OK, you can blame VSMITH and TURBO-ONE for showing me how to post these photos and letting the genie out of the bottle![:D]
I just scanned them into the computer from paper photos, please excuse their crudeness. I am sorry I am not much of a picture taker, maybe after I get my digital camera I will be inclined to take more. [:p]
These are very early photos, some I took the day I moved in. I will post some “after” pics maybe next week, but I would prefer spring when the flowers are blooming and I’ve got my expansion done. Once again, if you have any complaints to the quality of these images, BLAME VSMITH OR TURBO-ONE!!![:D][:D][:D][;)]
This is of the back yard the day I moved in, yuck, somethings got to be done!
BORING!!! Like gag me with a coupler!
This is my chinese bridge and pond under construction
These photos were taken later that same summer. there is still much growing to do. The pine bark is temporary ground cover. Don’t worry, Marty, you’ve no competition here. I was hesitant about posting these, I wasn’t sure of the criticism I’d get, but I figured I talk enough smack in this forum that I’d better post something[;)]
this is a much better photo, getting to a totaly unboring state. The garage now sports a 3-4ft backdrop mural which makes a huge difference in defining the space of the RR
another pleasing view, now we are getting somewhere! My expansion is to the left of the bridge (not yet thought of when this was taken) Stupid soon to be tank farm concrete pad is just visible at the far left
Reverse angle, a “view from the pool” Ugly house, it’s getting the “treatment” in the spring[:p]
TJ, Quite a transformation! I assume the expantion will be connected under the bridge? How often is that pool used anyway[:D] That my friend is alot of area!
Thanks fellas! No, Matt, the expansion is not going under the bridge, it’s a little too short. The new rails are going across the walkway with little crossing gates to protect the pedestrians, I might run a shallow river under the bridge to the pond for my industrial area. My prototype tank farm and power plant are across the Elizabeth river from each other, so I want to capture the feel and install a lift bridge.
In fact the pool gets used a lot. If I get too hot working in the yard, a quick dip refreshes! Out of frame and behind the pool is an equaly large area for picnics and horse-shoes
Yes, Marty, I fully believe that a garden RR should be incorporated into the landscaping. It’s what I love about it, it’s a compliment to the environment, not forced into it like an indoor layout. You should see this bad boy in full bloom!!
[tup]
Really great Jack. You and me are learning together. I can picture you standing on that bridge, beer in hand, watching the sun go down(if it faces that way).
Must start getting some photos together.
Ian P
Thanks for all the nice compliments! I know it’s not up to the standards of some of you, but it’s mine and I like it! Yes, right now it is compact, as vsmith observed, but the visual impact is impressive during the growing season starting in March when my Bearded Iris boom. The last flowers die out around December and in between is a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, both on the ground and in the pond. I’ll be sure to post pics of the blooms in a future thread. I guess I carried over some of my indoor RR experience with the visual movements and vertical impacts. In high season the Cannas Lilies tower over the water fall and lead the eye to drop to the pond where the aquatic plants take over. About 95% of the ground cover has grown in since these photos were taken, and it gives a nice soft touch that contrasts with the heavy feel of the rails. At least I think so anyway!
Once I got this phase done, I really wanted to do more operating of a proper train, so my expansion into the rest of the yard (to the left of the foot bridge) will have several sidings for industry and resemble more of a railroad than a garden. The space I’m working in is horribly asymmetrical, and trying to force some kind of balance into it has been a challenge, but one I think I can overcome. I built the bridge to serve two functions; one was to provide a visual center point of the yard, and the other was to be a fun way to get to the pool. My future tank farm to the far left hopefully will counterbalance the lilies on the right and give a visual balance to the whole thing.
Hey T.J. looks real nice. Like the footbridge. Am adding one to my backyard this year too . The track will go under it. Already poured the footing for it last year. Doubt if my three dogs will use the bridge though .
TJ,
I really like what you have done there. The results really changed things there. I can fully appreciate all that work there too! Well done. Later eh…Brian.