{"id":41772,"date":"2019-05-15T18:01:03","date_gmt":"2019-05-15T23:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/?p=41772"},"modified":"2019-05-15T17:05:03","modified_gmt":"2019-05-15T22:05:03","slug":"our-exteriors-landscaping-progress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/?p=41772","title":{"rendered":"Our Exterior&#8217;s Landscaping Progress"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Exterior Landscaping is the topic today, but first here&#8217;s an update on Jordan.\u00a0 She and her family made it home from Thailand yesterday after many, many hours spent in airports and on planes.\u00a0 Google saw <a href=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/2019\/05\/12\/toddler-boys-camping-themed-bedroom\/\">his new room<\/a>, met his dog Gracie, and is settling in.\u00a0 Jordan said that although he isn&#8217;t speaking English yet, he is starting to understand.\u00a0 He can follow simple directions and copy his sister.\u00a0 As they settle in, we will see progress every single day.\u00a0 Thank goodness for Skype, which we are using instead of Facetime, because it provides a larger monitor for him to see us and for us to see him.\u00a0 We want him to get to know us even before he even meets us and vice versa.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Now, let&#8217;s get on to today&#8217;s topic.\u00a0 After our exterior landscaping was installed early last December, we shared a few iphone photos of our house&#8217;s exterior.\u00a0 At the time, our fence had not been reinstalled, and the leaves weren&#8217;t on the trees.<\/p>\n<h2>The Exterior Fence<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-41780\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5556-1024x622.jpg\" alt=\"Townhouse exterior summer - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"1024\" height=\"622\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5556-1024x622.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5556-430x261.jpg 430w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5556-768x467.jpg 768w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5556-300x182.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Things are looking better now, and we want to give you an update.\u00a0 First of all, our fence is in.\u00a0 We had most of it removed during the remodeling months because we didn&#8217;t want it to get damaged, and it was often in the way.\u00a0 It is getting repainted this summer, which will not be a small task.\u00a0 The old paint must be removed with a special sander before the new paint can be applied.\u00a0 Each house on our block has a wrought iron fence, and each design is different.\u00a0 I love how that adds character and personality to our street.\u00a0 And I especially like having a gate.\u00a0 It&#8217;s so old fashioned.\u00a0 Our fence is probably the least ornate of all of them, and that&#8217;s okay.<\/p>\n<h2>The Flowers<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41777\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5553-e1557956486108-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5553-e1557956486108-683x1024.jpg 683w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5553-e1557956486108-215x323.jpg 215w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5553-e1557956486108-768x1152.jpg 768w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5553-e1557956486108-300x450.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Monday I spent several hours planting several large flats of pink and white begonias along the border of our landscaping.\u00a0 I almost planted red and white ones so they would look better with the red, white, and blue flag and bunting when our July 4th decorations are up, but I really prefer pink and went with that.\u00a0The courtyard, which I will show you soon, is also decked out in pink and white flowers, and I just love how it is looking.\u00a0 Of course, it will look even better as the flowers grow and bloom.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>The Shrubs<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-41784\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5565-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Townhouse exterior summer - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5565-683x1024.jpg 683w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5565-215x323.jpg 215w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5565-768x1152.jpg 768w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5565-300x450.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I bought two holly plants for the big pots on our porch and filled in around them with dusty miller and pink and white wave begonias.\u00a0\u00a0 As the flowers grow and spread down the sides, they will look a lot better.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41779\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5555-648x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Townhouse exterior summer - the 2 Seasons\" width=\"640\" height=\"1011\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5555-648x1024.jpg 648w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5555-204x323.jpg 204w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5555-768x1214.jpg 768w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5555-300x474.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Boxwoods would probably have been a better shrub selection, but since there is a boxwood blight in our area, I didn&#8217;t want to take the chance of buying diseased plants and then exposing our healthy shrubs to them.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>The Plan<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41781\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5558-1024x993.jpg\" alt=\"Townhouse exterior summer - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"850\" height=\"824\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5558-1024x993.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5558-333x323.jpg 333w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5558-768x744.jpg 768w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5558-300x291.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We still need to fill in the landscaping.\u00a0 We spent most of our landscaping budget on the courtyard, and we will fill gradually fill in the bare spots as time goes on.\u00a0 And of course, things will grow and fill in on their own over time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41782\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5560-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Townhouse exterior summer - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5560-683x1024.jpg 683w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5560-215x323.jpg 215w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5560-768x1152.jpg 768w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5560-300x450.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We are adding an espaliered tree against the fireplace on the side of the house.\u00a0 I found one at a local nursery, but they don&#8217;t deliver.\u00a0 So, I think that means I will rent a truck to get it here.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41783\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5562-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Townhouse exterior summer - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5562-683x1024.jpg 683w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5562-215x323.jpg 215w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5562-768x1152.jpg 768w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5562-300x450.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I am thinking that we will add five Annabelle hydrangeas in front of the wall which will be softened when the climbing hydrangea starts climbing.\u00a0 It&#8217;s that clump of green, and we have several of them along this wall.\u00a0 My hesitation with the Anabelles is that they require a lot of water and can look really droopy on dry and hot summer days.\u00a0 They are shade lovers, though, and they will be under a big tree.\u00a0 I would love something with a bloom, but it might be more practical to go with a holly.\u00a0 We will see.\u00a0 I am open to your suggestions.<\/p>\n<p>After we finish planting, we will add more mulch which will make everything look all crisp and finished.\u00a0 When the begonias grow and fill in, I think it will look really pretty.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-37690\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Screen-Shot-2017-12-21-at-5.15.44-PM.png\" alt=\"Townhouse exterior before\" width=\"950\" height=\"648\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Screen-Shot-2017-12-21-at-5.15.44-PM.png 847w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Screen-Shot-2017-12-21-at-5.15.44-PM-430x293.png 430w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Screen-Shot-2017-12-21-at-5.15.44-PM-768x524.png 768w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Screen-Shot-2017-12-21-at-5.15.44-PM-300x205.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Oh, and here&#8217;s a reminder of what it looked like before.\u00a0 We are definitely making progress.<\/p>\n<p>We have just loved living here in our new place and are so happy with that we upsized after learning that downsizing just wasn&#8217;t working for us.\u00a0 If you are considering downsizing, you might want to read <a href=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/2018\/02\/04\/five-factors-to-consider-when-downsizing\/\">this post<\/a> first. We will keep you updated on the progress of our exterior landscaping as things grow and bloom and even offer some tips on how to keep your exterior landscaping and plantings looking fresh.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Take care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Exterior Landscaping is the topic today, but first here&#8217;s an update on Jordan.\u00a0 She and her family made it home from Thailand yesterday after many, many hours spent in airports and on planes.\u00a0 Google saw his new room, met his dog Gracie, and is settling in.\u00a0 Jordan said that although he isn&#8217;t speaking English yet, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":41779,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"categories":[3,13,11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41772"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=41772"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41772\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41787,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41772\/revisions\/41787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=41772"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=41772"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=41772"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}