This little project has turned into a 4 week "remodel" of the front of the house, but if you are going to do a job you might as well do it completely and do it right.  Flowers were needed so a pretty large selection of perennials, and a small selection of annuals were planted to add character.  2 different types of boxwoods were planted, alternating green and red which should grow nicely into a small hedge of alternating colors.  In between we planted some strawberries for ground cover and a mixture of perennials and annuals as filler.  Directly in front of the sidewalk we planted annuals and perennials.  Behind the sidewalk we created a nice shade garden with 2 different hostas and day lilies with a mixture of ground covers.  Under the front tree there is some red plume grass, green ivy, and hostas.  We also placed a lilac bush, and clematis  under the front lamp post.  Done, done, done and after seeing the results it was a much needed change.

While we were at it, we decided to use some of the extra concrete mix and create a little extra driveway space for parking the RV during camping season.  There wasn't much digging involved, and what concrete was needed I was able to mix in the wheelbarrow.

Gene was really wanting to add some type of barrier to the edge of the sidewalk to protect it from the raised gardens, so he showed us some samples of stone wall and we all chose one particular color and design.  He picked it up the next day and the digging began.  Actually this stuff is really easy to install.  It may have been more difficult if it was not level.  There was only 3 inches which needed dug out.  Then we placed sand as a base and the block on top.  We had some extra block which we had thought about returning but instead we placed it around the front Magnolia tree.  That was a good decision.

Last were the lights.   We opted for a cheap set with one separate spotlight for the flag in the shade garden.  This was just enough to provide the effect I was looking for.

All in all it was a great experience with rewarding results.  We still have to mulch sometime in the future.  So without further delay here are some pictures of the results.