Back when this terra was called 311 Highland Ave, it was known around the neighborhood for its koi ponds. Like Madison itself, with a trio of lakes, the yard boasted three water features that were havens for fish, flora, and feathered friends.
May 2013
The ponds were removed during the building process, but water didn't get the memo. Spring rain pooled against the back wall of the new foundation (see "Lakefront Property" post, June 2013) as if the gray concrete were the stone banks it once lapped against. "Fear not," said Dan, "the Landscaping Guys will take care of that." But after we moved in, the first rainstorm showed us who still had the upper hand in the battle with Mother Nature:
October 2013
backyard.jpg)
The Landscaping Guys came out to view the backyard lake last November, a year ago. They mumbled a bit, kicked a bit of mulch aside. Months passed. Winter, spring, summer. In September of this year, probably after a contentious debate or two with Dan, they finally brought in more dirt and regraded the soil. Then the rains fell. And lo! The lake was no longer against the house. Instead, it was about 10 feet away. Which is a great improvement for the foundation and basement. But I don't really want a swamp for a backyard.
So following the old saw "Change the things you can, accept the things you can't," I hired new Landscaping Guys who say they are "experts in drainage." As of this week, we have new topography, plus a sweet little patio bonus. Time (specifically, next spring) will tell.
The ponds were removed during the building process, but water didn't get the memo. Spring rain pooled against the back wall of the new foundation (see "Lakefront Property" post, June 2013) as if the gray concrete were the stone banks it once lapped against. "Fear not," said Dan, "the Landscaping Guys will take care of that." But after we moved in, the first rainstorm showed us who still had the upper hand in the battle with Mother Nature:
October 2013
backyard.jpg)
The Landscaping Guys came out to view the backyard lake last November, a year ago. They mumbled a bit, kicked a bit of mulch aside. Months passed. Winter, spring, summer. In September of this year, probably after a contentious debate or two with Dan, they finally brought in more dirt and regraded the soil. Then the rains fell. And lo! The lake was no longer against the house. Instead, it was about 10 feet away. Which is a great improvement for the foundation and basement. But I don't really want a swamp for a backyard.
So following the old saw "Change the things you can, accept the things you can't," I hired new Landscaping Guys who say they are "experts in drainage." As of this week, we have new topography, plus a sweet little patio bonus. Time (specifically, next spring) will tell.
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