Hallson Gardens

Hi there,

This past Tuesday afternoon I decided to finally tackle the back steps project I've been "planning" for oh, something like 5 years The back landing ended up a little higher than expected after we built this place and we just sloped the dirt up to it so it was useable, but over the past years the dirt has washed away and this step got higher and higher until I started tripping on it all the time. So last Tuesday I got everything together and now have new steps up to the back door. Here is a shot of the work just as I started it, at 3:30 in the afternoon:
And here it is at 9:30 in the evening, after brushing some sand into the bricks. I still have to install a drain line that runs underneath the landing and attaches to the downspout so that this doesn't wash out again. This project didn't really cost me anything, either. The bricks were free, just for hauling them away from a landscaping job that we did several years ago, and the railroad ties were leftover from when we built the back wall for the nursery. I'm happy with it, but am in shock that I got this done in an afternoon. So was Brian, since he was at work and didn't expect to see this when he got home
Now I have to decide if I want a garden to the left, or just leave it grass. I'm sure in another 5 years or so I'll figure it out

Thanks for looking!

Chris

Wow, looks great Chris!!! You have so much talent and energy....unlike me!!

That looks soooooooooooooooo much better now!
Next time plan a project like that for when I'm there - I'd be glad to give you a hand!!!

Great job Chris! How long did it take for your back to quit hurting after lugging those heavy railroad ties

Ginger

Hi Chris! What a wonderful job! It looks awesome! your cousin Lynn

That looks great, Chris. I bet it felt good to get that project crossed off the to-do list!
I have a big one...paving the area off my back deck...in mind, and have been gathering
supplies for it (finding bricks and large pieces of limestone for pavers) for about 5 years or so.
Hopefully next year I'll have the time and energy to get at it.

Linda P

Thanks everyone, and great to see you Lynn!

Yes, this was definitely one of those projects that took longer to think about than to finish, and it does feel great to have it done. I wasn't too sore afterward, but could feel it. Mostly it was in my shoulders from hammering in the rebar to hold these in place. When working with railroad ties the key is to manipulate them, not lift them, though once you've cut them down to 4 or 5 feet long (with a chainsaw) they can be carried easier.

Now on to the next project - building a rock wall and a new sun garden!
Chris

Looks great Chris, the key is to roll those heavy items into place if you don't have help! Can't wait to see the next project finished.

It looks terrific, Chris! If that back landing is anywhere near your kitchen, I'd put a small herb garden to the left.

Looking very god indeed

One of the things I have admired in several posts here are the use of different materials / brick styles.

Here if ýou need a driveway and a patio it HAVE to be the same bricks all over, even if you have to redo the patio or the driveway... expencive? sure , but more important ,... it looks darn boring - sort of a "dead" area even if they put in a pot or 3.

Timber can be slippy during fall and winther... give them a brush up with some rough grit - it helps