Yesterday I finished off this year’s Mother’s Day project–a new Black Hills Spruce for the front yard. This was the last major plant purchase I had left from our five-year landscaping plan. I still have some additional lilacs to plant in the back yard, but they are relatively cheap compared to trees.

I bought this one from my favorite local garden center, Lilydale Garden Center. We’ve purchased almost all of our landscaping items there and have been very happy with the quality and service. If you need something, go there and ask for Dave.

The non-plant item that remains is a multi-tier retaining wall for the east side of the house. I’d love to have that done, but the quote five years ago was around $5,000.

For Father’s Day, I may order the other lilacs and do some repair work to the area I want them to go (which may also involve a small retaining wall to level off that part of the yard). Hopefully my arms will recover by then–digging is hard!