A few days without water and a lot of screeching and pounding from cutting up the cement flooring has lead to a new PVC line sunk down under what will become a new foundation. There was a bit of discussion when we realized the new line would cross across the top of an existing window, but the boys have worked it out with twists and hoists and ties and the promise that we will have light after all when it's done.
A trench had to be built out in the front garden to the point where the line takes a dive down to join the city's line, which could have been up to only 5 feet from our fence and so required the moving of several plants that had grown inconsiderately in the way due to the fact that we planted them there. Let's see, now when would be the worst time to move plants? I would guess in the height of summer and during a record-breaking heat wave. Well, we were in luck! Vancouver was experiencing back to back days of 34C heat, putting all our plants in stress. Perfect for adding a little frisson to the situation.
I put the sprinkler on them for a couple of hours, and waited until dusk to start digging. Thank goodness we had a strong, kind, energetic and handsome (ok the fact he is handsome wasn't necessary to the job but it made it more pleasant for me!) houseguest staying who joined me out there wrestling with ferns and hostas, rhodos and azaleas as the light faded and we stumbled over holes and shovels and hoses and feet. The dampness helped the plants but it sure made everything heavier and harder going. Eric and I returned indoors looking like we'd had a mudfight (honest, we hadn't) and took turns stripping off for showers and dumping mud-soaked clothes and shoes into the bathtub.
I had left two larger trees that I hoped would not have to be moved 
and joy of joys, found the next day that the sewer line dove only a few feet from the house.
Of course that meant that some of the plants that had been moved hadn't had to be, but they might have gotten trampled a bit anyway so at least they are tucked away and hopefully will survive long enough to get moved back in kinder temperatures.
and joy of joys, found the next day that the sewer line dove only a few feet from the house.
Of course that meant that some of the plants that had been moved hadn't had to be, but they might have gotten trampled a bit anyway so at least they are tucked away and hopefully will survive long enough to get moved back in kinder temperatures.
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