Latest dbBrad project, landscaping and earth work

My latest project is not really design or build, but more like install and sculpt.

dbTruck, dbTrailer and dbTractor.

While it's not exactly what I thought I'd be doing with my architecture, art and engineering background, I'm very much enjoying doing restoration and working outside repairing the land. Plus it's keeping the crew busy.

We staked out the utilitites prior to beginning work..

Get to know the site, the design and the materials-dbBrad

We've been at it for two weeks now and here are some shots of the tools, the materials, the yard and the process, with a back-flip for kicks!

Loosening up the earth to remove Aspen roots and for reshaping.

Some of the design objectives are to simplify the front yard and to improve the relationship to the land around it.

dbDog on Granite steps loaded on dbDad's trailer.

There's also a functional component, to add parking and create a more obvious approach to the front door. The generous steps, large stepping stones and an inviting path directs people to the main house and makes approaching the detached apartment less obvious.

The mulch made a great spot to dump the pavers which I did by myself on Memorial Day Weekend so I could return the rental truck. See More

The landscape design by Fran Abel accomplishes these objectives with simplicity, low maintenance and a timeless garden that will only get better with time.

dbBrad and DEW excavator at work.

Many of the rocks were already on the property which I placed with ease, but 5 of the rocks were a little bigger and needed a bigger machine. Placement is to aid in retaining and help transition the house and land visually from a massing standpoint.

dbBrad dumbfounded by d'big rock! Andrew had to remove the tailgate to get the rock in the truck.

There are also 3 large granite steps (900lbs each) leading up to a crushed granite path with large stepping stones set into the CGP (crushed granite path). All this in a more intimate garden between a beautiful house and the lovely field and forest in front of it.

dbBrad and dbDog, Sir Benton 'damn he's cute' Cowboy, the eviscerating Aussie!

All the new beds are being mulched, several inches of aged wood chips over a continuous and overlapping layer of cardboard. This will look great immediately, but will control the weeds and encourage development of healthy soil.

I like to find rocks with a patina and moss and apply finesse when moving them to minimize damage.

We're planting trees now, but will wait until the mulching does it's job before we plant all the shrubs and smaller plants. The irrigation that's going in now for the trees will be easily added on to when the final planting happens, probably this fall.

dbLight, an Italian lamp in a rock from the property.

Lighting was an issue and we wanted a more subtle and natural source of light. Inspired from the second street park lights (Langey WA), I teamed up with Lloyd Whennel of Fine Art Builders, who is carving rocks from the property which we will be insetting with sweet little indirect lights from Italy.

Trees, Tractors and Rocks, co-existing!

Even when all the materials are on site and it seems all the decisions have been made, Fran and I found ways to make little improvements all along the way. The touch of a master adds allot to the placement of a rock or the fluff of some mulch!

db-Landshapers setting some of the larger rocks while Fran and Brad worry about scratches!

And a little fun had to be had on the job site too. When the mulch is this soft and fluffy, you just got to take a minute to jump into it.

dbBack flip!