Liz, you've already done a phenomenal amount of work in your new garden!

I'm not sure why some of your peonies are so far along! I wonder if you have a microclimate where they're growing?

I've not protected my 2 YUMI plants that put out leaves in the fall, and they've survived the entire winter despite temps below freezing, and multiple days with frost, including this morning!

Also, would a rain barrel or 2 be useful, to catch water for use, when your working in the garden? A small picnic tent, ( we got one from Dick's Sporting Good when we would chase our son playing soccer), with folding chairs or lounge chairs would be a great place to rest. Take a cheap cooler with ice, snacks and drinks for when you take a break.

I hope that they start building your cottage soon, so that you all will have a place to be comfortable when you're in AL!

Annette, I think the poor peonies are confused, AL winter weather is a wetter version of CO spring. I'm sure they'll come up a bit later next year. I did plant them pretty shallow, will keep an eye on them to make sure they don't get too exposed.

Glad your Yumi plants are keeping the new foliage from fall! It's amazing how resilient they are, isn't it?

We didn't get a tent or canopy but did take a cooler with us. Had a couple of plastic chairs that we'd set up near the trees that had the most shade, moved them several times during the day. Wasn't optimal but we made it without a hospital visit for heat exhaustion! I'm really, really hoping the cottage will be built by the end of March. They're doing the perk test for sewer and putting in the permit paperwork, should be able to start in a couple of weeks. I actually have several rain barrels that I'll be taking out there with me!

Sure, a cottage (with running water!) will be much more comfortable than a camping. Good luck! Liz, I always admire your energy! You already have a great start and you will see results very soon!

IT HAS FINALLY STARTED!!! Broke ground for my garden cottage today, plumbing rough in and termite treatment tomorrow then foundation pour if it looks like it'll stay dry for a couple of days. Can't wait, hoping I'm building garden beds in a couple of months!

Wow! Liz, how exciting!

Congrats Liz!!

That is very exciting.
Thanks for sharing.

Good luck Liz

Great news Liz! Looking forward to seeing the progress of the build!

What a beautiful sight and view for your garden cottage! I bet it will be so lovely year round, esp. in the fall with the changing color of trees.

Today I have plumbing rough in (inspected and approved already) and sewage. If the rain holds off for a few days the foundation will be poured on Monday! Told my builder that I would do a no-rain dance all weekend...

I hope it keeps moving forward, Liz!

Great news Liz! Looking forward to seeing the progress of the build!

Still making progress, have a hot water heater and shower pan in, electric should be run as well. Inspections for plumbing, electric and framing next then they can start closing everything in!

Wow, Liz! This is wonderful! Looks so nice!

Things are coming along. Congratulations!

Love the view from your big front window! Would love to sit on that porch looking out to your garden and lake! It's going to be wonderful and beautiful, I can already see!

Wow! They have really made progress!! Thanks for the update.

Looks like paradise. Couple rockers to one side and porch swing on the other. A gardener's paradise.

Liz, this is fantastic, they've made so much progress!

I'm looking forward to seeing it completed!