Montrose Construction Journal

Montrose Project Journal

Day one. The pool gets new plaster which is slightly darker blue. David Morello

The Before Photo

Montrose Construction Journal

The stone retaining wall and the new front garden and streetscape. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Just the punch-out remains. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Mid October and in the capable hands of the garden care group. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

End of demolition. Next, we start preparing the beds. Work in progress. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

My first visit to the site today. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The first site visit. David Morello

Montrose Traditional

Day one. Demolition of the existing garden. David Morello

Montrose Traditional

Day one. Demolition of the existing garden. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

It's never easy removing trees except when they are diseased, unhappy, and begging for mercy. In this case, 4 Italian Cypress trees were removed. Btw, IC, do NOT like it in Houston which is why 9 out of 10 that you see are brown. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

What we have here is a fresh, clean canvass. The magnolia is going to remain. The pool has been replastered. Come back to watch the progress. The garden walls (fencing), are next. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Dedicated to perfectionism. Here we are transferring the lines from the drawing to the job site with great precision.

Montrose Construction Journal

The lines have been transferred from the drawing to the site and painted with red spray paint. Very precise and accurate.

Montrose Construction Journal

After the red paint, the steel edging is laid. Note the precision.

Montrose Construction Journal

Much fine-tuning of the elevation of the steel edging but you can begin to see the specialness of the bed lines. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The steel edging has been assembled but we still have tons of refining to do until it meets our standards. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The Mark of Excellence. Nearing the end of week two and everything is going to plan. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

During Construction. Up next. Lots of grading and fine grading until we get the elevation of the terra firma just exactly the way we want it. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

During construction. It's all about the details. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Step by step construction journal and today is attention to important details. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Day 13, during construction and going perfectly to plan. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The secret to any healthy garden is good, rich organic soil. Today we distributed just that throughout the new garden beds. The slate walkway to the front door looks especially pretty after a downpour. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Toward the end of week three. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Board and batten-style cedar fence. This one is double-sided as you will see in the following frame. Has to be my favorite style of cedar fence. 100% private.

Montrose Construction Journal

Board and batten-style cedar fence. This one is double-sided as you saw in the preceeding frame. Has to be my favorite style of cedar fence. 100% private. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

During construction. A pedestrian gate that leads to a service area will have a black star gravel floor. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Grading and fine grading the lawn beds. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Grading and fine grading the lawn beds. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The arrival of the trees is always a favorite day for us as well as the client. These magnificent specimens are Slender Silhouette Sweetgum which grows to 60 feet by 6 feet. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

One of the client's favorite trees is the Slender Silhouette Sweet Gum seen here. They will grow 60 feet by 6 feet. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Preparation for the gravel service area.

Montrose Construction Journal

Sometimes you discover beautiful views in places you never would expect.

Montrose Construction Journal

Moving along to plan. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

French drains in the lawn area. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Something for the chef to look at between flipping. This custom trellis design will be covered in jasmine eventually. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Even though the outdoor plumbing is messy, it's a favorite time of ours because it means that planting is right around the corner and that is the part we all love. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Irrigation detail.

Montrose Construction Journal

New irrigation system check.

Montrose Construction Journal

Planting is next.

Montrose Construction Journal

One day after Hurricane Nicholas passes over central Houston, knocking out power to half a million, the show goes on. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Everything going exactly to plan despite a two-day shutdown caused by a hurricane which shall remain nameless. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Everything going exactly to plan despite a two-day shutdown caused by a hurricane which shall remain nameless. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Progress report. Irrigation nozzles and the hand railing is removed at long last. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Progress report. Almost a wrap. Everything going exactly to plan and we are on schedule despite Hurricane Nicholas.

Montrose Construction Journal

90% complete is the front garden just a few details remain such as the lawn and the sidewalk leveling. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Nearing completion then on to the next project. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

A never-before-seen look of the back garden. The cable you see on the fence is the fiber optic cable which was raised for safekeeping. It will be buried when we are finished. All details tended. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Beautiful Palisades Zoysia grass to be installed today as we inch closer to completion. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Raising the sunken concrete slabs for a smoother surface for all walkers in the neighborhood. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Just the punch-out remains. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

Service area with gas meter and irrigation vacuum breaker.

Montrose Construction Journal

Custom trellis focal point and double-sided pedestrian gate.

Montrose Construction Journal

The back garden After David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The back garden After David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The back garden After David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The stone retaining wall and the new front garden. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The stone retaining wall and the new front garden. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The stone retaining wall and the new front garden and streetscape. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The stone retaining wall and the new front garden and streetscape. David Morello

Montrose Construction Journal

The mending of the slate tiles remains but it is an addendum. Otherwise, a very happy client, and that makes me very happy. The garden care crew will now take over and handle everything so the homeowner can enjoy it. David Morello