Blog
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Blue Holly and Bittersweet
I stepped out of my truck today and viewed gorgeous blue holly (Ilex x meserveae sp.) and bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) growing in a tangled mess. If you live in a cave you should know that bittersweet is invasive in Connecticut and against the law to plant. You’ll often see it growing along the side of the road.…
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Fire Gazing
Sugar the cat (15 lb, 15 yrs) and Theo the Great Pyrenees puppy (90 lb, 1 yr) enjoying the warmth of a morning fire.
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Prune Lawn Trees High
I just returned from an evening walk with Theo and my forehead burns from a fresh scratch. Theo walked around a tree four feet from the road. As I went around the back a branch caught me 3 inches above the eyes. I did have a flashlight. I was looking at the ground for footing and suddenly smack! This is a…
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Refreshingly Nervous
Today I went to the barber to get my hair cut. Who a barber is has changed for me through the years. When I was a kid a barber was an Italian man who cut hair and talked about the old country. I started visiting my children’s stylist out of convenience since they were born. I’ve gone…
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How Close to House to Plant Shrubs
The short answer. As far as possible. Plants are constantly growing taller and spreading wider. When planting small to medium shrubs my goal is 1-2 feet of air between the edge of a shrub and the home. Not just when I plant. For the life of the landscape. You can prune the back of a shrub, where…
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Scratch That Off the Bucket List
Last weekend I replaced the rear brakes on my 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup. I’m living the dream! I started Saturday around 9 and finished Sunday around 2. Yes, it took a long time. Even though I watched a ton of videos about changing brakes I had to learn some things. The caliper mounting bolts were frozen…
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One Thing at a Time
One of my lifelong goals is know how to do brakes. You’re probably thinking what the guy at the auto parts store said, “You should set your goals higher.” Power and status never meant much to me. Some wealth would be nice. Doing brakes is challenge. Many people earn a living turning wrenches. They can change brakes in their sleep.…
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A Father’s Pride – Allison’s Chicken
My daughter Allison drew this picture of a chicken for me. She’s six years old and knows I like chickens. Allison, I love your pictures!
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Pumpkins in the Landscape
Yesterday I visited a landscape planted last week. While photographing the landscape I noticed the oddest site. Nestled between a Siberian Carpet (Microbiota decussata) and PJM Rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘PJM’) was a thriving pumpkin seedling. How could this happen? The compost used to prepare the soil was the composting spot of several years of Holden family pumpkins. The moist soil…