Winter has everything looking bleak, but a good time to do some planning on the two projects below.

I’m not too happy with the slight sag of the Austin Stone bricks on this end of the step. I want them to be level. So, I came up with an idea upon which they could sit. Bear in mind, this will also require some measurements to make sure they are all an equal depth. As there are others, it will just take some time doing the measurements. But, that’s the least of the work.

I’m thinking of making a rectangular concrete ledge upon which these bricks could sit. On the closest end, I could inscribe some copy before the concrete sets up as a creative surprise.

Here is what it would look like with the inscription:

So, what do you think? Is it worth the effort??

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A Houston friend sent me some requested copy for on my next project below. But, it doesn’t really apply since it’s not a step up as much as it is a pad upon which to put a bench for watching the activity around the Hummingbird Bed. I'm hoping someone can come up with some better copy for the next project, pictured below. I like his ideas, they just don’t fit this particular spot.

The First Step is Always the Hardest

Baby Steps

Stairway to Heaven

One Step at a Time

Steppin’ Woof

Two Steps Ahead, One Step Back

Heel Toe, Heel Toe
The Doggie Two Step

This morning's photos shows the 4’ depth of where a house brick pad will be laid upon tamped sand. It will be a while before this area is completed. Once the bench is done, I’ll repost this area with the bench on it. Several hummingbird plants are already in place with more to going into the Hummingbird Bed that will be opposite of the bench. Most of the plants are young at the moment. Obviously, later in the summer, they should be slightly larger. I’ll probably take some photos to get some other ideas from you guys.

I’m thinking of a herringbone pattern, provided that it works with the size bricks I’ve got. The bricks may not touch the surrounding rocks, but I won’t really know that until I start laying them down. It might require some work moving a few of those rocks. Ugh. I’ve already seen that it will need some repositioning of the daylilies. I could give a list of the plants that are within arm's reach of where the bench will go, but probably better to show this again in a couple of years... I'm guessing.... cause there's really not a lot that you can see at this point.

Then, it might also require an area to be added on for a small metal table upon which to set my iced tea. So, I’m not sure about trying to work in any copy at the moment, similar to the first project above. If so, it will need to be as few words as possible. Got any suggestions? Or is it too soon to ask.

I’m not sure about keeping the two inscribed bricks below. I just laid them in place on the rocks so you could see them. (I wish the copy had been just a wee bit larger. No reason for it to be that small.

So, what’s the verdict? Do I need to wait till the brick pad is completed before I ask for any ideas on copy? I guess so, huh?

Crystal