Now and next year?

[Herb]

Well, not actually NOW and next year - right now it's all covered in snow - but I'm wondering whether to dig up most of the lawn in the top picture (taken a few weeks ago) and modify it to look something like you see in the bottom picture, if I can find suitable rocks.

Do you think it would work? Other ideas welcomed.

http://www.pbase.com/mtu_fulani/image/1 ... 6/original

[Herb]

The first response to this thread was from my wife! She says she really dislikes the raked gravel and would rather it were lawn. So here's what it might look like with lawn -

http://www.pbase.com/mtu_fulani/image/107272235

[George Nesfield]

Hi Bert,
It's nice to see someone around here, as no one has posted for weeks, I was waiting to see how long it would be before someone posted.
Definitly raked white/grey gravel without a doubt and three /five really nice rocks, who needs grass? not me, if you cannot find the rocks you will have to majic some with your photoshop.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family
George.

[Herb]

George -

Thanks for your support!!!

But I can't see myself doing much about it for a while - we had a sudden dump of snow last night. This is what it looked like this morning so I added the caption for you -

[George Nesfield]

Hi Bert,
That looks nice (from here at my computer) where it is nice and warm.
George.

[Linda P]

I really like the raked gravel, Herb. However, if your wife isn't happy with it, you may have to compromise.
I didn't mind the grass pic either. I like the path along the edge and the rock grouping.
Linda P

[eastwood2007]

Hi, Herb -

Lovely yard!

I like both options but I think I must agree with your wife about the grass....I just like green better, but the gravel will likely have a problem staying looking nice with all the leaves around.

I also like the first photo for the path on the right... the one where it goes tight to the shrubs on the left and the bed on the right.

Either way I think it would be spectacular! Really nice idea!

May I ask what program you are using to do this?

[Herb]

Thanks, Eastwood! I take your point about the gravel collecting leaves. We have a small area of gravel already that had a little pine tree growing in it that recently died - and I'm finding it very difficult to separate all the dead pine needles from it.

The program is Photoshop Elements 2. I've tried other, later - and bigger - versions of Photoshop, but I find Elements 2 adequate in every way and by far the most user friendly. I got it on eBay for $25.

[Herb]

Eastwood - I've just seen an advertisement for Photoshop Premiere Elements 2. This made me check the program that I use & I wondered if I might upgrade to it from mine, which is plain Photoshop Elements 2.

An Internet search reveals that the version with Premiere in the name is substantially different. It seems to be aimed at manipulating movie files, and has different system requirements - it needs at least Windows XP.

So, if anybody wants to follow my advice to install Photoshop Elements 2 - make sure you are getting it and NOT the "Premium" version.

Here's what my installation disk and the CD holder look like -

[eastwood2007]

I'm bidding on one on ebay right now....should know the outcome in 20 minutes.

[eastwood2007]

Got it!!! $30.01 on ebay + $5.00 shipping...

[Herb]

Eastwood -

Congratulations! One of the most fascinating features - apart from being able to a line round just a part of a picture and then modify just that part - is the 'layers' function. I had nobody to show me how layers worked & it was a few years before I figured it out - and then realize how easy it was. If you feel as lost as I did, I strongly advise you to find some teenager who can show you how layers work - I wish I'd done that. Now, on a wet winter's day, I often have fun using the program to compose imaginary gardens - e.g. -
Enjoy!
Herb

[eastwood2007]

Oooh, that is cool, Herb!

That's the reason I wanted the program. I have a number of beds I am working on and I always think I know what it is going to look like...then it just doesn't! I think the one I got has a book with it, so maybe I can learn easier...I'll check out layering...

Thanks for the tips!

[George Nesfield]

Hi Eastwood,
Herb will keep you right he is a bit of a master with his photo shop.
George.

[eastwood2007]

That's good news, George!!!

Sounds like you are on the spot now, Herb...

I'm really kind of excited about it. Ended up I actually won it for $29.50. It's a new copy. I saw a used one sold today for 22.00, but for $7.50 difference I prefer the new one.

Thanks again for the tip!

[eastwood2007]

Got my Photoshop yesterday! Will be awhile before I can take time to play with it.

Just wanted to say 'thanks again' Herb for the tip! I'm very excited about this!