our "stick with roots" shrubs are full-grown, I think I'll appreciate it even more knowing it was truly "from scratch."

So we yanked a lot of half dead stuff in 2004 with the help of a Bobcat, took stock of what was left, and pulled out the graph paper.

2005 - From the garage door - no Rugosa yet. No plants at all to speak of :-) This was year 2 that involved amending the solid clay soil and putting in copious amounts of mulch and compost:

2006: Standing in what is now the middle of the bed -- no paths, no anything except a plan

2007: Year 2.5 and to my eye it was beginning to take shape with the main walk and pathways in

2008: What a little perseverance will do :-)

Martie

Sometimes I am terribly overwhelmed at the cost or size of my monumental gardening ideas, and you are an inspiration! I will think of you as I slowly tackle my own big ideas :)

Thank you for sharing. I'm not very good at identifying plants via photos - could you name the woody plant materials for me? Is that a yellow lilac I see? LOL! I'm a goof, I know :)

Saucy

I've used woodies in all my garden spaces as insurance that I'll still have a garden when I'm old(er) :-)

Marie -- Thank You! Satisfaction at its finest.

pm2

Deanne

Michelle