RANT!

11 years ago

So, landscape guy, when I ask you to do something in my yard SEVERAL WEEKS before an event IN the yard, do not wait until less than ONE week to do as I asked, then use the wrong materials, resulting in my having to make costly changes in order to accommodate said event!

Grass in the area from our back gate to the patio was dead after a hard winter and super rainy spring....this is a low area and water sits there, rotting roots. We have had it built up with dirt, re-graded, re-sodded four times (in nine years) and I wanted it re-sodded before party. No can do, too early in season, I'm told. Ok, then let's sand the bare areas (frequently done so grass runners will have something to latch onto when growing back in) so it looks better and no one is walking on mud or dirt. Ok, fine, but nothing until last Friday when they dumped a ton of construction sand onto my yard. This is not the fine, white sand that disappears into what grass does exist and sort of dusts over dirt. This is kind of tan, clumpy sand, like a beach you wouldn't go to, and it is sitting on top of everything, even after they raked it, we raked it, I wet it down with the hose time after time. There is no way people can walk on this surface! So I called Someone and he and his fixer crew are going to put in a very wide brick walkway from the gate to the patio. At a cost of $$$ and a lot of anxiety!

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User
Original Author

11 years ago

Outdoor rugs would not have been possible as there was a bit of a sand DUNE to go over,but what a great idea!

Path dug, graded, brick pavers going in today. I spent much of yesterday going to different towns looking at the colors of various types installed. DS1 is not going to be able to make it :-( so i have hired a lovely bartender who is a wedding staple around here so many people will know her.

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Comments (23)

jlc712
11 years ago
Oh no! Why do these things always happen right before big events?

I hope landscape guy doesn't plan to bill you for his "help", and hope the brick path fits into your long range plans, so it's not so painful. Didn't you recently have a major drainage project done to your yard? How frustrating!
User
11 years ago
Oh kswl, I'm so sorry! I hope it all works out. It's so frustrating when things like this happen. Actually more like maddening!
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User
Original Author
11 years ago
Brick path was discussed as one possible long range fix, Jlc, but there were several other alternatives to consider. Now we are locked into one option and I'm not convinced it is the best one :-(

Yes, we are the drainage people...that sounds awful, doesn't it??

Justgotta, maddening is a good word.....I am mad about it!

Thank you both for letting me vent!
User
11 years ago
Anytime dear, anytime. Just hope you don't have to do it again anytime soon, or ever for that matter.
Nothing Left to Say
11 years ago
I am so sorry. I hope at least you love the brick once they are in.
patty_cakes42
11 years ago
Welcome to my world! I've had 3 landscapers, each for the same problem the first one should have taken care of! With each one, i've explained how the last one had screwed me over 'and i'm putting my faith and trust in you', words that have fallen on deaf ears. I'm to the point of wanting to do the work myself, in small increments,since I feel that's the only way things will be done the way I've asked. Mowing/edging/fertilizing and the simpler tasks aren't the problem, but anything which requires more effort and THINKING is when the ball is dropped.

After 3 years, I want the things which were started completed, especially since i'm getting ready to put my house on the market! I'm so frustrated at this point I can't see straight!
OutsidePlaying
11 years ago
So sorry this has happened right when you need things to go smoothly. Hope the brick pavers will work for you. And if not, I know we'll be hearing about that after the party!
Holly- Kay
11 years ago
So sorry KSWL. I sometimes wonder what the heck is wrong with trades people. Would they do that to their own yard right before a special event? Hopefully it will all work out and you will be delighted with the brick walkway.
roarah
11 years ago
I went to a party last summer where the family used oudoor rugs in an area that, due to construction, did not have full grass yet and was a bit muddy in spots. They used the vinyl types that you can get for cheap. It is not a perfect solution and certainly not as lovely as a proper brick walkway, but they added seating and sidetables and lanterns and it looked enchanting and might be a cheaper temporary solution for your immediate problem yet give you time to research better permanent fixes.

Hope everything comes together with out any more stresses!
MagdalenaLee
11 years ago
Might be a blessing in disguise. Trigger pulled, on to the next project!
User
11 years ago
No doubt, a very frustrating situation and I am sorry it happened at the worst of times but as difficult as it may be, don't let it spoil the fun of your party. Spring has sprung and this is such a beautiful time to have an outdoor event. Try to focus on the good things happening and not let life's inconveniences get in the way.
User
Original Author
11 years ago
PROGRESS!
User
11 years ago
So sorry one of your sons will not be able to make it.
User
Original Author
11 years ago
This didn't post earlier, they are almost finished now, but here it is half way finished:
maddielee
11 years ago
That brick path is going to be so much better then grass.

Sometimes things just happen.

ML
User
11 years ago
I love it! This is what my hubby and I want to do for our front walk one of these days.
wwbungalow
11 years ago
Very classic!! I love it too. Relax ... your event will be amazing.
User
Original Author
11 years ago
Path is finished and they are now sweeping stuff into the cracks, some kind of gray sand, and laying sod along the sides.

Our concert last night was a huge success, the fiddler is a wonderful musician and the audience loved his set. We had a couple of people over after the concert last night to dissect the concert and discuss folk music, choral music, the future of, etc. Will need a nap this afternoon!
User
Original Author
11 years ago
User
11 years ago
Oh, I would have loved to have heard that. Did you record/film any of it that could be shared via Youtube? I love the fiddle.
The path looks as though it's been there for a long time. Absolutely gorgeous. They did beautiful work.
Lyban zone 4
11 years ago
KSWL
what a beautiful path they laid for you. I hope your party goes well, as I am sure it will. Have Fun!
Holly- Kay
11 years ago
KSWL, it's beautiful. We had a brick path that looked just like yours at the home we built many years ago. Our path was also curved with the bricks lining each side. It was actually my favorite feature on the front of our home. The greyed sand must be what they use as that is how our path was completed also.

So glad your party was a smashing success!