It's fairly large. That view is from the driveway (which is behind the house), across the main garden area. The arbor is for supporting the roses only, not meant to be walked through, there is a gate further up for entering. Here's the main garden, with the arbor visible about halfway down on the left. First you look across this garden and then the sight line continues across this grassy area, but from right to left through to the other side of it where a smaller grassy area and solid "wall" of ancient yew trees, junipers, pines, and other shrubs screen the street out front from view completely. You can do the same thing to good effect with a small area, too. I've seen some interesting things done in very small gardens with hedges or arbors, even small terraces with steps, that actually don't lead anywhere. The opening gives the impression that something lays beyond, even if it is back up by a wall of foliage a short distance away. Or filled with a mirror, or a gate that doesn't open. On a smaller scale, and more in line with the intent of this thread, I think, anything that creates a sense of depth in a planting or design adds interest that would be lacking in a totally flat-looking composition.

If you have the time to look at my pics, please let me know if you think my theory as to source is correct. I know other side of roof arch is a problem as previous owners had put in huge landscaping rocks to prevent further erosion on that side of the yard (and it appears to be working). If you can think of anything specific please let me know. What I don't understand is why I went 3 years without any problems and then suddenly this started last fall. Just finished school and have big tuition payments so have to do any fixes myself. ..Thanks, Fletch Link 1 shows canal along my steps and at top of steps to the left you can see my hollow sidewalk someone had added on. http://n4szo.servebbs.net/myhouse/CIMG1674.JPG Link 2 Shows erosion along the steps. It actually looked much worse but I have been filling in with rocks and recovering some of the top soil from the lower sidewalk. http://n4szo.servebbs.net/myhouse/CIMG1676.JPG Link 3 shows top of stairs where hollow sidewalk connects. First signs started on left side where you can see my repair. Repaired worked for the most part but then water then redirected to the right where you can see my temp repair. Once I discovered sidewalk was hollow, I started filling in with rocks...probably 1 full bag (lowes) is now inside sidewalk. Only problem is until source is cut off, flow will continue to move to the left and whole thing starts over again. http://n4szo.servebbs.net/myhouse/CIMG1677.JPG Link 4 shows one source of the problem and where I originally thought was the sole source. Back in early fall, I noticed this small bare spot had a tiny hole pointing towards sidewalk. At first I thought it was caused by a mole or something. I have stuck plenty of rocks inside to attempt to plug it up. After awhile, I noticed a hole appearing behind it towards the shrubs and staircase (rear part of pic). That is when I realized this area was probably not the source of the problem (but certainly part of it). http://n4szo.servebbs.net/myhouse/CIMG1678.JPG Link 5 shows a wider view- I recently found signs of erosion to right of sign along the stair case. I also found previous attempts to address (some rocks) but I don't think they went far enough. Run off from roof lands in these shrubs and I think it has been digging holes and just generally running under this staircase and coming out on other side where you see my rocks. Thursday, I put out more rocks along with spare landscaping bricks to block off area around staircase. Water can still get under there, but it's flow rate should be much less now. Still may put in a bag of marble rocks just for extra protection. http://n4szo.servebbs.net/myhouse/CIMG1684.JPG Link 6 shows source of run off (wish I had a shot showing how steep roof is but you get the idea). Water lands in area between front porch and staircase. http://n4szo.servebbs.net/myhouse/CIMG1686.JPG Hopefully this gives you an idea of what I am seeing. Now off to Lowes to buy some top soil.

Hi all, I first want to thank you all so much for your comments and observations. The insight and knowledge on the GardenWeb forums is tremendous and I learn so much. Before I forget, Paul (paul4x4), you commented on the size of the bricks in the living room fireplace. I don't have any idea if the fireplace or chimney was altered. I do know that my chimney guy said that the fireplace/chimney is not large enough to be safe for wood burning--and that it is unlined, so that we should not burn wood in it without having a liner put it. Something about the fact that burning wood would send flames too high into that chimney. I have an update to respond to tzmaryg's comments about what's behind the radiator. Due to a leak in another part of the hot water heating system, the system had to be drained and I took the opportunity to have the plumbers also disconnect the radiator and move it out so I could get behind there. First, there was a plywood-like panel covered with the light color wallpaper that I had removed from the rest of the wall. This panel was just nailed into the white wood of the mantle surround on one side with small nails, so I took those out and pulled the panel away. Here are photos of what I found behind it: Long view--see that dark round-ish patch in the center of the peeling wallpaper? That's a 5" hole going into the chimney!: Close up of hole: Looking through the hole into the chimney: Needless to say, seeing an empty hole going into the chimney sort of freaked me out--even if it has been there for quite a number of years. This chimney takes the gases from the boiler. I had the chimney guy out today to seal it up. If it was a stovepipe for smoke going into the chimney, is it weird that the wallpaper looks like it would have been tucked up right against the pipe at the time? In the close up pic, you can see how the wallpaper goes right up to the edge of the hole. tzmaryg, I was *so* hoping to see some decorative tile behind the plywood panel. :-) Thanks again to all for your input!

I remember reading that...but it's still just as funny.... I am completely surprised that I didn't find a post from me on there...My DH has done a few things during our 42 years that I tell on him every now and then. patti