leafstorm,

We purposely put in a deep box and substantial footer to keep the bamboo at bay. That being said, we'll be "trenching" the box each growing season, cutting around all sides of the box, to keep the runners from jumping the box.

Are you replacing the planters after the demo? If so, I'd recommend Your Way Contracting, as they did substantial demo on our site with no damage to our property or the new building next door. 347-234-9099, as for Gaspar.

Certainly you can contact Diana at Fun City Deign, but her services might be better IF you are redoing your boxes and plantings, post demo.

The biggest guessing game is to find out how far the bamboo has run and eradicating all of it, since it sounds you are ready for a change.

Posted by: tikihouse at August 20, 2009 3:04 PM in response to Quickie Garden Update

Denton,

How deep were the containers and what type of bamboo?

A lot has to do with drainage (not too wet, not too dry), keeping them initially out of the wind (and roots covered with stones, mulch, etc.), amount of sun and finally the type of bamboo.

Running is far hardier than clumping, but some of the more ornamental varieties, such as black bamboo, are not very tolerant of our winters.

If it's a naturalized running bamboo it should be pretty darn hard to kill. I'd check out J&L Landscaping or Gowanus Nursery ($$) and see what kind of species they carry. If it came from Home Depot or Lowes lord knows what you purchased.

Clematis are nice, but we are learning nothing beats the look and sound of rustling bamboo :)

Posted by: tikihouse at June 5, 2009 4:24 PM in response to Quickie Garden Update

Thanks for the pops.

As far as I am aware, Green-Wood mulches their trees "as-is" and considering they are part of the Parks Dept. Mulch Fest every year, I would say there is zero chance of any issues.

We have used their much quite a bit since moving to the neighborhood in 2004.

The only thing we do to treat it is to add an slug control pellet based product, as the sluggos like some types of tree mulch. But it's been no biggie.

Posted by: tikihouse at May 6, 2009 10:53 AM in response to Veggie Garden Time!

FYI, for those wondering about the growth rate of the bamboo...our tallest specimen was 3 inches taller by the first week. The smaller guys anywhere from a few inches to one foot!

Posted by: tikihouse at April 13, 2009 5:08 PM in response to Paper, Dirt, Buckets...and Bamboo!

Yep, we figured around 5 yards or more...and by the end of the hauling, it felt like 10 yards!

We slept well that night, albeit sore.

Posted by: tikihouse at April 13, 2009 5:06 PM in response to Paper, Dirt, Buckets...and Bamboo!

We love our shed as well :) We put a new standing-seam metal roof on it last fall, I believe after the last reno blog post. Matches the back extension roof on our house. We love Fabral!

We have a prelim planting overview from our designer Diana, but will be doing a closer in-depth look at our needs and plantings over the next few seasons.

The reality is the state of the economy, and a slight drop in our biz, has about zeroed out any budget on expanding the planting in our garden for now. Perhaps a phase 3 and 4.

We're just looking fwd to getting some things back in the ground, bamboo in and a big veggie garden for starts!

Posted by: tikihouse at March 31, 2009 5:24 PM in response to Spring Has Sprung, But Something Sunk

Thanks. Now that it's spring we cannot wait to get planting.

Code in NYC is 8 ft tall maximum for garden walls/fences/dividers. Many folks try to cheat this, so it's up to you if it affecting you or your wall to your neighbors.

Our raised bed is approx 28 Inches tall, comfy for sitting. It is constructed out of block, cultured stone and a blue stone cap ( http://www.brownstoner.com/Greenwood_Heights_Backyard/archives/2008/11/stone_and_gravel_galore_days_five_and_si.html ). The back is the new condo's brick wall in the back and the bottom is earth.

You could easily build your wall in the back, then a raised ben off of it OR put up a partition/fence and build a free standing raised bed (which we had planned to do on the left side of our yard, but $$ ran out). Good luck!

Posted by: tikihouse at March 27, 2009 3:54 PM in response to Still waiting on our man, might as well get moving.

IMBY,

Good question and NEVER a consideration (mostly due to the deal we had with our friendly neighborhood developer) and the fact the cost for the job would have gone up at least 20-30%!!!

Mostly due to labor costs, no wheel barrows, as you suggested, so a 5 day job turns into 10 and then the cost of pumping the concrete through the house. The pump truck alone costs over $500/hr.

Finally, we would have had to have Gaspar take out additional liability insurance (considering we did a gut reno in late 2004) incase of damage.

The only thing coming through the house this spring will be hauled in by us, so if we break stuff, it's our house...and our fault. Though bags of top soil and plants will break backs more than drywall ;)

Posted by: tikihouse at November 26, 2008 2:57 PM in response to The Final Day Arrives, Phase One Complete!

Thanks Lisa, it has been a long haul. We're very happy with the results and very anxious for the spring!

Posted by: tikihouse at November 25, 2008 2:11 PM in response to The Final Day Arrives, Phase One Complete!

BR, so over snarky comments that don't add to the thread.

Don't read the blog. You won't be missed.

Kisses XOXO

Posted by: tikihouse at November 14, 2008 9:47 AM in response to Stone and gravel galore: days five and six.

We're very happy with the end result (ooops, you'll see that soon!). The final hardscaping looks a bit "hard" right now with no plantings, but come spring when some of the container plants go in the ground, we plantings are done and the bamboo is in, it will look 100% different again. Then there's that water element...

Not sure on the bamboo as of yet. Definitely running for the container (with a 80ml pvc liner!) and we think a clumping variety to go along the left side of the property next to the neighbor's extension and deck.

We'll most likely buy from either nurseries in CT or NJ, but there is a possibility we may get a donation. Either way, too late for this season, so we'll be waiting till March 2009.

In the meantime, or perhaps in the dead of winter, we'll be working with our designer on the planting plan, finding the right set up for the water feature and will be looking for plans for a suitable tiki bar to build for the patio.

Posted by: tikihouse at November 13, 2008 11:34 AM in response to Stone and gravel galore: days five and six.

No need for the blocks against the neighbor's new wall. We'll be lining the entire box with a 80mm pvc liner to keep the bamboo contained, as well as the moisture. If we ever determine the bamboo does not work there, then we'll definitely be doing some waterproofing, though the box's "floor" is above grade.

Next post up this week, sorry for the delay. Life happens!

Posted by: tikihouse at November 10, 2008 10:27 AM in response to Mr. and Mrs. Tikihouse get stoned!

If anyone has tried e-mailing amtikihouse(at)gmail.com, please try again as the account was not set up properly. Thanks!

Posted by: tikihouse at November 6, 2008 4:06 PM in response to 70 sq. ft of pavers--$1.50/sq ft or best offer

Thanks. We are very excited.

As some of you amy have caught on, we're not exactly posting these "real time" (though it take longer than we expected...doesn't always!) due to time constraints with work, life, etc. We should have the next post up in a day or two and show the final project (well, phase 1 anyway) next week.

Stay tuned.

Posted by: tikihouse at October 30, 2008 1:04 PM in response to Mr. and Mrs. Tikihouse get stoned!

Of course we let our neighbors know...jeesh! Come on bmfesq, this is Brooklyn and we still live in a neighborhood and know the folks who live next door and on the block.

Actually, the neighbor helped lay in our patio back when he was a kid in 1965. While he no longer lives in the house (rents), we called him several weeks before hand to make sure we had his contractor lined up to inspect any dry rot, water damage, etc.

Stay tuned to read how the inevitable damage to wood that had been entombed in concrete since the 60's is handled.

Posted by: tikihouse at October 7, 2008 4:21 PM in response to Crack that pad! The back yard demo begins.

bmfesq,

Being kind of critical, no? Not a brand new yard from the good graces from our friendly neighborhood developer, but like kind trade (and monetary value) of what we agreed upon as replacement/rent/compensation/"dealing with it" while they used our property for free for 6 1/2 months.

This was not a neighbor looking to patch their home, fix a roof or a fence, as they could of when the original home (and area way between the homes). It was the demo of a 2 story frame home, excavation, pile-driving, foundation work and a new 4 story brick building now ATTACHED to our home.

The fact we chose to rethink the way that handshake deal would be concluded is the whole point of this blog.

If they just needed access, as I stated above we know them, then no problem. This was a major part of yard, not to mention the ordeal of underpinning and pile-driving to get their foundation plans to code. Compensation was discussed and agreed upon. 20/20 hindsight was we should have settled on a figure up front, again, the reason for this blog. Compensation is in the "eye of the beholder," as it's barely the replacement costs. We're fronting the rest. But that's life, right?

In the end, I think it's a fair trade for both sides. Could have it been better, sure, but the fact that we thought of rethinking out outdoor space at all was and upside of the handshake deal, in a secondary way. Again, part of this blog. Read on.

Posted by: tikihouse at September 16, 2008 5:34 PM in response to Messing with the bull, get ready for the horns!

Thanks for the support slopefarm.

I all fairness, I should add that we have know this developer for 3 years. He and his partners, for the most part, have been up-front and responsive to our and the neighborhood's requests and addressing problem issues that arose. Basically, "he's a nice guy." But, he's also in the business of building condos. And there is always a bottom line.

Our angst was not that our friendly neighborhood developer would NOT live up to our handshake agreement, it was how he would. In the end, though through a lot of stress (perhaps on both sides, who knows), it is going to be best for us to hire the contractor and manage the job ourselves making sure we make ourselves "happy." Let our friendly neighborhood developer focus on his project and us on ours. Onward.

Posted by: tikihouse at September 12, 2008 4:52 PM in response to Messing with the bull, get ready for the horns!

cmu,

I'd agree on the "being too critical" comment. If you have a specific question about a portion of the project that you'd like a ballpark of what we may be paying, I'll try to post it.

Owning my own business, I am very sensitive to to clients (or potential clients) sharing my proposals, fees, expenses, etc. with others. Mostly this is due to "each job is different," thus pricing for on project may not be applicable. The other is having a potential client "shop around" for a better price.

While Your Way and J&L may be using industry standard pricing for projects like this (i.e. pavers cost "x" and labor "y" per sq. ft., etc.), I saw no need to show off the bids they did for us (and you'll begin to see what in later posts on the blog). Especially since they may be reading this reno blog themselves. Ultimately, if you like the work Fun City Design or Your Way does on our yard, you can contact them yourself and as for a bid.

Hope that makes sense. I hope you'll continue to "like my posts" as the job unfolds.

Posted by: tikihouse at September 8, 2008 11:49 AM in response to Four Interviews, One "Way" to Go.

FYI, we added Fun City Design's new website to our posts (where applicable). New post tomorrow!

Posted by: tikihouse at September 3, 2008 3:27 PM in response to And the winner is...

TownhouseLady,

The grading is partially due to the age of the house (circa 1880's, though you would not know it from the exterior) and the landing pad of a back patio we have (18-24" thick in some sections) And the lay of the land a top the highest areas around. The new plan will still have a more than average grade from the patio (to keep water away from the house and pushed out to the veggie garden), but we'll be looking several feet of fill in the regrading process.

The two main trees on the neighboring property were cut down during demo for the new building, sadly.

With all the trees gone and the new lighting, we are probably the only folks in the neighborhood that could have grass if we wanted, but not quite our cup of tea.

Posted by: tikihouse at August 28, 2008 4:55 PM in response to Three Options, One Way to Go.

IMBY, we have several evergreens, spruces, the euonymus and 2 cedars (those will NOT go in the ground without a barrier, otherwise we'll be in the shade in no time).

We're planning on augmenting with some bird friendly small clumping bushes. Seasonal grasses (planned) will add texture through the winter.

We're going to be working with David at Future Green to figure out the best way to guy wire (sp?) the bamboo as it gets bigger so we don't have to thrash through it in 2 years :)

We're running power out to the water element and to the shed. We're not real fans of decorative lighting in the garden (members of the Deep Sky Assoc.), but we do do candles, tiki torches, etc. seasonally. But we'll have to see.

Diana at Fun City Design is going to recommend an irrigation system once we do the planting plans.

Glass half full, yes. Not sure "full of what" quite yet.

Posted by: tikihouse at August 22, 2008 2:09 PM in response to Three Options, One Way to Go.

duran10,

Diana is doing the design plan and then the planting plan (suggested reuse of our container plants and new plantings where applicable) and then consulting during the planting stage(s). That's our contract for now. She is not doing the "work," per se. We're hiring a hardscape contractor (to be posted soon) and doing the majority of the landscaping, softscaping, transplanting and planting ourselves (fall/spring/summer of 2008/09/10, and perhaps beyond, depending on $$ on hand).

We'll also be fabricating the bamboo/cedar dividers (which ever the design) as well. We're pretty handy.

Diana's fees are very competitive and she is super-supportive and collaborative during the process, as ideas can change or be rethought as she collaborates with a client (our experience).

Posted by: tikihouse at August 21, 2008 6:24 PM in response to Three Options, One Way to Go.

BB, added Diana's e-mail in the post. Perhaps more contact info or links down the road.

Posted by: tikihouse at August 21, 2008 6:17 PM in response to Three Options, One Way to Go.

BB, we have an approx. space of 20X60 ft. from the back door of the house to the front of the shed.

Back40, We also like option #1 quite a bit, BUT it does not hit two of the main points: 1. large(r) veggie garden area and 2. bamboo as a substantial element in the plan.

In addition, while we loved the idea of the cupola/seating area back by the shed, it was similar (larger) than what we have now, and unfortunately in full sun and full view of our neighbors to the left and 4 stories of windows and balconies to the right.

We love our neighbors to the left! But, we think they could stand to see a wee bit less of us and us of them when you want to chill out and be private. As for the new neighbors in the condo/rentals (once they are occupied), let everyone overlook a nice veggie garden and planting area. No need to see my mug every time they look out the window or are on their balcony.

We feel #2 MAY have the best of both worlds. And the defined areas, with defined purposes, meets our needs better...as you will see as this evolves.

Check back to see which we go with and why.

Posted by: tikihouse at August 21, 2008 4:10 PM in response to Three Options, One Way to Go.

Xris,

You'll see in today's upcoming post that we're potentially planning a raised planter to run along part of the new 4 story brick wall. We're going to be working with a bamboo consultant on the best type and proper containment. Clumping, while lovely, won't work there we have been told, since it gets little morning light and completely baked in the afternoons. And we'd like some height, so we'll more than likely be going with a running species...and properly containing it!

Stay tuned.

Posted by: tikihouse at August 21, 2008 10:50 AM in response to Design on a Dime

Many folks have sheds, some prefab from the '70's till today, many of them built as kits in the 1950-60's, as ours was. Some home made, like the one on the left in the picture.

Ours is approx. 16X8 ft. with a tongue & groove floor. Work shed/potting shed/lumber storage for us, but could be turned into livable space one day if we were to run proper and water to it and finish it off....it's built so well!

(I'll try to add some pics of it in one of our future posts, since it will remain an central part of the garden's design)

Posted by: tikihouse at August 18, 2008 3:03 PM in response to Design on a Dime

denton,

Yes, quite a lot of DIY work by us and help from some friends in the trades. Even more to do as we continue to work on the interior and front exterior...then there's that roof!

Posted by: tikihouse at August 18, 2008 2:06 PM in response to Taking a Look Back, Pre-Construction Fence.

Violet, we have had "verbal arrangements/handshake deals" since before they demo'd. The reality was we knew it was less head ache for all of us (us as neighbor's & protecting our property, less cost to the developer during demo, excavation/block & brick work/less safety issues for the GC) and we allowed them on our property, with a "you break it, you bought it clause."

From what I have read on brownstoner, other blogs and dealing with neighbors who have lived through construction next to them, it is always best to find common ground with the development team and the subs...if you can.

We were lucky, the team is a known entity in Greenwood Heights, this is not their first (or last project).

So the handshake deal, coming to fruition this week, is what "really" was our lending of the property and our lesser quality of life since March 2008 "worth."

We feel the developer is ethical and will live upto our proposed arrangements. We did not get lawyers involved, so nothing is binding. I guess that's part of the trust issue we are playing off of. Good karma from our end gets returned by the developer living upto their obligations. You'll know if they do, or don't (or to what degree) by reading our updates...and we WILL update either way.

I'm sorry to hear your relationship with your "neighbor" developer next door has not been the same experience as ours.

Nothing is perfect with new development projects, but we've come off relatively easy so far (besides loosing light/air and having to redesign the garden...the purpose of this blog)

Keep posted to this reno blog to see how this all evolves.

Posted by: tikihouse at August 12, 2008 5:38 PM in response to The "Positive Side" of a Construction Fence.

I am interested in buying!
Please contact me,
917-502-4590

Thanks!

Posted by: momo at November 7, 2008 10:54 AM in response to 70 sq. ft of pavers--$1.50/sq ft or best offer