More Stuff....

June Wildflowers

Wild Hydrangeas ...

Phlox...Downy?
Unknown...
Butterfly Weed... "chigger weed"
Sunflowers...type? Unknown

Meadow Rhue...

Coreopsis...???
Hosta across creek...

A Visit With The Flower Lady

Located on the corner of Ga Hwy 52 and Possum Holler Road (sounds country doesn't it?) we had a chance to meet the flower lady Monday morning although I cannot recall her name. This project started 15 years ago when she moved from Atlanta after retiring. There's more in the backyard but I didn't get that far this time.

The old water wheel is not functional, but gives me ideas. There was a place up in NC I passsed while going through the Smokies that sold stuff like that. Probably not a good idea as the creek would tear it up during heavy rains.


On to flowers, nearly all perennial. I'll see if you can guess...In the meantime I'm on the disabled list too after an attack of chiggers a few days ago. Time for some projects near or in the house.

On The 15 Day DL

...well maybe a few days. Mom is out of commission, too many chigger problems and it ain't pretty around here when she's grumbling about those things. In the meantime, the ferns are large and colorful this year as seen on the pathway to the east side of the house.

Lawn doesn't look pretty closeup, but it's weed free. I figure I have enough spare time, forget the weed killer.

Some planters....

Not complete... need suggestions. This is an ongoing project that's taken a week so far.

A Trip Up The Creek

I've always wanted to see where the creek leads going east. Last spring before the leaves appeared I made it about halfway or so now it appears. As expected it opens up into a meadow which is partially visible from the main road between Ellijay and Dawsonville. Nice view eh?

What I didn't expect was this! Turning 180 degreees from the above photo and an old dam is revealed. Somebody put quite a bit of effort into this thing judging by the size. It runs about 150 feet wide and reaches about fifteen feet high. I'm guessing it was built before folks up here had access to plywood as you can see imprints of the 2 x 6"'s that were used to form the structure before concrete was poured into it.

Some metal was used in the construction but not much...

Front view....
Looking from the backside of the dam.

Couldn't handle the force of Licklog Creek...

Don't Need These Critters!

Stay away! There's enough greenery elsewhere to feed on. This is actually the first time I've seen deer on the property, but we know how destructive they can be with plants, flowers, bushes, and the like. Local dog Lewis likes to roam around at night barking at things. Seems he's scaring the deer away according to my neighbor. Keep up the good work Lewis.

Rustic Pressure Treated Stairs

I've been meaning to get to this spot. Those nasty old railroad ties just didn't cut it. At one time I wanted to do the area with stone, much like the area in the previous entry. However I was running low and the place up the road closed their doors a few months ago.

I had no idea how many steps I would come up with...not too good with that kind of math. The job was started at the bottom and worked up. Getting the stringers right was probably the hardest part of the job (lot's of adjustments)...and then quite a bit of dirt was removed as well...about seven large wheel barrel loads...and as usual some leftover roots. There was a 15 inch Maple just to the left of the stairs two years ago.

Everything is tied together with 6 inch bolts on the outside and pre drilled holes with 12 inch pieces of 1/2 inch rebar pounded into the steps keeping them together. Like the retaining wall that I haven't figured out how to finish, the PT was distressed with the chainsaw. Running out of projects. I may have to consider a part time job to keep busy.

Pressure Treated Timber Wall & Gardens

With a little distressing done to it. This is an area that will allow for a parked car instead of continually jockeying around the small driveway when a vehicle needs to leave. I had planned on going to four feet high but once I got to this current level 2 1/2 feet I thought four would be too much.

6"x6" PT beveled and distressed with the chainsaw. Came out pretty nice I think instead of just a bland square edged wall. Plans are to stain, but I kind of like the natural look until it fades.

Maybe another wall just above it instead of going to four feet?

And some updates on the gardens going on around here..