(We landscaped the area around our elm tree.)
Last week I showed you our finished patio extension, and over the weekend, we finished landscaping the space around our elm tree. This is a tricky little spot, since it gets a lot of shade from the tree and is also on top of the root system. To protect the tree, it’s best to leave a large area uncovered beneath it, so we added fresh mulch and some native plants that are both shade and drought tolerant. We also used a few stepping stones to create a small path, and Rhys enjoys hopping from stone to stone on his way to the pea gravel area.
(A few native plants and the little path.)
The initial process for our pergola and patio included a custom landscape design, complete with a list of recommended plants. In the end, we chose to do the work ourselves and used our budget to hire the company for the larger projects. Our local nursery carried the suggested plants, and we were able to use dwarf ruellia and mondo grass to create a border along the patio. Near the fence, we planted a few cast iron plants and added foxtail ferns for interest in the middle of the mulch bed. All of these plants grow well in Central Texas and are commonly used in landscaping here. They are also hardy and long-lasting.
I’m really thrilled with the finished look and the plants will spread out as they become established. I may add a few annuals from time to time, like marigolds in the fall, but this is a great start and that weird patch of dirt under the elm tree looks really beautiful now.
Next up, we’re planning to add a few fans to our porch ceiling and those will help with the rising temperatures through August and September.
(The Matilda Dress and the Padma Dress, both by Synergy.)
Some of the products I feature in my Style USA series aren’t technically made in the United States, but they are sold by American-owned companies. Synergy is an example of a USA-based company that features organic cotton clothing made in Nepal according to fair trade practices. Synergy’s aesthetic is modern and simple, and attention is given to comfort and style. Many of the pieces are also yoga-inspired.
Last summer, I lived in two versions of the Striped Belted Dress, and they were incredibly comfortable and stylish, too. And for this season, the Matilda Dress and the Padma Dress are two of my favorites. I really like the lines and draping on each piece and they look very comfy, too.
Synergy has a large collection of dresses, tops, and skirts that are perfect for summer and beyond. They also carry many pieces with adorable appliqué, including sailboats and owls. I definitely recommend Synergy as a fair trade option for cotton clothing, and I hope you’ll visit their site.
(My box of buttons.)
This week was pretty quiet and relaxed, compared to the last month or so. The boys had their gymnastics showcase and I celebrated my birthday, too. We’re planning a relaxed weekend, which are always my favorite kind. Here are a few things that caught my attention this week.
I was saddened to read this story about Marble Falls, one of my favorite small towns to visit in the past.
Thankfully, Austin has not chosen to follow their lead.
My local paper profiles one teenager’s quest for asylum in the United States.
A video about a different path to love.
A mother, a baby, and solitary confinement.
A really in-depth explication of “Thomas the Tank Engine.” I always thought the trains resembled young children and their behavior.
A glimpse inside Lee Radziwill’s apartment.
Darkly beautiful photographs by Polish photographer, Jaroslaw Datta.
A college class studies Game of Thrones.
And Hackwith Design House is introducing a line of basics.
Have a wonderful weekend!
