I had a goal this weekend. Come hell or high water, I was getting started on the Roofdeck Garden of 2008. Yes, the 95+ degree temps did make the process a bit uncomfortable, but last week the heat turned on for a few minutes each day in the house, so what I would say to 100 degree temps at this point is, SABOUT TIME YOU SHOWED UP. In fact I relished working in the heat, like a self-imposed rite of passage towards summer. One has not properly enjoyed summer until one's sweat glands have turned inside out. So sunscreen-stained sweat drained happily into my eyes, underpants laminated themselves to the cheeks, dirt hitched a ride on the skin, and it felt great. I got a ton of exercise, a decent tan, enjoyed the view...have I mentioned how much I really love living here?

This is before. There are about 10 containers up there and all of them are filled with a dead trunk sticking out of the dirt.

This is after, if you can tell the difference. It's not terribly dramatic through photos but I assure you. The difference is there. There are more green things now. And the occasional yellow and orange and red things. At the garden center I bought a plethora of heat-loving, sun-loving all-around hardy plants - geraniums, lantanas, potato vines, petunias, hens and chicks, some other tropical dohickeys of various heights - and arranged them randomly in various containers.

Also moved the grill and deck table from the back to the front, just to spice things up even more. Eventually there will be a big umbrella for the table. It would be nice to be up here with the option of not scorching to death.

Here is the back of the deck, with views south. I was going to go for evergreen hedges but went for grass at the last minute. They are mundane and yet strangely elegant because of it. So swishy. In fact I think I would like to get a couple more. I planted strawberries and catnip too. Here's hoping they will remain unviolated by the neighborhood squirrels and Phillip, the cat next door who roams the upper decks.

Still a work in progress, but very much improved

There will eventually be a couple of lounge chairs to fill the space. Tonight I walk to Pottery Barn to investigate their deck chair selection. I will be very excited once those are in. And very tan. I'd also like to see if there are any outdoor "rugs" available that I could throw up there, to add more color and texture.

It's coming along though, it's coming along.

Here is the deck at sunset. Everything's in rosy, post-apocalyptic glow.

The next goal this summer is to enjoy this deck as much as possible with friends. There must be parties. There must be.

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