Monday, July 14, 2014

the summer terrace




If you've been wondering where I've been, I've been here..
literally!




We've have been having an amazing summer (think wonderful temps with windows and doors open and not many bugs and only a few days that the central a.c. has had to be on) and I can't get enough of being outside.  I sometimes think I am trying to make up for all those years living indoors during the long, hot summers in Texas ;)
We have a long list, big and small, of outdoor projects, plantings, gardening, basic maintenance, etc. that we have been working on,  (we're "project people," what can I say?!) but for the most part everything is under control and I think we are feeling on top of it all, and we have been really enjoying the summer!  
So, my apologies for my absence, but I just couldn't bring myself to come in and sit in front of a computer working on a post instead of being outside!  I hope you'll understand and indulge me ;)


I wanted to show you how the terrace looks this summer.  There are a couple of changes from previous years and I'm really happy with the space!









I love to plant large herb specimens in decorative pots.  Last year I planted a huge rosemary in this jardiniere and this year lavender.  It's beautiful, the smell is heady and you can't help but run your hand over the stems when you walk by or are sitting in the chairs.





  Have you ever seen so many blooms on one hydrangea?!
This new variety is a repeat bloomer called Nantucket Blue.



Antique zinc dovecote on the wall that is the kitchen mud room.




The adirondacks that we used to have on the terrace were showing their age.  When I found these outdoor wicker club chairs at Target I thought they would be perfect here!  I've seen a lot of outdoor wicker chairs at all price points, but the scale and the color of the "wicker" on these chairs are really well done.  We joke that they have changed our lives!!  We sit out here for hours now, not something easily done in a wooden adirondack!  I made the cabana striped pillows using outdoor fabric from fabric.com






 Our view to the east.
This is a favorite spot for happy hour!




The antique olive pots were purchased from Bobo Intriguing Objects years ago at the Scott Antique Market in Atlanta.  Up until recently they sat between the garage doors.  I have loved having them on the terrace this year.









 Dan made the tabletop from old timbers removed from the barn during its renovation.  The iron base was a vintage trash can holder we procured "curb side" back in Dallas!  Antique weather vane and directional sits on the table with an antique Chinese green baluster used as a candlestick and an antique concrete finial and shutter.
If you missed the tutorial on how to make an orb out of old iron whiskey barrel rings, you can find it HERE.



 








Bronze bird used to be a faucet knob but now holds court on top of the umbrella!




The lavender up close.




 Early spring I realized I needed a large pot to go on the table.  I stumbled on this large beauty at an antique store in Vermont for $18, I couldn't get it into the car fast enough!




Antique white finial and antique green urn (a matching pair sits at the other french door) with Japanese fishing float and marble balls.









I won't mention any names ;), but lets just say a certain someone is enjoying the chairs too!
#sweetella



The sound of summer... a rainbird sprinkler!



If you're looking for me and don't find me on the blog, you can always find me on Instagram (which I love!) where I post a photo of life around the farmhouse several times a week.  If you aren't on Instagram (and you should be :) you can view my photos by clicking on the Instagram photos on my sidebar.

I have a couple of upcoming posts I want to share with you and then I want to show you
the barn room dressed for summer, so stay tuned!

To read more details about the objects d'art on the terrace HERE
To see the terrace in previous years HERE
To see the making of the terrace HERE.

Hope you're having a great summer!
xxojoan


84 comments:

  1. Your space is beautiful. It looks so calm and relaxing, like an awesome vacation.....just think you get to look at it everyday!

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  2. I can't get enough of your beautiful hydrangea! Such a beautiful shade of blue/purple. And antique olive pots, new outdoor furniture, and that magnificent view! Love the every detail!

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  3. Oh, how I envy you on your pebbled terrace in New Hampshire in July, while I still swelter in the suburbs of DFW. My sister lived in New Hampshire for years, and I got my masters from the University of New Hampshire by staying with her during summers for four years.

    It is heavenly there in the summer, but I have to confess I could not live there. One Christmas visiting her I discovered the true meaning of the word 'bleak' as the clouds hung low and gray for days on end, the temperatures were freezing, the parking lots were filled with blackened snow piles taller than the cars, and the hazy sun disappeared around 4:30.

    But, the summers are amazing! So is your beautiful terrace that reminds me of France with its pebbles.

    Judith

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  4. Looks wonderful! We are definitely having a gorgeous summer so far!

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  5. I love the hydrangeas in the pot. I wish mine would bloom.

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  6. I was wondering ...nice to know your enjoying the good weather. terrace is beautiful , but I knew it would be. Love all the details

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  7. The terrace is beautiful, and who can blame you for being scarce around here? Much nicer to be sitting outside looking at that amazing view than indoors gazing at a monitor. Happy summer to you!

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  8. Beautiful post! I've been wondering where you were! Thanks for the update. I have a question, do you plant directly in your antique iron urns or do you put your soil and plants in a plastic pot inside the urn?

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    1. I have actually done both Vicki. I have plastic pots that fit in the urns that I used in Dallas ( I would picked them up and moved them to the grass to water), but here I planted directly in the urns since drainage isn't an issue.

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  9. It is great to hear and see your yard. I was searching for you last week.

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  10. I am so happy to see those Target chairs used. I thought they looked like RH for much less! Your terrace is gorgeous!!

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  11. I am so glad to see you back!!! But I TOTALLY understand you taking a break. I would be living out here too!!!! It is simply gorgeous and what a VIEW!!! Sometimes I wish we hadn't downsized (don't tell Joe), but we are happy here. I love how you have "decorated" the terrace, you have so many beautiful pieces. I LOVE, love the big green pots too. I imagine you got them at a local garden center? Enjoy the rest of the summer. I am looking forward to the next posts!!!! We are "living" out on the new deck and patio too.

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  12. What a beautiful outdoor space! Enjoy!

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  13. I was hoping your back was allowing you to be outside "playing" in the yard! The heat is upon us down here in Virginia, but like I keep telling my husband, this is better than last winter! As always, it looks awesome. And I have a question, the gravel in the terrace area, do you rake it daily? It looks perfect! Love the new chairs...perfect spot for cocktails! donna :)

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    1. I do rake it occasionally LC, but not daily :) Dan bought a large 3-ft. stainless landscapers rake for all our grass projects last year and one side has a blade and I found it woulds perfectly to rake the terrace!

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  14. Love the change on the terrace! Hope your back is doing better also.

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  15. Sounds wonderful! Looks wonderful! Take advantage of every wonderful moment and enjoy!

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  16. Hi Joan,

    I missed you!! Welcome back!! Your terrace if just incredibe, what a view! We've been having a great summer in CT. too. I was just with Ruth at our nephew's wife's bridal shower!! I also just recently started following you on Instagram (I love it!). If you want to follow me (like you have time...), I'm at valleyfive. I'm new at it so I need to catch up.

    Enjoy your New England summer and all my best from CT.

    Mary

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  17. I so enjoyed your lovely post about summer in New Hampshire. I am in the DFW area and you know what summer is like down here! I can't complain, though, It JUST hit triple digits a few days ago and Friday's forecast high is 84! From May on I long for fall........
    Your place is simply lovely and I loved my visit here with you today!

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  18. Joan,
    The terrace looks great this year. I know the chairs must be comfortable if Ella has given her stamp of approval! Your weather sounds ideal. Continue to enjoy the season, I'm always happy to see an email indicating a new post. :-)
    Karen

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  19. Hello Joan:
    Yes, we have missed you, but I do follow you on Instagram on your blog, so I knew you were out and about enjoying your summer, as are we. We are having a great summer here in the northeast, aren't we? It's been beautiful here just outside of Burlington, and we are enjoying our outdoor space and garden as well. Thank you for your posts and pictures...they are always so inspiring. And no, I wouldn't leave that terrace either to come inside and sit in front of a computer. So, enjoy your space...we'll wait for you! Stay well.

    Bev

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  20. Sigh......

    Enjoy your garden of Eden,
    Karla in (dry) CA.

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  21. I don't blame you, I would spend all my time out on the terrace too!! It is beautiful!!!!

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  22. Oh, so happy to see your post. The terrace is beautiful. I'm so in love with the weather vane. Have you ever shown anymore from your collection? I will be anxious to see the upcoming posts that you mentioned. Best regards, Wenda

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  23. So happy to see a post from you today Joan! :) Your terrace does seem like the perfect spot for summer relaxing. Beatiful view! :)

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  24. Once again, i am pea green with envy!!!! Your home, lawn, gardens and most important thing your taste are amazing!,,,,,

    Happy summere!
    Nancy from North Carolina :-)

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  25. I totally understand your spending hours out on your terrace...it's absolutely lovely! And, I love all the special touches you've incorporated...very restful! ;)

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  26. Love the potted hydrangeas. The deer are eating mine before they can bloom. I wonder if I put some potted ones closer to the house whether the deer would leave them alone. (They don't seem to bother with the hostas near the house, just munch on the ones along our driveway.) How do you winterize your potted hydrangeas? Do you leave them outdoors year round?

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    1. This is the first year for the hydrangeas. In years past I've grown large grasses and didn't have any real luck with overwintering them. I'm thinking I will transplant these in the ground in the fall to overwinter them for next summer? I have really enjoyed them this year.
      Also, there are several products (Lowes/Home Depot) that you can spray around plants that will keep the deer and rabbits away. Several people on Instagram have mentioned having good success with the products.

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  27. Your terrace is lovely!!! Love having outdoor space when the weather is good! Enjoy how you have it decorated!!

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  28. Wonderful to see a post pop up from you! This TX girl is sitting here in the AC and green with envy that you can enjoy you alfresco setting. For me, the summer heat is the only downfall of living in TX. That said, we've had little to complain about till this week.
    Love seeing your beautiful terrace with all the wonderful urns and special pieces. Happy Summer!

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  29. Sigh….you really have created a beautiful space.

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  30. So beautiful! I truly thought your first image was from a magazine. I just blogged about the heat in Texas. I'm so jealous of your great weather and that you can grow hydrangeas. What a great find on the chairs! If I didn't just buy new outdoor furniture I would be running to Target. Enjoy your great weather!

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  31. What is it about pea gravel? I love pea gravel. I think I'd pea gravel my bedroom if I could. Love your terrace! xo, N.G.

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    1. A pea gravel bedroom!!! Now there's a new design idea Nina!!:)

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  32. So very pretty! I know you must pinch yourself when you look at that amazing view!

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  33. much older sister susanJuly 14, 2014 at 8:12 PM

    So beautiful! Have you seen any BEARS?????

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    1. No, the bear hung around, almost every day, for about three weeks and then once Dan started mowing (and the forest started producing more food) he left :( We miss him. But did have deer and a red fox one night last week!

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    2. much older sister susanJuly 15, 2014 at 12:29 PM

      I can live with that!

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  34. Love that space! I've missed your blog posts so I just started following you on IG!

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  35. Always a joy to see your place. The new chairs look great in this area. All the pottery and accents are set up so nicely. Very pretty hydrangeas- I'm not familiar with that variety. After last winter we have to savor these great summer days and evenings!

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  36. Gorgeous! How hard is pea gravel to maintain with all the leaves??? Thanks. xo

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    1. There aren't any trees around the terrace, but on the driveway (which is lined with sugar maples) we really don't have any problems. We sit on a hill and have a nice breeze which generally keeps the leaves off in the summer.

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  37. Joan,
    It is all so beautiful! I have a question about the blushing bride hydrangeas that you posted about two years ago. I ordered six of them from your link. They are very healthy, but this year I only have one bloom on one of them. Last year there were none. I fertilized in early spring (shake and feed) and have done it monthly since March, all to no avail. I emailed the place that I ordered then from, no response. I have googled also, but can't really figure out what is wrong. If you have any tips, I would very much appreciate hearing them. Email markbaldock@adelphia.net

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    1. Marian, Mine are really small this year and don't have any blooms yet either.... hummmm. I just assumed it was from our exceptionally cold winter. They are certainly not the easy keepers the marketing makes them out to be (we call them bridezillas;). I need to do a p.s. on the post where I mention them, thanks for the reminder. Sorry I can't be of more help.

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  38. So glad you're back. I've missed you! Your terrace looks beautiful. Did anyone think it wouldn't? ;-) I'm so jealous of your weather. Your plants look lovely. It's been nothing but hot and dry here in N.C. Can't wait to see your upcoming posts. Thank you for sharing and take care.

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  39. Your terrace looks so very inviting and those pots of hydrangeas so pretty.

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  40. Your place is gorgeous! So calming and inspirational!
    http://balearaitzart.blogspot.com.au/

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  41. Yay! A new post. I just discovered your blog recently and honestly sighed over every picture. It just makes me so happy to see how cozy and welcoming you've made each space. I went through your entire archives to see the transformation. I never do that. I love the thought and care you put into designing each room and reusing materials.

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    1. Welcome WC! I'm so impressed you read the whole thing!!!

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  42. Hi Joan can't say I blame you for sitting back and enjoying your beautiful terrace and outlook. It's cold here in Oz but not as cold as it gets for you.
    Kind Regards
    Karen

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  43. Just smashing! ALL of it! The gravel is gorgeous. I keep wondering if I can just do that around our pool area. Prob not a great idea. :( You know what my favorite part is?? The glass and other balls just scattered around. They are the perfect finishing touch!!

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  44. Joan,
    This is an amazing space! So beautifully finished and inviting. I just wish I was there to have a bottle of Perrier with you, Dan, and Ella! As always, you've inspired me to run home and change things.
    xoxo,
    A

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  45. I missed you! But, I'm glad that you are enjoying yourself this summer. I love your outdoor space and that color green. You always seem to find the right shade in things especially that shutter. I can only imagine how beautiful the weather is there. It's hot in California!

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  46. Well, I for one, am breathing a big sigh of relief as I have been wondering about that bear from earlier this Spring. Crazy thoughts of, "what in the world happened to Joan"...... and thoughts of, oh yeah.... that baby bear could have grown...... The terrace is so serene and peaceful. Love. It! Am waiting for part II, the kitchen herb garden. Best Regards. Your calling card Escondido friend....

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  47. Your terrace is beautiful! I love those hydrangeas in the green pots and the wicker chairs too.

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  48. Thanks for showing us your wonderful terrace. Glad you are having a great summer with plenty of relaxing time. But also glad that you spent some time at your computer :-) I love the hydrangeas, and the way you have set out the plants and objects, perfect as always. Hope your summer goes on and on ...

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  49. Beautiful garden!!! I love Target. I'm going to follow you on Instagram!

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  50. ...every space at the farmhouse is serenely beautiful...whether inside or out...each one seems to whisper..."be still...feel the quiet...enjoy the beauty of this moment"...blessings laney

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  51. So glad to have you back! I only read three blogs regularly and yours is one of them. So, when you take a break, I miss you! But I fully understand how living in the country, projects and life in general can keep one from their computer. I simply love everything about your style and design eye. Your understanding and use of texture, patina and subtle contrast is awesome. Hope your next posting comes soon. Your blog never gets "old"!

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  52. Beautiful-Love the terrace!!
    What is the name of the rock used?

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    1. I'm assuming you are asking about the "crush stone"? That is quarried at a local quarry not far from our house.

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  53. I was surfing the web today and sort of just stumbled onto your blog. You are absolutely a kindred spirit! I first found your post on going to Vermont from a couple of years ago....and, I wholeheartedly agree...I love New England too. (although I am currently living in the quiet rural beauty of west central Ohio). I think I will subscribe to your blog!

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  54. I love everything you did! The stone and gravel, the flower pots the French feeling or Tuscan ((: it is amazing view too!!! Enjoy the summer outside, we in Calgary have a short one too and love it out... Xo z

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  55. Always a pleasure to read your posts and see your beautiful, peaceful home, and of course, Ella! There's no shortage of gravel and white, wood lap siding at my house either ; ) My 1870's farmhouse has original wood exterior, and new wood on the addition. The original wood requires annual maintenance, as in, scrape and repaint whichever areas didn't fare well over our Michigan winter. I recall that you mentioned that this summer tradition is common in the northeast, too. Since we started the restoration in '96, better paints and stains have come on the market, and we're currently using a solid stain. I am curious if you have provided the brand and details of the exterior paint/stain that you use on your wood. I only recently needed to use my rainbird sprinkler for the first time this year ... music to my ears. So relaxing ; )

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    1. Paula, Yes all info can be found on my sidebar under "my paint and stains colors"!

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  56. I've missed you, Joan, but I am glad to know you are enjoying this beautiful summer! I kept looking for Ella at Brimfield, but alas. I'm working away on my new (very old) house and using your blog to sustain my faith that this house and its gardens can return to their former glory. Looking forward to reading your future posts! --Shannon, your new neighbor in Rhode Island

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  57. your home is lovely!!!!!!!
    just my style … I fixed the credits on my post, but know that on Pinterest the credit is given to the Jones Design Co. which is what I used originally … enjoy this beautiful season!!

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  58. Visiting by way of Savvycityfarmer, as beautiful as you are there, you are more beautiful over here.
    Love the gravel beds I. All the beauty of all things Euro, and your home I went through many old posting of your impeccable grace and beauty.
    I could only imagin walking off the rooms that inspire such brocante beauty.

    Xx
    Fondly,

    Doré

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  59. I don't blame you one bit for spending your time out there, Joan! It is lovely!! I had to laugh about the chairs changing your life. We upgraded from Adirondacks to cushioned chairs this summer, and laugh about how much more time we spend outside now :) Enjoy your beautiful terrace!

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  60. Your outdoor area is simply perfection! I love every single bit of it!! xo Leslie

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  61. I adore this! I miss my CT gravel garden. It always felt so serene - just as yours does. So much better than mowing too!

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  62. Joan, I love your blog - you have a wonderful aesthetic! I would love it if you would post some blogs on housekeeping. How do you dust these objects? Do you vacuum or brush lampshades? How do you care for antique rugs and wood floors -- etc. etc. Do you have a schedule for cleaning and maintenance? Do you have help? (How I hope you do - it's a large house!) I'm also very curious about your home office if you're willing to share.

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    1. My thoughts exactly! Joan is so knowledgeable and accomplishes so much I have been hoping she would do a post on housekeeping habits and schedules.

      Teresa

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  63. hi Joan! Hope you and Dan and puppies are all well! i am in love with your terrace (and house) and have a question. i think i remember someone commenting on the lack of weeds growing through the pea gravel and you said you put down heavy duty plastic. is that right? do you remember the kind and did it come from Lowes or Home Depot?
    i have an are done years ago at my house with gravel and the weeds are really bad and i don't use weed killer. i think there may have been some plastic put down but it's not working now. thanks!

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    1. hi Kerry, Yes, you are correct- we put down a thick layer of landscape weed barrier (it's more of a fabric than a plastic). I've seen some at Lowes/HD (both should have it) and there are different thicknesses for your purpose. Ours came from a local landscape supply, so you might also want to check there.
      Here is a link with photos (towards the bottom) that show the weed barrier being installed...
      http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/renovation-photo-story-terrace.html

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan