Blog

  • Spread Less Mulch For a More Healthy Landscape

    Spread Less Mulch For a More Healthy Landscape

    This spring I visited a home that had recently been mulched and was shocked at how deep the mulch was and how little preparation went into the job. Weeds that had been covered in mulch poked through and the mulch was easily four to five inches deep. I recommend carrying a soil knife and removing…

  • Square Foot Garden Update | Artwork Broccoli

    Square Foot Garden Update | Artwork Broccoli

    My other Square Foot Garden bed is filling up fast. In this bed, I planted Sugar Snap Peas, Onion Sets, and Artwork Broccoli. Artwork Broccoli I stumbled onto Artwork Broccoli at Tractor Supply. Artwprl Broccoli has an upright habit and is quick to grow secondary heads once the main head is harvested. The heads of…

  • Square Foot Garden Update | Lettuce Lovers Garden

    Square Foot Garden Update | Lettuce Lovers Garden

    The wettest spring I remember has my Square Foot Garden growing like, well, a weed. I planted my cool season lettuce in mid-April and it’s taken off since then. Above is my lettuce bed. I picked four varieties of lettuce at Tractor Supply from Bonnie Plants. Romaine Lettuce First I planted Romaine Lettuce. I like…

  • Clamped Goldfish Cure | Zoomer is Swimming Again!

    Clamped Goldfish Cure | Zoomer is Swimming Again!

    This blog isn’t about fish but I need to share this story for anyone with a clamped goldfish. Clamping is when a fish stays at the bottom of the tank and doesn’t move much. The fish may also be ‘breathing’ more quickly than usual. About three weeks ago, Zoomer, the fish on the left, clamped.…

  • Perennial Border June 2019

    Perennial Border June 2019

    I’m pleased with how the plants have been growing in my perennial border this spring. We’ve had a very wet spring making the plants green and lush. The bed you’re looking at has been weeded three times and edged twice. Plants have been added, subtracted and transplanted. Gardening takes work. I’m not trying to dissuade…

  • First Toad of Season 2019

    First Toad of Season 2019

    Yesterday while working in the yard I almost stepped on this little fellah or little girl. This is officially the first toad I’ve seen this year. The local toad population must be loving all the rain.

  • First Shade Day – The Leaves are Out!

    First Shade Day – The Leaves are Out!

    First Shade Day is the first day you can see shade from the trees each spring. May 5 was First Shade Day this year; though it was raining when I made the observation. First Shade Day signifies the unofficial beginning of spring. I know the cold, damp gloomy days are over. John Holden Below are…

  • Happy Halloween 2018

    Happy Halloween 2018

    I hope you get all the candy you wish for.

  • Dissappointment

    Dissappointment

    Earlier in the week a client asked for a quote to spread soil around their new drive.  I’m disappointed in myself because I almost spent more time contemplating the job than doing it.  I believe the term is analysis paralysis. Let me explain. When talking with the client I said I can do the job…