Bocce Ball

Here is a sport for just about every age group, and it takes very little space...

Bocce, from the Italian for 'bowl' (boccia).  It's a lot like bowling, but the object of the game is to throw your ball closest to another ball called the pollino or boccini, which is smaller and white. There are all kinds of options for finished size and foul lines, as well as surfaces.

We decided to stick with a soft, easy surface and adapt to the surroundings. Our court was built by excavating about 3" deep and filling a trench with sand and rock before placing the landscape timbers on top. Timbers were secured with 12" spikes around the circumference.  (see slide show right for more photos)

This is a quick and easy installation. If you want the serious competitive version, you will be installing something similar to a clay tennis court. Lots of options in between exist as well, from crushed shale to oyster shells.

Here is a link to all the basics - if you want to learn more:
http://www.sportsunlimitedinc.com/boccecourt.html

More photos when the game is in full swing next week at the party!
Lyn

Treasures in the garden

I have had this small, but growing clump of what appeared to be iris (judging by the leaves) that has not produced a flower - until this summer. All of a sudden it is covered in buds and I just happened to find one open this afternoon...

Not your run-of-the-mill Toad Lily, but that's the identity I am best able to come up with. Mine has grayer leaves, runs more pink/orange than the standard purple, and has flatter petals. Still...a beauty!

Thank goodness for the rain,

Lyn

Coping with the heat outside

Here comes the heat wave...water tonight, deeply, at ground (root) level. Most plants need the water BEFORE it gets hot and dry. They are better prepared to resist disease, pests and decline in general health. 
Not too different than us, really. We should also be hydrating BEFORE we exercise or exert ourselves in this type of heat. Proper hydration actually cools our systems, reducing the intensity of the heat we feel.
So, protect yourself and your plants - drink up BEFORE you're thirsty! 
In the shade this week,
Lyn

Latest Design Work for "Active Adults"

Many of us are looking for something easier to maintain and smaller in size as we get a little older. If you are looking to move to a great, low maintenance community with all the amenities and a location that is part of a larger residential development of family homes as well, Windsong may be your destination.

I recently completed a design for the active adult community, Windsong, located at Seven Hills in Paulding county. It sounds far, but in reality it is just outside of Cobb County, with nearby accesses to the East West Connector and Hwy 41.

Of course, I am partial, but their outdoor spaces are wonderful, while being low maintenance. Many models have covered patio areas and 'just enough' yard to garden if you wish. Grass is not mandated, so there are many options to finishing your space as you like.

Here is the design for the model home.

Windsong, LLC has numerous active adult communities in the metro Atlanta area. Check them out if you're considering a change in lifestyle:
http://www.windsonglife.com/

Lyn