Into the Wild – Weekly Musings on our Yard’s Transformation | April 7th – 13th

Embark on a weekly expedition through the happenings in our yard as my husband and I sculpt and shape it into our very own outdoor sanctuary. Join me as I unfurl the tails of our yard’s metamorphosis, from the legacy left by the original owners to the wilderness wonderland we envision. Witness the blossoming beauty of each week’s endeavours as we craft our own narrative amidst nature’s grandeur. From the exhilarating highs of planting new life, to the challenging lows of unexpected setbacks, each week brings its own trials and triumphs. Lace up your boots, and let us traverse this verdant landscape together. Welcome to the wilderness of our yard, where every week is a step toward our outdoor utopia. 

Yardwork:

• Our backyard transformation started with the tedious task of gathering (and sorting) a lot of crushed rock spread out across our backyard. While slightly annoyed at how long this task was taking – we started working on moving a large pile of rock from the back of the house, and along the flower beds that we are removing. As we tackled this chore, we realized that a trip to the hardware store for a wheelbarrow was necessary but the one we bought proved unfit for the job, barely managing a quarter of a load without wobbling dangerously. We are planning on returning this one and will seek out a sturdier replacement elsewhere.
• Despite the setback with the wheelbarrow, we persisted. Manually moving a plethora of rocks. Our efforts extended to the side yard, where I began digging out cement slabs, bricks, and slate covered in grass, in an attempt to reclaim the space for future plans that are potentially a dog run and micro boreal forest.
• A milestone in our gardening journey, the inauguration of our very own compost. Reflecting on past experiences, we recall asking about compost bins during an apartment tour when we were planning on moving to Edmonton in 2007, only to be met with puzzled expressions. Now, with our compost, we embrace the opportunity to nurture our green space sustainably.
• Despite my enthusiasm, the chilly ground served as a gentle reminder to slow down and savour the gradual arrival of Spring’s warmth. It became evident that my yard work plants would need to be tempered by nature’s pace, with the soil still too cold to facilitate the delicate task of transplanting plant life.

Flora:

• Spring’s arrival is unmistakable as our flower gardens come to life with tulip shoots pushing eagerly through the soil with each passing day. Meanwhile, tiny yet resilient plants also emerge, including Stripe Squill and Siberian Squill offering a delightful burst of colour. 

Fauna:

• Nature’s symphony returns as American Robins make their seasonal debut with their cheerful presence signaling the arrival of spring. Joining them are the familiar calls of Juncos, while overhead, we witnessed the incredible sight of hundreds of Trumpeter Swans grace the evening sky with their majestic flight.
• After putting a newly purchased solar water fountain to the test, I left the dish out and added some rocks to create a shallow pool. To my delight, the avian residents wasted no time discovering the inviting oasis. Blue Jays, Robins, House Finches, House Sparrows, and Magpies all flocked to it for a refreshing drink, adding a lively touch and preview of what is to come to our backyard sanctuary. 

Miscellaneous:

• We are filled with gratitude as we sink into the relaxing warmth of our freshly refilled and balanced hot tub. It is a welcome respite, especially after a day of laborious rock-moving.
• I finished assembling our Adirondack chairs, with each piece coming together with anticipation for the cozy evenings spent around our fire pit. 
• Disappointingly, our eagerly awaited fire pit arrived damaged. (There was a crack down the length of the bowl) We have initiated the process to return it and are currently awaiting the arrival of a replacement, hoping this time that it arrives intact.
• We joyfully celebrated our pup’s first birthday, commemorating the love and joy that he has brought into our lives in the short time we’ve been together, just about four months – but full of unforgettable moments.
• Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, I carved out moments of serenity, savouring tranquil mornings on the patio with our pup, a steaming cup of coffee, and the melodious chatter of birds (camera in hand of course!) 
• I found a delightful treasure in the garden – a whimsical cast iron bird, nestled amidst the bricks. A charming addition to our growing collection of found backyard treasures. 

Thanks for reading! Until next time,
Tracey

---

If you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting my work on Ko-fi!

PIN IT!