We have a big project approaching next week to fix our problems with our sunken in patio...aka the pit. Let's just say that it basically turns into a pool when we get severe storms, and we have had our share this summer as our weather patterns are getting more extreme. We currently have sand bags around our back door to keep the water out of the house when it rains.
The pit dressed up for a party and my little rock garden below that turns into a waterfall when it rains.
The idea is to shrink this pit area up and connect it to an upper deck that will be going in off the kitchen. The old railroad ties just can't hold back the water anymore so they will be replaced with stone. The concrete slab will be removed and permeable pavers will go in to allow the water to seep into the ground. We also have to regrade as the grade is currently pitched towards the house.
Our dining will be relocated up to the deck which will be nice to have right off the kitchen. We have decided on installing a ground deck.
Some outdoor spaces for inspiration....
via~MyVibe My Life
via~Items By Design Bird
via~Houzz
via~Houzz
The timeline of this project is not perfect. Many of the plants surrounding the pit are grasses and shrubs so they should move fairly easy. And I have been moving my rock garden perennials all season so I feel good there as well.
That's what's shaking here..what's shaking by you?!?!
Make it a good one folks!
Some outdoor spaces for inspiration....
The timeline of this project is not perfect. Many of the plants surrounding the pit are grasses and shrubs so they should move fairly easy. And I have been moving my rock garden perennials all season so I feel good there as well.
I am concerned about my dahlias and veggies as they are in the main location of action, but this is the timeline we have to work with so it is what it is.
Veggies outside the kitchen to relocate if possible....
That's what's shaking here..what's shaking by you?!?!
Make it a good one folks!
Oooh -that's quite a big project. As my old Landscape tutor used to say "drainage, drainage, drainage and a little bit more drainage". Not very romantic but very important. Good luck with all the works - will be worth it in the end! xxx
ReplyDeleteThat all sounds exciting. You can grow veggies next year, save your main plants and think about what it is going to be like at the end. We had a kitchen extension and had to pull down a beautiful established clematis Montana and my heart leaps everytime I see an old photo of Heidi stood in front of it in full bloom but I planted another one and it is catching up 4 years later - the joy we have had in our new kitchen far outweighs that image. Good Luck keep us posted. Jo x
ReplyDeleteYou know that I understand how stressful, and how important this work is!!! I can see now from these pictures just how and why the water all goes into that area and causes such problems. I hope that the works will make a big difference and that you wont have any more problems in the future, it gives you an opportunity to move things around in the planting areas, so try and think of that fun!! It will be worth it in the end, and you have to focus on the goal in sight and not worry too much about it while it is happening!!! I look forward to seeing the results - which will be wonderful!!!!!!! xxxx
ReplyDeleteSuch a hard work... I think 'no pain no gain'. Sometime we have to 'throw away' something that we love in our garden. But I love your idea. Hope you will get the best...
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame, it's such a very pretty area. No doubt it will be lovely when it's all finished too. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness that is one big project you have coming up, good luck can't wait to see the end results.
ReplyDeleteHello Nicole,
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to have a new project in hand. In our experience, plants can be moved successfully at any time it just depends on the after care as to whether they survive and thrive. You may, of course, lose the flowering season for your Dahlias as it may be better to cut them back and nurture them along for next year. As for vegetables, well, as a last resort, there are shops.
We are sure that you are wise to think about the drainage with your new arrangement as that can be the downfall of so many gardening schemes. But, your new dining area sounds as if it will be great and just what one needs when the weather is favourable to really enjoy the garden. Good luck!
Sounds like a huge project, but one that will give your mind more ease when finished. We have had a lot of rain too and I'm always so grateful we don't have a basement when the back yard turns into a river with each downpour.
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to see the finished project and I'm sure you are too. I'm sure it will be beautiful.
Cindy
Hi Nicole, I love your "pit" but understand that it has to go. I can't wait to see the end result! With you sense of style it will be beautiful. Think of all the container gardening you can do with a deck! xoxo
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the project!
ReplyDeleteIn Finland we are suffering now an unusual long period of hot weather, we have not had any rain, and the nature is turning into a desert.
It looks like you have alot to do my friend. At least you have good weather to get the job done. I am not sure it you will have someone come in and help you, but keep an eye on them if you do. In our last house we had to put in a new septic tank in another area of the yard. I told the men that if I needed to move my plants I would do it before they started the job. I came home from work one day and they went right through the middle of my hosta beds. They did agree to pay for them, but those hostas were over ten years old and so pretty and so many. Now I stay home if someone does a job here.
ReplyDeleteThat is a big project ahead for you. I am painting inside the house during these hot and humid days.. I want to do so much more outside..just do not have the energy to stand the humidity these days.. I cannot wait to see what you do.. Be sure to keep us updated. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteBig project, but it will be so worthwhile. We have a wooden deck off the kitchen that steps down to a paver area patio, but we under planned it-- the deck is too small for a table and the patio area is too. In addition to drainage, drainage, drainage, make sure you plan adequate square footage for both the pit and the deck! Love the inspiration photos.
ReplyDeleteHome projects are always so fun, frunstrating, expensive, and rewarding. haha. It will be so nice once it's done. We have a deck of off our dining room (which is connected to the kitchen) - we eat outside whenever we can. It's just so nice to have that option. Good luck on your project. I know it will turn out great with you in charge!
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame it floods in its current state - as it's beautiful just as it is . . . truly! And I love your rock garden. But I imagine whatever changes you make will be even more magnificent. Can't wait to see your progress. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your water problem...but it looks like youve found a beautiful solution. Please post photos when you are done!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you a have a lovely shady area there, lucky you! I'm sure once you work your magic it will be a wonderful space to sit back and enjoy your lovely gardens. I love a stone retaining wall! Wishing you much luck and success keeping the dahlias and veggies happy and am looking forward to seeing the finished project!
ReplyDeletesorry about your water problem! sounds like you have a challenging yet fun project ahead of you! best wishes and i hope you'll share progress as well as the finished result!
ReplyDeletesuch lovely outdoor spaces!
ReplyDeletefrom helen at thelovecatsinc.com
ps. win some Raybans of your choice + a beauty goodie bag worth nearly £300 on my blog! click here.
definitely a project worth tackling! I can imagine that it is not fun when the weather gets terribly wet for that area but, that space is pretty amazing!
ReplyDeletexo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
hope you can fix the pit problem. your garden is looking amazing x
ReplyDeleteThat's a WHOLE lot of shaking going on!!! I know whatever you decide to do with the pit area, it will turn out JUST as fabulous as the rest of your projects! Love to you, my friend - I know the water is good for your beautiful plants, but here's hoping for not so much that it floods your area! XOXO
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a great plan. You have a nice space already so I am sure this will only improve it and make it more useable, while maintaining the beauty and tranquility you already have there. I like stone retaining walls, I think they look beautiful. And you can plant succulents on them, which will be another extension of your beautiful garden!
ReplyDeleteOh, man! So sorry to hear about this. Bummer that you have to do all this, but hopefully it is a blessing in disguise. Nicole, you have a natural talent and I know that whatever you do, it will look stunning, beautiful and serene. I am not kidding when I say I wish you could give me some inspiration (and help) for my yard. ;)
ReplyDeleteSO much rain lately! We have discovered dampness in our basement now, and it makes me ill. My husband spent an entire day reworking the eaves troughs at the front ... just in time for a record amount of rain to fall (and no water was pouring over the eaves any more!!). Your pit does look like trouble being level with the back door. The plans sound lovely, and you must be so excited to have this problem sorted out and to get a new fresh space into the bargain is great! Enjoy your week Nicole. Wendy x
ReplyDeleteAll of those photos are very inspiring, Nicole, I am not sure what I would choose - you are spoilt for choice. I think "the pit" looks super cute, it's a shame about the water really as it looks like a perfect little place to eat and party! Your plans sound exciting and I am sure you will work out the logistics soon. Keep us updated! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about gardens and such but this sure sounds like it's quite a big project! I'm sure you'll meet the challenge head on and it'll be awesome when you're done and no longer dealing with water issues whenever it rains. Best of luck Nicole!
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
Wow - this will be a big project - bet it will look fabulous when it is done. I guess having the table setting by your kitchen will really improve that indoor/outdoor flow though.
ReplyDeleteI love your dining area - what a shame that you have so many problems with it. Looking forward to seeing the re-vamp.
ReplyDeleteChanges.... That's also part of the fun in having you own home and garden. I'm sure you'll love your new deck!
ReplyDeleteBest to do something about all that water when it rains, it can do so much harm.
We have had some extreme weather lately. Your plan sounds great although it will be a big project. Everything you do in your garden is well thought out and the outcome is always gorgeous. Can't wait to see the finished product! It will be nice to have your outdoor eating area near your kitchen. Have a great week, Nicole!!
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see how you go - the inspiration spaces look dreamy! I'm sure you cant wait to get it sorted! x
ReplyDeleteIt will be so good to have it done and you won't have to worry anymore. I am glad you can get most of your plants relocated, good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your project! Are you doing it DIY? I'm trying to hire someone to put in a paver patio in our back garden - currently our table and chairs sit on the grass, which does not work well. I came to the conclusion I will not have time to do it DIY.
ReplyDeleteOh what a bummer that it floods. Whatever you do will look gorgeous, I am most sure:) xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like an exciting project! The inspiration pictures are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a big project :) You'll be so pleased to have the area fixed up though, so it'll definitely be worth it.. such a pretty area you have, so many possibilities! Looking forward to seeing the outcome!
ReplyDeleteugh--drainage issues are the worst! Sounds like you're going to have a lovely outdoor space when it's all finished, though, so that's something to get you through it :)
ReplyDeleteOh, the pit sounds like a big problem, but it also sounds like you have a great plan. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the project but its going to be fabulous when its done.
ReplyDeleteYour patio is so pretty!!!!!!!! Since we put on our addition and added the deck, ours is sunken like that now, too. We did take out the concrete and put in pavers, but somehow we managed to get the slope going toward the garage. So anytime it rains, the river goes in the man door of the garage and streams straight through to the main garage door and out into the driveway. I guess we can say, at least it has a clear path. Ha! Going into the house would NOT be good. What a shame that you have to do all that work. But it will be so nice not to have the stress and headaches every time the skies get cloudy. I love your little rock garden area, I hope you get to recreate it. I think the things you have to move will be fine. I've moved a couple things recently and just made sure to give them lots and lots of water and a shot of fertilizer. They seem to be fine. I can't wait to see it when it's all done!
ReplyDeleteI love your design ideas, Nicole, but sorry for your water problems that have inspired this major project! Such a shame as this area is very pretty. I love your plantings and glad you will be able to salvage most of them. I just know it is going to be very beautiful when you are done and I hope it all goes smoothly for you. It will be nice to have right off your kitchen - so convenient when you want to entertain. Our front walkway gets a big puddle in the rain and needs to be fixed. The joys of home ownership never ends :) This is an exciting project for your family and it will be a wonderful place for you to enjoy! Hugs xo Karen
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to share this again when it's done. It looks lovely in your first photo but if it's causing water problems then I suppose I can't stay that way. One house that we rented once had a semi outdoors bathroom & toilet....sometimes when we got really heavy rain the toilet room would flood :-)
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Nicole, this is going to be grand -- can't wait to see the photos! I'm finally getting some ripe tomatoes out of my little kitchen garden and am learning a valuable lesson for next year. For every tomato I can use, there is one that has been pecked by the birds, so next year I must somehow cover the tomato plants so the birds can't get at my precious little crop.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Nicole! It looks like you all have a very big undertaking coming up. I hope it all goes without a hitch. I know you have probably already considered this and your problem might be one that can't be handled by it, but have you considered installing a french drain to redirect the flow of the runoff?
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about this and sincerely hope and will pray that all will be resolved. I will also be praying that you will have milder weather, that all of your plants survive relocation and that the changes you make will solve any future problems. May all go well for you and your dear, sweet family!
Projects like this are always such big undertakings, but it will be so worth it not to worry about flooding issues like you have had in the recent past. I love all you inspiration and look forward to seeing what you do with the deck and basement walkout.
ReplyDeleteYour patio looks lovely but having water pooled in there during rain can be a big problem.. excited for your new project.. good luck and have fun :)
ReplyDeleteProjects can be a pain but the results will be so fabulous! Dealing with water problems is always a priority and your creative juices will be flowing once everything is done and you can redesign your garden. There's always calm water after a rough sea. :o)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful outdoor area but such a shame about the flooding issue. Sounds like you do have a good plan though with the deck. I look forward to seeing the end result! Lovely inspiration, as always!
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteYour outdoor area is fabulous and must be great for entertaining. How lovely it will be to have the new deck and I like the inspiration you have got to help you with this.
happy week
hugs
Carolyn
Nicole: Best of luck with this project. Your table is beautiful! Thank you for your sweet comments on my latest post. I know that things are tough for everyone at one time or another. My disappointment wasn't huge in the grand scheme of things, just the end of a long held dream. Anyway, life goes on and I have so much to be thankful for. Life is Good!
ReplyDeleteOoh...I love your new plans...a deck? I love the smell of a deck after the rain. It is going to be so warm and inviting when finished! I love your design vision! xoxo Jen
ReplyDeleteI love the wooden ground decks! keep us updated with this project! kisses
ReplyDeleteHey Nicole! I hope this project is going well for you and the veggies and dahlias are surviving, it sounds like it's all going to make life more enjoyable when it's done! I can't wait to see pictures! Good luck friend! xxxx
ReplyDelete