The Deck

The deck was a huge project right from the start. When we decided on the unit, 106 was the only one left with a potential deck area. Problem was- because of the garage door under it, there was some equiptment that had to go in the wall to the outside.


Since the floor going out there wouldn't be flat like the rest of the units, the builder just put windows in and didn't finish off the space. We were assured we could build on it and do it ourselves, we'd just have to build a step up to the door.

After jumping through lots of hoops to get the approvals from the builder before the condo association took over, we finally got the projects approved and a builder to do it for the price we wanted to pay. Sean's high school classmate, Brian Giovannucci, did the project.

There were still a few battles, like plastic risers that weren't shipped on time, but within three weeks the whole project was complete and we were planting flowers!

Our patio furnture is the Arbor Collection from Crate and Barrel, in Gingko. We have kept it covered when we're not using it, so it will retain the wood color finish. Otherwise it will turn silver.

We went to Kane's in Danvers and picked out plants for the deck. We planted three arborvitates to block out the neighbor, two Endless Summer Blushing Bride hydrangeas (which are super hardy and grow like crazy) one pot of peonies and some herbs. The herbs didn't make it last year, because of all the rain we got, but I'm trying again this year!

We're still in winter mode: