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Sat. January 7, 2006
New home improvement project planning
Yes, no sooner than the New Year ticked by did I begin thinking about the projects to come around the house. Believe it or not, I did this all without Sarah's prompting! It must be catching -- nah! After talking with a couple friends I got the idea to do some privacy work to help make our deck more useful. My goal for the north border and small patch of yard on that side of the house would be to put up a privacy screen made of bamboo. Finally today I got online to do some research on the topic and found a great bamboo nursery outside Portland called the Bamboo Garden Nursery. They have plenty of photos to browse, great planting tips, and a chart that helps you decide which bamboo you might want based on price, maximum height, whether it'll take over your yard or not, and how much sun they like. I mocked up the picture below to get an idea how it might look. The rock wall was just me having fun with Photoshop.
Also on the list is a compost bin. My dad has had one for as long as I can remember and, since we have ample room for one, it's my turn to carry on the tradition. A couple websites talked about using/recycling old wooden palettes for shipping since they're plentiful, usually free, and can be used as a compost bin by fastening four together. Although the wood itself will eventually compost there's nothing that doesn't say I couldn't build another out of the same material again. Should be a fun project so keep your eyes out here for more photos to come.
Oh yeah, and I have to finish off that rain barrel I started. Just needs an overflow spout and a screen on top to keep the big chunks out. Then Sarah gets to have fun painting it -- isn't that right, hon?
Comments (13) | To Top
1/9/2006 @ 8:42am
Love the bamboo idea! And, being an engineer, I love the look of the straight-lined rock wall as well. Visual privacy is really important to me too, so this idea is a fabulous one! Good luck!
by Mandy
1/9/2006 @ 8:47am
My idea is also to spring for more fully-grown plants so we don't have to wait a year or two to get that privacy. It's more expensive but will be completely worth it.
Yeah, the rock wall -- don't know if that'll happen right away. I was just seeing if I could put one in with Photoshop. I'm thinking we should make that whole side area more of a peaceful garden with stone path, fountain, and such.
by KevinFreitas
1/9/2006 @ 8:59am
Kevin,
The wall is terrific. Very clean and easy on the eyes. I can't wait to see the completed project. As alway's I'm there for you if you need help. But after the car port lighting project you may not want my help anymore:-).
by Steve
1/9/2006 @ 9:28am
I just won't let you get your hands on anything that could draw blood -- does Nerf make tools? ;)
by KevinFreitas
1/9/2006 @ 10:19am
Gosh, wouldn't it be fun if some of life's improvements could be made with Photoshop. Or AutoCAD. Once in awhile, I find myself wishing I could use life's "undo" button, especially when I've completed a project and find out I could've done it a little differently in the end. I guess the drawback of using incredible programs is that you are constantly reminded that real life is a little bit hard and a little tedious at times.
by Mandy
1/9/2006 @ 1:51pm
Nice touch up. It would be great if we could apply more photoshop tools on the real world. Imagine how easy it would be to paint your house with the paint bucket or the gradient tool. Acne would be gone with just a touch of the clone tool.
by Gavin
1/11/2006 @ 6:31pm
You should check out Jade Mountain Bamboo nursery off Canyon Road South. Awesome selection, and local to boot.
by highwater
1/11/2006 @ 7:12pm
Thanks for the teep, highwater. Someone at work let me know about them too and I had a gander at their website. Looks like we might really find some great options there. Sarah and I will certainly check them out!
by KevinFreitas
4/15/2006 @ 9:24am
where did you get the large barrel for your rainbarrel? I would like to make use of rain water for a garden and other plants.
by Chris Diehl
4/15/2006 @ 9:35am
Chris: My dad worked at a dairy and was able to get me a barrel from there. You might check out any local food manufacturers to see if they have barrels. You want to make sure to stick to ones that had food-related liquids in them rather than chemicals for reasons that should be obvious to the health of your garden.nn
If I come up with any specific local sources I'll post them on this site (or you can do the same if you have any luck).
Cheers! ~ Kevin
by KevinFreitas
11/14/2006 @ 7:58pm
Chris and Kevin:
Check out Do It Yourself Rain Barrel Kits and completed Rain Barrels for sale at Aquabarrel.com
by barry
4/4/2007 @ 9:28pm
If you love the way that white plastic drum looks next to your home, well then, that's all that needs to be said about that, but for those of you who shudder at the idea of doing that, you now have a choice. I have a rain barrel that your wife or girl friend will fall in love with and they wont have to paint it when you bring it home. Jon
by Jon Elliotte
4/6/2007 @ 7:49pm
Krylon paint now offers a spray paint that will adhere to the white plastic barrels. Check it out on Aquabarrel.com = look for the paint link on the left nav bar!
by barry