Impressive! I can't believe you had to clean each stone and then artfully arrange them to make it look like a well-fitted mosaic. I know you like the kid-friendly aspect, but it would look amazing with some trailing plants in planters on top, too. I had an awning on my house in Maine, but even a little wind would make it tug and yank on the supports. I finally removed it. In my current house I have a covered patio area that was roofed over with three skylights, which didn't really let in enough light, and it also had a significant hole in it. I had a carpenter yank all that out and put on transparent corrugated panels that makes it bright and cheery, keeps it probably 20 degrees warmer in winter, allows me to overwinter many of the summer plants, and acts as a greenhouse. Of course, it intensifies the heat in summer, but I open all the windows to help with that. If they get a hole or hail damage they can be easily replaced.
Our (small) back porch is covered with translucent corrugated panels. They make a heck of a racket when winter storms blow through, even though they are sheltered from the worst of the wind. But they do allow light, so I can see why you settled on that. Your winters are colder than ours, so having it act as a greenhouse must be wonderful.
We were surprised. We didn't expect the outdoor-room feeling. We were so focused on managing the rainwater better, we didn't realize we were also creating such a good outdoor socializing space.
A pleasant side effect that you'll put to good use. It's nice that your neighbors are so helpful and friendly, and a joy to know that the kids are benefiting from the wall, too.
A cat? Bertie, the grey fluffy dog, is in the photo where I'm lacing a basket. He's cat-friendly and there are a lot of cats in the neighborhood, but I didn't realize one got into the photo.
Thanks. We knew children would like it. We had no idea how much they would like it. We and their parents end up stationed along the patio side like a gymnast's spotters while the fence protects them from falling off on the other side. Kids climb up at one end, run, jump off the other end, run around on the ground and do it all again until they are worn out... except the littlest ones, who stand and watch the dogs put on a fierce show.
Impressive! I can't believe you had to clean each stone and then artfully arrange them to make it look like a well-fitted mosaic. I know you like the kid-friendly aspect, but it would look amazing with some trailing plants in planters on top, too. I had an awning on my house in Maine, but even a little wind would make it tug and yank on the supports. I finally removed it. In my current house I have a covered patio area that was roofed over with three skylights, which didn't really let in enough light, and it also had a significant hole in it. I had a carpenter yank all that out and put on transparent corrugated panels that makes it bright and cheery, keeps it probably 20 degrees warmer in winter, allows me to overwinter many of the summer plants, and acts as a greenhouse. Of course, it intensifies the heat in summer, but I open all the windows to help with that. If they get a hole or hail damage they can be easily replaced.
Our (small) back porch is covered with translucent corrugated panels. They make a heck of a racket when winter storms blow through, even though they are sheltered from the worst of the wind. But they do allow light, so I can see why you settled on that. Your winters are colder than ours, so having it act as a greenhouse must be wonderful.
It looks fantastic, Bonnie! And the retractable awning really gives it a cozy feeling.
We were surprised. We didn't expect the outdoor-room feeling. We were so focused on managing the rainwater better, we didn't realize we were also creating such a good outdoor socializing space.
A pleasant side effect that you'll put to good use. It's nice that your neighbors are so helpful and friendly, and a joy to know that the kids are benefiting from the wall, too.
I think so. He weighs about 22 kg. That's too much for a house cat!
A cat? Bertie, the grey fluffy dog, is in the photo where I'm lacing a basket. He's cat-friendly and there are a lot of cats in the neighborhood, but I didn't realize one got into the photo.
Thanks. We knew children would like it. We had no idea how much they would like it. We and their parents end up stationed along the patio side like a gymnast's spotters while the fence protects them from falling off on the other side. Kids climb up at one end, run, jump off the other end, run around on the ground and do it all again until they are worn out... except the littlest ones, who stand and watch the dogs put on a fierce show.