California Gardening: California Backyards, 1 by KaperC

KaperC wrote:
I thought we should have a new thread for discussing whatever is going on in our backyards. For instance, my DH is busy making flagstones for our 'terrace' - or whatever you want to call it. He started behind the garage so he can work out the technique. We found someone on Craig's List selling those concrete stamps for a low price. He worked up a pattern similar to what he remembers from England, lays out the frame, fills with concrete, then applies color and stamp release, stamps, and voila! - there's a flagstone.

Here's a photo that shows a little of the process and how it looks. I'll take an update and post it so you can see how it's growing. We figure it will take about three years to do the whole job! LOL. That's OK - he enjoys the work because he can do it one or two at a time and it's not too onerous, but looks great - instant gratification! We're still experimenting with color, since we don't want it to clash with the stucco on the house or the stamped concrete floor of our screened room. Some of the squares will be left empty so I can plant creeping thyme or other plants that can be stepped on.

What's going on in your backyard? Seen any new animals, birds, plants you didn't plant? Building anything? I'd like one of those mailboxes in the garden for storing things in that I've seen around DG - painted a bright, bright color, of course!