How should I maintain this old stone foundation? (1900 house)
HU-381064687
3 years ago
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mainenell
3 years agomainenell
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Need ideas for old stone barn foundation-Pics
Comments (33)Here in central Pa, there are unfortunately many deserted, ruined farmsteads. Unfortunate in that so much of the beautiful farmland is being "developed". It seems so rampant that very soon this will all disappear. Only subdivisions and malls for miles in any direction. Your home and property are beautiful and that the barn "ruin" was left is truly amazing. You've obviously worked hard to achieve all that is presented in your pictures. It's beautiful! Many years ago the city of Philadelphia discovered the foundations of Ben Franklin's home - only the foundation. Because they couldn't possibly reconstruct the home, they erected an "outline" in steel of the home's dimensions. Along that line, I was wondering if placing some trellis panels between some of the post footings to provide a shelter and an impression of barn walls - perhaps to block winter prevailing winds. There are pictures of old barns and their interiors on the web. I searched and found pix of walls and doors of stalls that would make useful, complementary trellis panels - not the usual 6x6 squares or diamonds. Also some pictures show uprights that have "y"-shaped brackets at the top evidently to support a roof overhang. I'm certainly not suggesting that the whole outline be placed, just an appropriate area, perhaps to view the gardens in winter or on a sultry summer day. Since many barn ruins are seen falling down at the edges of meadows, I wondered if native plants would help the mood like Virginia creeper or native scarlet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) or clematis on the trellises, or clambering over the footings, Alleghany spurge for ground cover, etc. There are so many thoughtful responses here from experienced, creative people for your consideration. What an engaging way to spend a long cold winter. I hope you'll post updates on what you decided to do and the project's progress....See MoreHow Far Away From the Wall/ House Should I Plant My Limelight Hyd
Comments (13)THANK YOU everyone for your all of your thoughtful insight. hcmcdole: I really like your idea of trying to grow them as a free form esapaillar. Or what if I just prune REALLY aggressively on the backside???... So here's what I'm thinking I'm going to do: I am going to prune REALLY aggressively on the backside of the plant to minimize it's growth and spread against the wall... Do you think this would work??? I don't mind how much if it wants to spread forward away from the wall or side ways in width. I would also like to minimize and maintain about a 5 foot height... That way it can overlap the bottom edge of my windows... And I can see the flowers even from the inside of the house. Is limelight the kind of hydrangea that will respond well to pruning and shaping during the growing season??? I know that I would probably make my life a whole lot easier if I just got the Little Lime variety... But it was nearly twice as much for a 2 gallon... Which isn't in my budget. What do you all think??? Am I going to be sorry years from now for even considering this idea and thinking I can keep Limelights growth maintained with pruning during the growing season??? I've never had much luck with hydrangeas in the past... So it's difficult for me to fathom a hydrangea that will grow 8 feet tall and grow so quickly....See MoreSeattle: Help choosing HVAC upgrade in early 1900s house
Comments (38)TC: they aren't trying to cheat you as the guys said. When I lived in Seattle, rates were so low that I had to call them since my first 2-month bill was $12. I thought it was a connection fee, but it wasn't. Now, your rates are slightly higher than mine are here in the East. When gas was more expensive a few years ago, the cost difference would have meant more than now. But your gas rates have probably gone down as the electric rates went up (still paying off those 5 nukes that never got built?). The Seattle area has such a mild climate (for being that far north) that heat pumps work just fine. So its not a surprise that they get recommended now that they are more efficient. (And lets not start a war over the definition of efficiency.) Another consideration perhaps. A heat pump will run year round in your location. An AC unit may only run 2-3 months in Seattle, if that much. Hopefully the AC unit will last longer from non-use. Which also means you don't really have to go with the higher SEER number since you are not going to see any ROI. 14-15 would be fine....See Morehow should I maintain this backyard steep hill?
Comments (40)Sorry for the delayed response. Really appreciate everyone's input and learning a lot here. I think my next step is to research everyone's advice as well as visit some big nurseries and see what recommendations they have and go from there. I'll try to ask my neighbors if they know any more about the hill (and how deep the soil is) and any advice they have to maintain it. @Cathy Anderson I never heard of that word. That's exactly what I need! @Justin Holbrook I will look into your suggestions. @L Sure I will check it out. @ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5- The wall is not that tall. It's about 3 feet so I just climb it. Thanks!...See MoreHU-381064687
3 years agomainenell
3 years agoRose Pekelnicky
3 years agoHU-381064687
3 years agoTammy Tucker
3 years agores2architect
3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago
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