There were a few trouble spots between the beds - areas that were often wet and muddy where grass never grew. The crew put down some Chapel Hill grit and stepping stones to improve those areas.

Pepe lays stone at the steps leading into Chatham Marketplace.

Here's the finished entrance. Didn't they do a great job?

This is the corner where we planted an oakleaf hydrangea, a native possum haw Viburnum, blueberries, and lots of cool perennials.

Here's a view of the long bed by the ramp leading into Chatham Marketplace. I have been so tickled by the level of interest and enthusiasm from Chatham Marketplace shoppers over the past week as they comment on our progress. I hope that folks will feel pride and ownership in our garden - it belongs to all of us! We will need lots of help taking care of it in the beginning - especially taking care not to let kids and dogs run through it while it is getting established.

A view from the driveway.

I chose plants that will bloom spring, summer, fall, and some even in the winter. Now all of these newly planted plants can spend the winter putting new roots out and starting to get established in their new home which is much better than a pot...

A load of compost goes down first to help create a healthy soil environment that will enable the plants to thrive.