LAND DESIGNS UNLIMITED LLC

A Patient Craftsman Creating Exceptional Landscapes

Author: John Holden

Foundation Planting Landscape Design

This morning I completed a foundation planting landscape design.

What are my clients goals for the landscape?

The number one goal is color. Women want colorful and inviting homes. Men want what their wives want as long as it stays within budget.

The second goal is low maintenance requirements. No one wants a landscape that needs constant attention.

Some prospective clients focus on low price. In some cases lower than I recommend.

All I can say is, “You get what you pay for.”

Restaurants that ask what type of wine you’d like with your meal cost more than the restaurants that ask, “Do you want fries with that?”

See the video playlist Go To Plants for Your Landscape for more information.

I’m looking forward to presenting this foundation planting landscape design Saturday.

March 24, 2016
Random Acts of Kindness

There are good people in this world.

This morning I stopped at McDonald’s to pick up breakfast. I was short 85 cents and asked for a moment to go to my truck for change.

The cashier didn’t hesitate to say, “Don’t worry about it.”

It’s moments like these that I realize how wonderful the world is.

While waiting for my meal I got the cashier the 85 cents. I don’t believe in taking advantage.

Thank you for your Random Act of Kindness.

P.S. The evergreen shrub in the foreground is a Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo sp.). Be careful when planting Mugo Pines, they don’t all stay as compact as you’d think.

March 18, 2016
Crocus Flowers Blooming

This morning as I waited for the bus with the kids I spotted my first Crocus in bloom on the edge of the drive. I live in USDA Hardiness Zone 6A.

A little while later I spotted some growing in the middle of the lawn.

The weird thing is I never planted crocus in the lawn. I barely have any crocus on the property.

Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me.

March 10, 2016
Great Pyrenees Dog Under Desk

Last week I stepped away from my desk for a moment.

When I returned I found Theo, our Great Pyrenees Dog, relaxing under the desk.

With most dogs there’s room for a dog and your legs. With a Great Pyrenees it’s the dog OR your legs.

March 5, 2016
Flame Weeding Garden in February

My season started yesterday morning. We had a dusting of snow that changed to sleet and then cold drizzle.

When I wake up to rain I think of one thing. Flame weeding.

We’ve had an unseasonably mild winter. It’s been so mild a better term for this winter is early spring.

The winter annual weeds have thrived. Patches of weeds are ready to take off with the warmer days.

After I put the kids on the bus I went right to the propane tank. The ground was damp, aka fire resistant, and ready for flame weeding.

The cold drizzle turned to downpours during the day and high winds and thunderstorms last night.

I look forward to picking up branches in the yard today.

If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes. – Mark Twain

February 25, 2016
Frost on Window

Last weekend the temperature went down to -12.6 degrees Fahrenheit in Newtown, Connecticut. I’ve never seen temperatures that low in this area. The previous low was -6 or -3 last year.

The frost created beautiful crystals on the window. I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation for why. I’m just going to enjoy their beauty.

Looking out the garage window. You can see the roof of my truck in the background.

On the left side you can see the window molding. Frost formed on the storm windows.

February 16, 2016
Plants Want to Grow

Plants amaze me.

I spend a lot of time and effort making the best possible environment for my landscapes. Then, I’ll be walking through the woods and see a tree growing out of a boulder.

You almost have to go out of your way to kill a plant.

These onions growing in my kitchen are a great example of a plants wish to live.

Bonus photo: This red Amaryllis graces my kitchen counter. If you’ve never grown an Amaryllis pick one up. They’re a lot of fun to grow and hard to kill.

January 15, 2016
Spring Begins in Fall

This morning as I waited for the school bus I noticed my daffodils emerging. It’s been a mild fall and they’re just poking through the soil.

New growth on Sedum called buttons.

Plants set bud in the fall so they’re ready to go when the warm weather arrives.

The old foliage on my Iris died back leaving miniature Iris plants. The new growth won’t look this good in the spring after repeated freeze thaw cycles.

Flower buds on my Lenten Rose (Helleboris sp.) are ready to go. Lenten Rose blooms in April often while snow is still on the ground.

Don’t think your plants are the only thing growing in the garden. There’s a class of weeds called winter annuals that germinate in the fall. Now is a great time to pull them.

Chickweed is one of the most ubiquitous winter annuals. Chickweed is remarkably easy to control if you get it while young.

If the weather stays mild take advantage and do some weeding. It’ll make a huge difference in the spring.

December 2, 2015
Christmas Cactus Bloom

I’m not a houseplant expert but sometimes I get lucky. 🙂

This week my office has been lit up by my Christmas Cactus. I wish I could take all the credit for these beautiful flowers. I have to give credit where it’s due.

Thanks Mother Nature.

After reading about Christmas Cactus I learned I have a Thanksgiving Cactus. You can tell by the pointed lobes on the ‘leaves’ and the early bloom.

I kept the Thanksgiving Cactus outdoors most of the summer and fall. Perhaps that had something to do with my luck.

November 30, 2015