While I’ve been busy playing with bread dough and cleaning out cupboards Mr ATMT has been doing some back breaking work to make the front yard look a bit more attractive. A couple of months ago I posted about how we did the initial marking out for the front yard layout and now it has been well and truly locked in! Brick edging set on place around the pathway and toppings added to create a new look completely. There is not a lot we can do because of the big pin oak so we aim to just fill the entire area with low maintenance, bird and bee attracting yet pretty and very tough plants. We are also on the look out for a suitable centre piece or water feature for the centre of the circle . Nothing too fancy or glitzy, just tasteful. Got any recommendations?
Toppings in and partly mulched some of the area that will be planted. No cupids or statues of David allowed as the feature.
Our own little Downton Abbey with a crunchy gravel entry to the front door.
Foccacia take 2.
Last night I posted about the Peter Reinhart foccacia I made and tonight I made up the other half that I had kept in the fridge since yesterday. Tonight’s topping was olives, sliced up stuffed with feta capsicum, garlic, olive oil, sea salt flakes and cheese. Tick to this recipe, so light, silky and easy. I rarely wrap up my own food too highly but this is a winner!
So that’s it for the first weekend wrap of 2015. Back into the office tomorrow, but hopefully I will get things sorted in record time and not have to stay too long.
Around The Mulberry Tree 
How good is that! Looks fabulous. So does the bread..
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks, yes it does look good. Mr ATMTis a little sore though! Bread was delicious, will have to get together and make some.
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What is it with Downton Abbey?… I keep reading about it in blog posts from all over the world. After reading your last post, I’ve searched the internet to find a Peter Reinhart focaccia recipe. Thank you for the recommendation – I’ll be making some later this week. I also came across his pizza dough recipe which is also highly recommended. Looks like I’ll be buying (at least) one of his books before long!
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Hi, not sure about Downton Abbey. Never really watched it closely. For me it just represents the era of the house and what fits the period. I do love the crunch of gravel under my feet though 🙂
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The front looks great! No recommendations as to central feature, though. I think it’s something you’ve just got to see and say, “that’s it”. Something with water though, maybe a large above ground pond with plants around and within? The focaccia looks great too; must give it a try. Having connection problems at the moment and haven’t been able to see any posts anywhere, let alone comment. Finally look like getting this one through.
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Thanks, yep it got through OK! I agree that we will see something and it will just click.
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Hi! I stumbled on your blog and like the design of the walkway with the circle of bricks. I’m thinking a water feature, maybe a circle pond with lily pads? Or go with a diamond/square shape. Thanks for posting the description and photos!
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Thanks for visiting Kevin. I’m sure one day we will stumble over just the right thing. I love the idea of a lilly pond myself. Cheers.
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