The Brick Path Revealed

Almost visible beneath a thick layer of grass and soil lies a well-preserved brick pathway that leads from the circular drive all the way up to the front steps, and it has been my mission to peel back the overgrowth and expose it once again.  After speaking with the previous owner, Mr. Morgan, it is generally thought that these bricks were laid in 1810 when the house was expanded to its current size.  Mr. Morgan also said that in his renovations, he found an earlier Georgian brick path beneath the one currently visible.  That might make for some interesting explorations sometime down the road, since it really appeals to the archaeologist in me.  :)  It also seems that the three crepe myrtles now lining the path were planted at that time, making them just over 200 years old.  I didn't even know they could live that long!

The obscured brick pathway

I began trying to find the end of the path nearest the driveway, by just yanking up the grass with my hands. Once the bricks were exposed, I was able to roll back the grass like a carpet, since the roots had become so dense and packed with soil over the years.  I also found that the path also has brick edging, another feature that had become hidden with time. 

After excavating the entire width (about 3 feet across!)

It took a couple of nights to clear this section, and it will probably take a month to finish the entire pathway, but it will be completely worth it in the end and give the house back its grand entry!

Slowly coming back to life...