Back Deck Clean Up

I have finally finished the front steps to my house and the smaller back deck (lower, larger decks and steps to go!). It looks so much better when I look out my slider now... no more black & green wood....in fact, the wood looks brand new. I wish, however, that I had never painted the railings white- it's an annual event every spring to give them a fresh coat. Guess I'll have to get around to that next! The pictures were taken at dusk so they may appear a little darker than it actually is..but still better than what it was!

This is the overall look...I still need to fill in with plants and some more containers, but it's coming along.

This is a fountain I bought years ago that unfortunately cracked last winter. I used contact cement to hold it together, and now she makes a lovely (albeit worn!) planter.

This is a wall-mounted fountain I bought years ago that DOES work. I love the sound of the water in the afternoon when the slider is open. Very peaceful...and the kids like it too!

And this is the start to my herb garden...

Hope you all have a "rosey" day!

Making Friends With Mr. Powerwasher...

For those of you in the same situation (both the "wo" and the "man" of the house!), you can attest to the NUMEROUS things you find yourself having to learn. Lucky for me, I was born one of two daughters and both of my parents believed in doing things yourself, and took pride in what they could accomplish- I am fortunate that they passed that drive and determination on to me (and I hope to pass the same on to my sons!).

So my week long project has been to power wash my decks and stairs outside-this has not been done in SEVERAL years and things were starting to look pretty filthy around here! So I begged one of my co-workers to drop the power washer off at my house (the thing is heavy!!) and I've been acquainting myself for the past few days with the finer points of power washing. 'Couple of hints...wear waterproof shoes, do NOT aim directly at the house at less than 6" away and not expect to get SOAKED, at 2 " not only will you remove the grime, but a goodly portion of the wood, and be careful if your 12 year old offers to help (who happens to be on the slender side)- the pressure can knock him back!!

Here are a few of the befores of one of the back decks...I'll load the afters tonight.

Yes... I attempted to do this at first, by hand, with a spray bottle of bleach and a hose. Let me tell you, I would still be there next April! Notice the lovely shade of black covering the entire deck (along with the charming green against the walls!).

Oh the joys of cedar shingles.... can you say "vinyl siding, anyone?"

Trusty old ladder, standing at the ready!