The exterior of the house appears to have changed very little in the past 100 years.  The black and white photo was taken before the carriageway was enclosed.  The landscaping looks better in the “then” photo.  Our landscaping is in need of an overhaul for sure.  At some point a “weed garden” was planted.  Actually put in… intentionally!  It has thrived and very little remains that will stay.  Our road is currently under construction so I hate working out in the yard.  The stacks of boxes still waiting to be emptied also are a deterrent to getting the outside cleaned up.  You would think with 8,300 square feet of house it would be easy to put everything away!

Then

Now

There is a lovely park across the street maintained by the Women of the Old West End.  Since this is my view out the front of my house, my weeds and overgrown landscape feels less pressing.  Of course everyone using the park gets to enjoy the view over here.  I have been told that having the grass cut and some maintenance being done is a vast improvement from years past. I did bring a fair number of hosta from my extensive collection from the old house. They are all still waiting to find a home here.  All in good time…

Front “flower” bed

Front door

Side Yard

Park across the street